Best Tent Camping near Solon, OH

Public lands surrounding Solon, Ohio offer several tent-only camping options within a 30-mile radius. Heritage Farms provides walk-in tent sites scattered throughout a working Christmas tree farm, with grassy tent pads and fire rings at each site. The West Woods in Geauga Park District features two small walk-in tent sites designed for 2-4 person tents. Lake Erie Bluffs offers backcountry tent camping with views of Lake Erie, while Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites provide primitive tent camping closer to Solon. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite offers secluded walk-in tent sites with access to hiking trails.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require some walking from parking areas to reach the sites. Heritage Farms provides wagons to transport gear to walk-in tent sites, which range from close to the parking area to more distant hilltop locations. Tent pads are typically on grassy, level surfaces that drain reasonably well during rain. Many sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Drinking water is rarely available at campsites, with most locations requiring campers to bring their own water supplies. Toilet facilities range from well-maintained porta-potties at Heritage Farms to vault toilets located near parking areas at other campgrounds. Reservations are required at most locations, with prices ranging from $5 for county residents at The West Woods to approximately $35 per night at Heritage Farms.

Tent campers frequently note the privacy between sites at Heritage Farms despite being on a working farm. According to reviews, the sites "are spread apart nicely" with "beautiful views and surroundings." At Lake Erie Bluffs, campers report enjoying sunset views and the sounds of waves hitting the bluffs below. The West Woods offers a more rustic tent camping experience, with one camper noting the site is "situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy" with "amazing sounds" of birds throughout the day. Penitentiary Glen campers describe the experience as having "the forest to yourselves," though the walk to sites can be challenging when carrying gear. Most primitive tent sites in the region offer good separation from neighboring campers, providing a sense of seclusion despite being relatively close to urban areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Solon, Ohio (15)

    1. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    12 miles
    Website

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  "

    "Privacy wasn't fully there like many other sites. No tree coverage, so be cautious in summertime heat. That being said, there was a two-open-sided A frame."

    2. The West Woods

    4 Reviews
    Novelty, OH
    9 miles
    Website

    "Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine."

    "While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy. Amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation."

    3. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Kirtland, OH
    17 miles
    Website

    $25 / night

    "Even with the colder weather it was nice and cozy. Plenty of fire wood provided and a short distance away from the gorge to walk."

    "Would have given this site 5 stars but the walk to the site was a bit more of a haul than expected. It was just myself, kids, and pup."

    4. Headwaters Park

    2 Reviews
    Middlefield, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 286-9516

    $10 - $20 / night

    "I camped at site J the tent pad was level and easy to drive stakes into. I didn't use the toilets so can't comment on the cleanliness there."

    "Park has tent sites as well. Site G is a great setting and therefore books out more readily than other sites. Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks."

    5. Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites

    Be the first to review!
    Brecksville, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 526-1012

    $5 / night

    6. Big Creek Park

    1 Review
    Chardon, OH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 286-9516

    "Most of the trails are small, well-marked, accessible, and easily walkable for families."

    8. Lake Erie Bluffs

    2 Reviews
    Perry, OH
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 358-7275

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Site was a walk-in site with plenty of room. Fire wood and kindling were at the site waiting for us when we got there. We had a perfect view of the sunset from the site."

    "Walk in sites with a beautiful view of Lake Erie! Quiet, clean, well kept! Provided firewood was great! Able to watch Eagles soaring over Lake Erie listening to the waves hit the bluff below!"

    9. Rivers Edge Camping Area (Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead)

    3 Reviews
    Massillon, OH
    39 miles
    Website

    "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot."

    "Located near the Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead about 2.5 miles north of Massillon, OH in the Stark County Parks District. These sites are specifically designed for hikers/cyclists."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Solon, OH

601 Reviews of 15 Solon Campgrounds


  • Jen L.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    The West Woods

    Newer isn't always better

    There are 2 sites in the park both of which are walk in only and not close together. They are relatively small, 2-4 person tent only. Run by the Geauga Park District and only $5 for county residents, its cheap and looks it. Reservations must be made 3 days in advance, so no spur of the moment get aways. Basically it was just a space for a tent and a fire ring. No bathroom (about a half mile of trail away), no water, no picnic table, no alcohol. Basically I got the urge to camp in the early spring and wanted somewhere near home but I wouldn't stay there again, and wouldn't recommend anyone else do so either. However, the West Woods as a park is really nice with a nature center, hiking and bridle trails, just the campsite that was lacking.

