Campgrounds surrounding Ravenna, Ohio sit within the glaciated Allegheny Plateau, characterized by rolling hills and numerous lakes formed during the last ice age. Winter temperatures often drop below 20°F from December through February, while summer camping season brings humidity levels frequently exceeding 70%. Most tent campsite areas near Ravenna, Ohio require advance planning during peak season when weekend occupancy rates reach 90-100% at popular parks.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Nearly year-round fishing at West Branch State Park Campground where visitors can access 2,650 acres of lake water. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers. There are many inlets to explore or fish," shares one camper who visits annually.
Hiking trails: Varied terrain within 30 miles ranging from flat lakeside paths to more challenging rocky formations. "This area is filled magnificent trails that you wouldn't believe are so close to a highly populated city. This is actually under the bridge that you take to enter the City of Akron. Lovely place to fish, hike, camp, paddle, or just relax for the day," notes a visitor to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Water activities: Multiple swimming options including natural lakes and pool facilities. A camper at Berlin Lake reports: "Very nice and clean campground with many access point to the the lake. Our camp site was in close proximity to the restroom facilities. We were fourtante that our spot was right beside the lake and we could keep the boat docked their during our stay."
What campers like
Site privacy levels: Wooded seclusion at certain parks with natural buffers between campsites. At Silver Springs Campground, "The sites are nice and large. The main problem was very hard to level and soft grass they don't have a well compacted area for your tt/rv. Would be nice to have bathroom built on the campground. Have to walk to the baseball field to use the bathrooms."
Budget-friendly options: Affordable alternatives to state parks with comparable amenities. "Low cost for staying ($18 for a waterside, spacious site for up to 8 people, 2 tents at no additional costs). Numerous fishing and open swimming opportunities (basically anywhere you want along the water)," reports a visitor to Mill Creek Camping.
Unique camping experiences: Non-traditional sites for those seeking something different. "It seems like the sites are good sized but some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level. Bathrooms were clean separate showers verizon works well here," notes a recent visitor to West Branch State Park.
What you should know
Unlevel sites: Prepare for sloping terrain at many campgrounds across the region. At Punderson State Park Campground, one camper warns: "The camp grounds for RV's is not the best. Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service. The lots are not even close the level. You will need a lot of blocks to get close to level. Saw one RV with auto levelers with his tire about foot off the ground."
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Some parks offer modern facilities while others provide basic options. "The bathrooms are portojons and there are no showers, however there is THE best dog park I have ever seen in this area. So my dogs loved this campground more than me and that was worth it," explains a visitor to Silver Springs Campground.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds experience water issues. "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," reports a West Branch camper.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly locations: Accommodations for four-legged family members at several parks with dedicated pet areas. A visitor to Countryside Campground shares: "Clean campground, lots to do! Dog friendly! Lake Accessible. We stayed a few nights on Tent site 4 and had a blast! Stop at Duma Meats to grill something delicious!"
Planned activities: Scheduled events for children during peak season. "We went to this nice little spot with 4 kids, the hound and my wife. The 9 tent sites are very large and spacious. It is mostly an established Rv Park. The community was very kind. Showers were clean and spacious," reports a Countryside Campground visitor.
Playground access: Multiple options for young visitors ranging from simple to elaborate. At Streetsboro KOA, a visitor notes: "We had a nice time with our kids, friends and dogs. The dog park was a bonus... we camped right next to it. perfect! playground, big open area and a nice pool!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Electrical capacity challenges at several area campgrounds. "I stayed at site #4, was much more level and full shade. There is also a wooded walking trail network on the east and North sides of the campground," shares a Silver Springs visitor regarding site selection.
Site access considerations: Prepare for tight turns at some facilities. A visitor to Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA advises: "Only an overnight stop during a bigger trip but it seemed nice. They were accommodating to our late arrival and left a map and gate key at the office for the late arrivers. The site was level and easy to hook up to."
Seasonal availability: Limited options during winter months with restricted facilities. "Clean and efficient. Campsites close together, but quiet. Can be muddy when you get a lot of rain - if you can afford it, get the pull through site," recommends a visitor about their stay experience.
