The Cuyahoga Valley National Park area surrounding Peninsula, Ohio sits within a deep valley carved by the Cuyahoga River, with elevations ranging from 590 to 1,170 feet. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing from December through February, with summer highs averaging in the 80s. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with limited options during winter months when snow accumulations can reach 8-10 inches.
What to do
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct fishing opportunities. At Kool Lakes Family RV Park, campers report successful catch-and-release fishing. "Our kids age 4 and 8 fished from sun up Saturday to about noon and then sporadically after that throughout the day. That night we hunted large bull frogs," notes one visitor to Kool Lakes Family RV Park.
Amish country exploration: The rv parks near Peninsula, Ohio provide convenient access to Amish communities. "The campground is right in the middle of Ohio's Amish country with easy access to shopping and food and other great experiences like the large cuckoo clock in Sugar Creek," reports a camper who stayed at Berlin RV Park & Campground.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds feature swimming lakes with additional amenities. "The swimming pond has inflatables and boat rentals. There's good fishing, and typically lots of activities," writes a reviewer about Woodside Lake Park, where families can enjoy water sports with provided life jackets.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers prioritize bathroom cleanliness when selecting rv parks in Peninsula, Ohio and surrounding areas. "The bathrooms, showers and laundry areas were very clean. There also was not an issue with biting insects- none of us got a mosquito bite during our stay here," notes a visitor at Berlin RV Park & Campground.
Winter camping options: While most campgrounds close for winter, Evergreen Park RV Resort remains open year-round. "We camped here the second weekend in December and had the park mostly to ourselves. There were only 3 other campers there. The game room was nice as well as the indoor pool," reports one winter camper who appreciated the heated amenities.
Proximity to attractions: Campers value locations that provide access to multiple attractions. "Centrally located in Berlin, OH. Office staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about local attractions and dining," writes a reviewer about Scenic Hills RV Park, which puts visitors within short driving distance of Amish businesses.
What you should know
Site spacing variations: Campsite proximity differs significantly between parks. "Very clean and nice campground. I only negative for me was the campsites are very close to each other," notes one camper about Evergreen Park RV Resort. At Scenic Hills RV Park, a visitor specifically "asked for a shaded area...got a perfect one that had shade all day."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds experience water quality issues. "I stayed at this park for 2 months in 2023 and was planing on staying for 5 months in 2025. I left after 2 months due to iron& sulfur laden well water that is provided in at least half the park," warns a camper about Woodside Lake Park.
Seasonal restrictions: Many rv parks near Peninsula, Ohio operate on limited schedules. Countryside Campground runs from May 1 to October 30, with amenities like pools unavailable before Memorial Day. "Pool was closed since went before Memorial Day but it was a nice medium sized pool," notes a visitor who enjoyed other aspects of the campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety: Family-oriented campgrounds offer multiple recreational options. "Great activities including mini golf, pool, jumping pad and frisbee golf. Cabins and RV spots available and the staff is friendly, grounds are clean and nicely kept," writes a visitor to Whispering Hills Jellystone RV Park.
Tent camping options: While many facilities cater to RVs, some provide dedicated tent areas. "The 9 tent sites are very large and spacious. It is mostly an established RV Park," explains a Countryside Campground visitor who appreciated the accommodations for tent campers with children and pets.
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy observing local animals. "If you have a spot in the rear you will hear the clop-clop of horse & buggy, and the nearby sheep," describes a visitor to Evergreen Park RV Resort, where the campground's location provides exposure to rural farm activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Utility connections aren't always ideally situated. "The one and only issue is that water and electricity is located in the rear area of RV, while sewer connections are toward the front. I personally used 50' of water line and 30' of sewer line," advises an RVer who stayed at Scenic Hills RV Park.
Seasonal site benefits: Long-term stays offer enhanced experiences at several campgrounds. "I've been a seasonal camper at Kennisee for 5 years. It's a great place with a lot of events and entertainment for family's. Multiple fishing ponds, Friday night bingo, bands, fishing tournament for kids," shares a guest at Kenisee's Grand River Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Some rv parks Peninsula, Ohio visitors encounter uneven terrain. "Site pads are rip rap 1" to 4" size rock with no fine rock coverings, or in some areas smoother rock and dirt but nowhere close to flat or level," warns a camper about Woodside Lake Park, suggesting extra leveling equipment may be necessary.
