K
Kailey B.
Scout
ScoutRaccoon Creek State Park Campground
Raccoon creek
A little too close together for my comfort. But very nice and relaxing area. And definitely more spread a part than commercial campgrounds.
Camping near Salem, OH
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Salem, Ohio include a mix of private operations and state park facilities within easy driving distance. The Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA offers tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals, providing a centralized option for visitors exploring the region. Within 20 miles, campers find Guilford Lake State Park Campground with electric hookups, showers, and pet-friendly policies. Mill Creek Camping at Berlin Lake Wildlife Area accommodates both tent and RV camping with boat-in access options. The landscape around Salem features a combination of wooded areas and water access points at lakes like Berlin Lake and Guilford Lake.
Many campgrounds in the Salem area remain open year-round, though facilities and services may be limited during winter months. Water access points at Guilford Lake State Park and Berlin Lake provide fishing and boating opportunities during warmer seasons. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups and drinking water, while more rustic options may offer primitive sites with fewer amenities. Cell phone coverage varies throughout the region, with better connectivity at private campgrounds compared to state parks. One camper noted, "The Atwood Lake Campground is a true gem in a beautiful area of eastern Ohio! The campsites are nicely spaced though if you're in the inner loop as we were or even some of the outer ring sites you'll be looking right into your neighbor's site."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. Several nearby state parks feature lakeside camping options that provide direct water access for fishing and recreation. West Branch State Park, approximately 30 miles north of Salem, earns high ratings for its lake views and recreational amenities. Campers frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at state parks throughout the area. For those seeking more developed options, private campgrounds like Salem-Lisbon KOA provide additional amenities including showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. A visitor to West Branch State Park described it as "a great find" with "scenic" surroundings and noted that it offers "a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming reservoir with boat rental." Several reviews highlight the appeal of spacious, shaded sites that provide privacy between neighbors.
Best Campgrounds near Salem (146)
1. Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area
"Lots of playgrounds and you can access the lake for swimming and fishing from just about anywhere. The sites are well spaced and feel private, until you get closer to the lake."
"The people next to us parked their boat right behind their site. We even seen a doe and 2 fawn right here at our site!"
from $26 - $55 / night
Check Availability2. West Branch State Park Campground
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park **Campground Review: **
This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences."
"Here's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming"
from $30 - $52 / night
Check Availability3. Guilford Lake State Park Campground
"This beautiful small state park is only a half hour away from my house. It's close enough that we ho for a week several times a year and I can still drive to work daily. We love the sites lakeside."
"You are close together and no privacy like they have at other ohio state parks. I was able to snag a site on the water same day. Bathhouse is dated but clean and stocked."
from $37 / night
Check Availability4. Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA
"It's been raining and our step out is into mud. To be expected in the area during the winter. If it isn't snow covered, it's muddy. They have a little pizza shop and are right by Gilford Lake."
"This was another way for us to social distance as COVID-19 was still an issue. I also took photos of the camping bathrooms as each KOA does it a little differently."
5. Beaver Creek State Park Campground
"Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe. "
"direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park"
from $23 - $50 / night
Check Availability6. KOA Lake Milton Berlin Lake
"My 2 boys had so much fun at the lake and the playground and the bounce pad ect ect! The owners and all the staff were extremely friendly and helpful and always around interacting with the guests."
"Very nice lake and inflatables in swim area. Good fishing lake as well. Lake milton is a jump down the road for boating."
7. Philabauns Hidden Cove Resort
8. Mosquito Lake State Park Campground
"This park is one of my favorites in Ohio at this time. Most of the sites are some what private. There are many trails and even a fog park next to the lake."
"They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park."
from $27 - $80 / night
Check Availability10. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground
"All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"
"This location is pretty great, especially since it's very close to Pittsburgh. You can go canoeing, hiking, swimming, and camping! There is even a nice snack bar during the summer!"
from $22 - $128 / night
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Drive Time
- 29 min from Youngstown, OH
- 33 min from Canton, OH
- 42 min from Akron, OH
- 1 hr from Weirton, WV
Recent Camping Photos near Salem, OH
265 Photos of 146 Salem Campgrounds
Sienna L.
Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA
Western R.
Western Reserve Campground
Cassandra C.
Guilford Lake State Park Campground
Wandering Woofs _.
Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area
Chuck E.
KOA Lake Milton Berlin Lake
Frederick B.
Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground
Jennifer K.
Beaver Creek State Park Campground
Scott M.
West Branch State Park Campground
Heather C.
Country Acres Campground
Don V.
Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground
Thomas R.
Valley View Campground
Melissa L.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™- Akron/Canton
Recent Reviews near Salem, OH
791 Reviews of 146 Salem Campgrounds
- AAdam O.
TravelerSilver Springs Campground
Nice local park
Nice place to stay for the weekend. Inexpensive. No water hookups at the individual sites but potable water is available in the park. The downsides are the sights can get muddy if there is rain. Only portapotties nearby.
