Camping near Stow, Ohio offers options ranging from basic tent sites to full-amenity RV parks, with most campgrounds open from April through October when northeast Ohio temperatures typically range from 45-85°F. The region sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation and has a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal changes. Stow's surrounding area features a mix of reservoirs, wooded terrain, and access to the Cuyahoga River watershed.
What to do
Kayaking on local reservoirs: Nimisila Reservoir provides an excellent paddling experience with its shallow water and lengthy shoreline. "The shallow water, lengthy shoreline, and scenic views make for a great paddle," notes one visitor to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For those staying at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground, the lake is right there with "no gas motors" allowed, creating a peaceful paddling environment.
Disc golf courses: Punderson State Park offers a dedicated disc golf course along with several other outdoor activities. "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf," explains a reviewer. The course is well-maintained and provides both beginner and more challenging holes.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide access to stocked fishing areas. At Woodside Lake Park, campers mention "good fishing" as one of the highlights. Nimisila Reservoir is also popular for fishing, though one visitor notes that "fishing from shore is just iffy" and recommends a boat or kayak for better results.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. At Countryside Campground, campers appreciate that "bathrooms were clean, the showers were nice and the pool was well kept." Similarly, at West Branch State Park Campground, visitors frequently mention the "clean individual showers" and overall maintenance of the facilities.
Wooded privacy: Several campgrounds offer secluded sites surrounded by trees. One camper at Heritage Farms states, "Our site was beautiful and private. We also had a lot of space. We couldn't really see or hear any other campers." The campground features "sites that are spread apart nicely" with "grassy spots that are fairly level and mowed."
Dog-friendly amenities: Many local campgrounds welcome pets with dedicated facilities. "The dog park was a bonus... we camped right next to it. Perfect!" reports a camper at Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA. Another camper mentions the "fantastic dog park with a swimming beach for dogs only" at Silver Springs Campground, adding "Fun to watch them play even if you don't have a dog."
What you should know
Site terrain varies significantly: The ground conditions can differ dramatically between campgrounds and even between sites. At West Branch State Park Campground, a camper warns, "make sure to bring stuff to level. Bathrooms were clean separate showers verizon works well here." Another notes, "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches."
Water availability differs: Some campgrounds lack water hookups or have limited water facilities. At Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground, a visitor cautions, "Please do not make the mistake I did. There is no running water here. No showers, nothing to wash with or drink. You must bring in your water and bath when you get home."
Reservation timing matters: The best places to camp near Stow, Ohio fill quickly during peak season. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises a West Branch State Park camper. For Heritage Farms, while "they prefer reservations, but happily accommodated our reservation-less lifestyle as it was early in the season."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "There's a huge slide, a gaga pit, a playground, basketball, human foosball and pedal carts. As a camper you could check out balls for free." Woodside Lake Park also gets high marks from families: "The swimming pond has inflatables and boat rentals. There's good fishing, and typically lots of activities."
Swimming options: Many local campgrounds feature swimming areas appropriate for different ages. Countryside Campground has "a scenic, fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming reservoir with boat rental." At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "The pool hours were only 11a-7p. It would be nice if they would close the pool to the public a few hours of the day to allow campers exclusive access."
Camping site selection: For families with young children, site location matters. At Nimisila Reservoir, one parent advises: "I love that if you pick the right spots - you can keep an eye on the kids at the playground & riding bikes to/from the dock straight down the park road." At Heritage Farms, families should note that "you park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Know what utilities are available before booking. "Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service," warns an RVer about Punderson State Park. At Woodside Lake Park, a camper cautions about site conditions: "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."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality. "I spent hundreds of dollars trying to filter and clean up the water to no avail. It damages everything," reports an RVer about Woodside Lake Park. They recommend to "definitely verify where and what water source you are on. Bring plenty of filters and plan on sanitizing your system after staying there."
Parking and access: Consider the ease of maneuvering when choosing a site. At Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA, "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." However, at Nimisila Reservoir, a camper notes "we have a travel trailer and it was difficult to back in because the road is narrow."