  • d
    Jul. 24, 2018

    Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park

    great spot for direct kayak/canoe put in.

    We stayed in site 218. this spot is in the smaller ( less crowded) part of Jamestown campground in Pymatuning SP. it is right on the water and has an easy access area for shore fishing and entering a kayak or canoe or some other water device. the site sits on a little bay and the otherside (more crowded) of the campground is across the water. the water is a little murky/ grassy but still good entry area. the campsite was spacious for a pa state park. the site is between the lake and the road. sites 212-222 look to be on the water with boat access, but 218 has the easiest entry. 220’s picnic Bench and fire pit sit next to the water with great views, but there is little shade. 218 had a great shady spot were you can hang 3 hammocks. there is no electricity at these sites and pretty much tent only. lots of tent space. the fire ring was decent but we moved it as it was right underneath a burnt tree. 218 was ADA accessible with a nice picnic table. restrooms were fairly close. clean... outdated, but clean.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area

    Beautiful but no peace and quiet

    Camp hosts were amazing and our spot was large and pretty. Our neighbors however were absolutely obnoxious. Just screaming obscenities nearly the whole time and were definitely drinking even though no alcohol is allowed in the park. Rangers drive by very frequently yet do absolutely nothing even after quiet hours start. Maybe it's not always like this but I may never return because of it. I want a nice quiet and relaxing time not put up with screaming drunks and kids. Also there was so much traffic constantly!

  • W
    Jun. 10, 2022

    Rivers Edge Camping Area (Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead)

    Great location

    Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot. No running water but close to gas stations and restaurants. Only 12 minute drive over to Pro Football Hall of Fame.

  • Greg A.
    Jun. 5, 2018

    Punderson State Park Campground

    Meh.

    It could be an ok place if you get the right spot. Some of the sites are VERY SLOPED and some people parked campers in those spots and used very odd things to try and level them. The sites are not maintained well and have lots of weeds and some are very close and are essentially sharing the space with the fire ring and picnic table with other campers. Not very private at all. If you have awnings or slides, you will have to be careful about what site you will get or you will not be able to open the slides or your awning. If you get a good spot or are tent camping then it may be ok.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2018

    Heritage Farms

    Great for cyclists along the Towpath in Cuyahoga National Park

    Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  Both standard campsites and shelters are available and are scattered among a working Christmas Tree farm.   A very sweet couple owns the place and runs the campground, George & Carol Haramis.

    Each site is situated on grass, has a picnic table, and fire ring (firewood is supplied with your campsite fee).  Both pit toilets and water are available to campers as well. Some are shaded and other sites have quite a bit of sun.  The shelters are robustly constructed, but don’t have much cross ventilation as they are only open to the front, so are quite hot in the heat of the summer, and provide no barrier to insects.  No electricity is available. Come prepared to hang your food (not for bears, but for mice).

    They prefer reservations, but happily accommodated our reservation-less lifestyle as it was early in the season.  Our shelter site was just next to the gravel parking area and overlooked the farm as well as had a great view of the sunset.  Unfortunately, you can hear the highway from the campground, despite the fact that it is located a good distance away. It didn’t bother us at night, but we definitely heard it first thing in the morning.

    Just down the road in the village of Peninsula, OH (and right next to the towpath) are Century Cycles (super helpful bike shop!!) and the Winking Lizard Tavern (fun restaurant/bar). After a long day of cycling, we enjoyed an adult beverage and some dessert after making dinner in the campground.

    More info here:  https://centurycycles.com/articles/camping-along-the-towpath-trail-pg1342.htm

  • C
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park

    Another trip to Jamestown Campground

    My family has visited Pymatuning park many times now and try have used a variety of spots at Jamestown campground. It is large, offering multiple options for campsite types. It’s a standard PA state park campground offering bathrooms (bathrooms are older, but are being renovated July-August 2021) showers, fire ring, picnic table, etc. Campsites J-106 thru J-116 are well shaded, but are alongside route 322 which maintains consistent traffic at all hours. If the noise is not an issue, this run of tent sites are well spaced, and offer easy access to the facilities. To be away from the road (and nearer to the lake) sites J-120 thru J-128 are closer together but can be quieter (depending on your neighbors…)

    The beach area is clean, and raked often. It has a playground and volleyball court. On Friday’s they have a family movie night at the amphitheater. Most Saturdays in the summer they offer crafts and activities for kids at the beach.

    The surrounding area also has plenty of activities to offer: Local restaurants, ice cream, hiking, kayaking/boating, fishing, etc.