We had big storms roll through when we were there. Unfortunately a large branch broke off of a nearby tree and hit the engine hood of our RV and dented it in several places. It could have been much worse though and not the park’s fault. Could happen anywhere there are trees.
- WWilliam M.Traveler
Shenango Recreation Area Campground
Great clean place
Came tent camping here. Stayed on new duck loop, which from the looks of all the other sites, this one seemed more open, less R. V. Campers. Plenty of open spots even for the weekend. Place is clean, well kept, bathrooms are clean which is a plus. All the sites around have decent space between them. Close access to a lake. You can bring your boat
Zachary A.
GuideHeadwaters Park
Campsite A
Had a nice stay at the Camp Site A tent site, which they label as their ADA Accessible site.
Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too.
Pros:
- Tent site was generally good with a picnic table and fire pit on-site
- Pull in parking right next to the campsite (which seems to be true for all tents and leantos)
- Great walkable area with lots to explore with the kids
- A few nice things just a 10min drive away like the Eagle Park splash park and playground and the cute Burton town square.
- Tons of birds for all my bird watchers
- Right at the entrance to the tent site area and right next to the restrooms
- Sometimes people bring horses down there for a walk
- Can't see other campers tent from your site (which i like because Im out here to get away from people)
Cons:
- Being right next the restrooms and tent area entrance is a higher traffic area. Didn't bother us much but could get annoying if woken up by a late night driver or door slam
- The stump on the tent site has a snake in it. Didn't bother us at all, only saw it once as it was slithering away, but thought other might like to know.
- Toilet was out of hand sanitizer
FAQ:
- No electic
- No plumbing or showers (it is basically an outhouse)
Peyton L.ScoutClay's Resort Jellystone Park
NO communication and severely lacking customer service skills
I won’t rate the other categories yet but I’ve been upset the whole process trying to plan my trip and the people have made it impossible. I’m constantly unable to get ahold of the park. I keep getting put on the“call back list” when trying to modify a reservation only for NO ONE to ever call back. I finally get ahold of someone after a MONTH… only to have zero customer service skills… they just said“oh we don’t even have a call list” so I ask for another form of communication I can have with me since my trip is in a month and I’ve had these issues for a month… they offer ZERO solutions and are not empathetic either. Another issue was last year I was hospitalized for several months due to an early twin birth so I had to push my trip to the following year… when I FINALLY got ahold of the park last year the women I spoke with trying to manage the rescheduling…was ZERO help surprise surprise… on top of that it took 13 calls and weeks before a manager got back to me…making the window to reschedule or get refunds closer to closing adding stress that you might not get to make your next move how you’d like… anyway…I simply asked for dates that matched the costs that we already paid for the trip so I didn’t have to pay more… I simply asked for it to be within the summer days since my previous reservation was during the summer time with all the extra water park and amenities that close at the end of August. I booked when my kid could use all amenities and there were no hour restrictions either due to still being in season. However the lady couldn’t accommodate or recommend any alternate dates to suite my trip that weren’t several hundred dollars more… now we started out with a trip all paid for last year with all amenities no hour restrictions to a weekend we had to pay more and are restricted hours wise on the summer amenities. As the person doing reservations you should be able to recommend dates and help me plan the trip accordingly to the money spent and not sit on the other end of the phone demanding I just give you dates…. After our trip we will never plan or schedule anything at this park again. Regardless of the amenities… for families traveling far distances you couldn’t make it anymore inconvenient, difficult, and time consuming for simply planning questions or just getting ahold of you in general. No sorrys…. Just a whole lot of…”hmm that’s weird well oh well, next” kind of attitude. Zero solutions just excuses. So that being first impressions not too excited to find out what we are in for when we arrive. Especially reading other reviews about deflated balls so you can’t use the hoops, broken a/c units that the property won’t even handle that their own employees have to give up their own personal comfort cause management won’t?… concession stands trash everywhere… broken hot tubs, WiFi not working in cabins for night time with children is tough…sad that my family’s first camping trip ever hasnt even happened yet and it’s been nothing but a headache to plan because of the staff. Yall make money to make the experience smooth for your consumers but somebody missed the memo.
- JJill S.Traveler
Punderson State Park Campground
One of our favorites
We love this park! Unfortunately it’s been so booked this summer we haven’t been able to go. It’s literally 30 minutes from us. The sites are fairly nice. Some near the water are shallow and you have to be careful. The park surrounding it is lovely. There’s a beach, a golf course and even a lodge and cabins. We always get good internet with our hot spot. If I’m being honest though, the worst thing is the bath house. The showers suck! There’s no privacy and I would never use them. There’s a nice playground for kids and a little nature center. We love riding our e-bikes there. Lots of critters and I’ve even seen an otter! Give it a try if you can find an opening!
Julie P.TravelerMercer-Grove City KOA
Nice campground
Nice campground! They hold lots of random activities for kids like tie dying, tractor ride, etc. We stayed in spot 24, which is very spacious, but I did not like the fact that it’s right next to the road where cars are speeding by. I do not think this spot in particular would be good if you have small children
Shannon S.ScoutPride Valley Campground
Perfect for us
The campground is well kept. Sites are well spaced. There’s a large clean swim lake, also a fishing lake. Lots of deer and wildlife. Monthly rates are $550 for full 50amp hookup.