  • Skooma M.
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Findley State Park Campground

    Organized Group Site 2

    It was difficult to find pictures or reviews of the Findlay group sites. It honestly seemed to me that they didn't exist, so I thought I'd do the service of taking some pictures.

    The group sites are away from the main campsites, so you should have plenty of space for your group to set up and enough distance between them to not disturb the peace if you have a large group. OGA2 is heavily forested, I'm not sure about OGA1. There are plenty of trees so both hammock and tent campers should be accommodated. The fire pit is large and there are 4 picnic tables.

    The campsite is about 75 yards from the parking area, and there is a vault toilet right before the parking area.

  • M
    May. 31, 2024

    Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park

    Pymatuning Jamestown

    Quiet park. Some road noise from campsite J100 but US route 322 is lightly traveled. Typical tent site with fire ring and picnic table. Across street from bath house with shower and toilet which was clean.


Guide to Solon

Tent camping options near Solon, Ohio include several parks within a 30-mile radius. These small, natural campgrounds typically feature limited tent sites designed for minimal environmental impact. Most tent sites in this area sit between 800-1,200 feet elevation with average summer temperatures around 75-85°F and spring/fall temperatures ranging from 45-65°F. Winter camping, though available at some locations, requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.

What to do

Hiking and birdwatching: At The West Woods, trails provide excellent birdwatching opportunities with "TONS OF BIRDS you will hear them all day long and see all sorts of different kinds" according to camper Zachary A. The park features waterfall views, small caves, bridges and stairs along well-maintained paths.

Fishing access: Big Creek Park offers multiple stocked fishing ponds with dedicated docks. Brannon M. advises: "Bring some fishing rods! There are a few ponds on the property, complete with fishing docs, that are stocked with bluegill and small man fish."

Water activities: Seasonal kayak and canoe rentals are available at several parks within 30 minutes of Solon. Headwaters Park provides "various watercraft rentals available, but look at availability before you go if that is included in your plans," as noted by Rebecca G.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Heritage Farms offers well-separated sites despite being on a working farm. Abbey E. notes: "Our site was beautiful and private. We also had a lot of space. We couldn't really see or hear any other campers."

Sunset views: Lake Erie Bluffs campsites provide exceptional sunset viewing. Jenna H. reports: "We had a perfect view of the sunset from the site. Sounds from the lake and birds. The site is enough away from the path that you have completely privacy."

Natural sounds: Most tent sites in the region offer good separation from urban noise. At The West Woods, Rebecca G. describes her site as having "amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation. Occasional road noise made it four stars."

What you should know

Site access considerations: Many of the best tent camping near Solon requires walking gear from parking areas. At Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite, Jillian E. notes the "walk to the site was a bit more of a haul than expected" making "setting up camp a bit more work."

Water availability: Most tent sites lack drinking water access. At Heritage Farms, reviewers note "no drinking water on site- but there is wash up water & very clean porta potties" and recommend bringing your own supplies.

Reservation requirements: Reservation windows vary significantly between parks. The West Woods requires bookings at least 3 days in advance, while other parks allow shorter notice. Booking policies change seasonally, so check current requirements.

Firewood policies: Some campgrounds like Heritage Farms require purchasing firewood on-site due to tree conservation efforts, with Abbey E. explaining: "If you plan on having a fire, you have to purchase wood from them because you can't bring your own (it's a tree farm)."

Tips for camping with families

Pack for weather variability: Spring and fall camping near Solon requires preparation for temperature swings. The West Woods campsite reviewer notes even when "it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine" due to raised tent pads.

Consider walking distance: Rivers Edge Camping Area offers "great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail" according to Whiskey B., making it more manageable for families with young children.

Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report wildlife sightings. Ky G. at Penitentiary Glen noted: "The second night had lots of coyotes around, which is cool but can be dangerous if not careful of course. Coyotes were heard all around the general area."

Facility planning: Most sites offer basic toilet facilities but limited amenities. Rivers Edge camping area has "a porta potty was very big, clean and had hand sanitizer" according to Rebecca K., but facilities are typically located near parking areas rather than at individual sites.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Solon are not suitable for RVs. Traditional RV camping requires traveling farther from the immediate Solon area, with most tent-focused campgrounds specifically prohibiting larger vehicles.

Consider alternatives: For RV campers wanting to explore the Solon area, consider using established RV campgrounds farther out as a base and making day trips to the parks and natural areas closer to Solon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Solon, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Solon, OH is Heritage Farms with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Solon, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Solon, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.