- HHope H.Guide
Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area
Large Campground in the middle of nowhere
Many sites on the lake. Old facilities. It eas humid and had rained (thunder storm). Quiet. Typical eastern usa camping with thick canopy of trees, mosquitoes. Site 80 was more open, and on a cul de sac. Gravel pad with a 2-3 degree slant. Lots of critters about.
Guide to Salem
Campgrounds in Salem, Ohio range from lakeside retreats to wooded state parks within a 30-mile radius. Most Salem area campgrounds operate seasonally, with the majority closing between October and April due to northeastern Ohio's cold winters. Tent camping sites typically cost $18-30 per night while full-hookup RV sites range from $30-45 depending on amenities and location.
What to Do
Fishing access: Mill Creek Camping at Berlin Lake Wildlife Area provides multiple shoreline fishing spots. As one camper notes, "We have our own private little beach which our dog loves. Which is another plus, we have a Rottie mix and they allow her in." The lake contains several species including bass and catfish.
Water recreation: Guilford Lake State Park Campground offers kayak and paddle boat rentals directly from the campground. A visitor shares, "We only spent one night there but we're really looking forward to returning with more time to stay so that we can take advantage of the kayak and paddle boat rentals."
Pioneer history: Beaver Creek State Park Campground features restored historical buildings from early settlement. A camper explains, "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)."
Human foosball: KOA Lake Milton Berlin Lake offers unique recreational activities beyond standard camping. A visitor observed, "There seemed to be A LOT. Including human Foosball, a train and some boats. We didn't use any amenities...But, there seemed to be a lot for families to do."
What Campers Like
Spacious waterfront sites: Mill Creek Camping earns praise for generous lakeside campsites. According to one review, "You have lots of space and don't feel crowed to the other people camping. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. We were fourtante that our spot was right beside the lake and we could keep the boat docked their during our stay."
Low-cost camping: Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area maintains budget-friendly rates even for premium spots. One visitor highlighted, "Low cost for staying ($18 for a waterside, spacious site for up to 8 people, 2 tents at no additional costs)."
Clean facilities: West Branch State Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities despite heavy use. A camper noted, "Very clean individual showers" while another mentioned, "Probably the nicest pit toilets I have experienced."
Winter camping options: Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA remains open year-round for off-season trips. A winter camper shared, "This was an awesome place for a winter trip! The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!"
What You Should Know
Varying site privacy: Raccoon Creek State Park offers both secluded and open sites. One camper advises, "If you are like me and crave privacy, avoid. The area is not wooded at all and most sites look right into the sites next to them."
Enforcement inconsistencies: Rules at some campgrounds may not be consistently enforced. A Mill Creek visitor reported, "There were fireworks (prohibited) and the campsite next to us played loud music but it was before quiet hours so we didn't mind. The loud music turned into a party with alcohol (prohibited) and the loud music continued way past quiet hours. No campground host or personnel did anything about the noise/party."
Water limitations: Beaver Creek State Park Campground has water restrictions visitors should prepare for. A camper warned, "They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank. Make sure you fill up before you go!"
Site terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At West Branch State Park, a visitor shared, "We stayed here a week after we sold our home...The site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke. We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: West Branch State Park Campground provides thoughtful facilities for children. A visitor pointed out, "There was even a step stool for kids to be able to reach the sinks. A staffed store(9am-7pm on Sunday, 11am-7pm Monday–Thursday and 9 am–8:30 pm on Saturday) with basic supplies."
Water activities: Cutty's Sunset Camping Resort offers water recreation scaled for younger campers. One review mentioned, "Pool is only 3.5' deep. Mainly for kids, which is alright but wish that information was on there site."
Evening programs: Several campgrounds offer organized activities. At Cutty's, a camper appreciated the "Many crafts and things to do for the kids," while another noted the "Lots of activities, things for kids to do. Dog friendly."
Playground placement: Beaver Creek State Park provides camping sites strategically located near play areas. A parent shared, "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy."
Tips from RVers
Power hookups: Guilford Lake State Park Campground offers universal power access. As one RVer pointed out, "All the sites here are electric, but only electric."
Site selection: When booking at West Branch State Park, pay attention to site descriptions. One RVer advised, "Some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level."
Water fill stations: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground has design issues with water connections. A visitor cautioned, "The water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full. This was okay for a short weekend but not good planning from who ever designed the park."
Access roads: Some campgrounds have restrictions on vehicle types. A Beaver Creek visitor warned, "There is a road in the park (Echo Dell Road) that RV's/Trailers can't go on so make sure you approach this campground from Leslie Road!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Salem, OH?
What camping is available near Salem, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Salem, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Salem, OH and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Salem, OH?
Which is the most popular campground near Salem, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salem, OH is Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salem, OH?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salem, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Salem, OH.
What parks are near Salem, OH?
What parks are near Salem, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Salem, OH that allow camping, notably Michael J Kirwan Lake and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
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