Family camping opportunities near Strongsville, Ohio include tent sites, RV hookups, and yurt camping within a 45-minute drive. The region receives approximately 39 inches of annual rainfall and sees summer temperatures averaging between 60-85°F. Winter camping options remain available at select year-round sites where temperatures drop to 20-30°F.
What to do
Fishing at the reservoir: West Branch State Park Campground offers direct water access with spots to tie up boats. "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," notes one visitor at West Branch State Park Campground.
Hiking trails in wooded settings: Punderson State Park features multiple trails through forested areas. As one camper reports, "There is a lot of hiking and things to do around the area and even a playground for the kiddos. Not for your serious adventures but great for families."
Disc golf courses: Multiple parks offer disc golf opportunities within 30 minutes of Strongsville. According to a camper at Punderson State Park Campground, "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf."
Island exploration: For those willing to travel a bit further, Kelleys Island offers a unique camping experience. "The island is beautiful and we hope that you can enjoy it! P.S. Check local deals on Groupon or Lake Erie Shores and Islands websites to save a bit on your trip," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Private waterfront camping: Many campers appreciate the water access at area campgrounds. A reviewer at Kelleys Island State Park Campground states, "Camp was well kept, clean, and helpful staff. Our campsite was easy to find and backed in with no problems. Our site was pretty open because it was one on the end in the back of the campgrounds."
Clean facilities: Countryside Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. One camper notes, "Showers were clean and spacious. Pool was closed since went before Memorial Day but it was a nice medium sized pool. The camp store had plenty of odds and ends in case you forget something small."
Water recreation options: Beyond the traditional swimming opportunities, some parks offer expanded water activities. At Clay's Resort Jellystone Park, visitors enjoy "Fishing, volleyball, basketball, kayaking, zip lining in water with swimming (15 break every 45 min), mini golf, bounce trampoline pad, cornhole, etc! So much for every age."
Yurt accommodations: Several parks near Strongsville offer yurt camping options. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA provides yurt camping facilities that serve as an alternative to traditional tent or cabin experiences.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds book up quickly. At Countryside Campground, sites fill rapidly during summer months, especially on weekends, with visitors noting the park's popularity.
Site variations: Not all sites are created equal. A camper at Punderson State Park warns, "The sites greatly vary on size and flatness so make sure you look at the pictures of the site before you book some are basically the parking pad and a fire ring, some are big and flat some are on an incline."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds utilize well water which may contain minerals. A visitor to Woodside Lake Park commented on the "iron & sulfur laden well water" that affected their experience.
Transportation planning: For island camping, remember ferry logistics. "You have to take a ferry to the camp ground. Kelleys Island Ferry in Marblehead. It is a few miles to camp ground so if you are renting and don't bring a vehicle you will want to rent a golf cart."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Consider parks with dedicated play areas and activities. At Woodside Lake Park, families appreciate that it's "Very kid friendly. Quiet tent campsite parked in this area. There are quite a few RVs parked here and it appears lively, but the tent area in hilltop was quiet and secluded."
Swimming options: Many parks have beaches or pools for children. A camper at West Branch notes, "Swimming area is alright, a little muddy in areas, but the beach is kept clean. There are little hideaway trails everywhere, making for a fun adventure!"
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events for children. At Cleveland/Sandusky Jellystone Park, "Tons of planned activities for the kids. Movie nights, wibits (inflatable obstacle course on the pond), stocked pond, kayaks, Gaga Ball, RC track, jump pad, climbing wall etc etc etc!!"
Proximity to attractions: Consider location relative to other activities. "We stayed at this charming KOA for the weekend as we wanted to hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The staff was friendly, the amenities were clean, and the campground was quite serene."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at certain campgrounds. At West Branch State Park, "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches."
Water and electric hookup planning: Not all sites offer full hookups. At Punderson State Park, "Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service. The lots are not even close to level. You will need a lot of blocks to get close to level."
Dump station access: Plan for dumping needs if booking partial hookup sites. Many campgrounds like Countryside offer dump stations near the entrance/exit for convenience when leaving.
Weekend vs. weekday camping: For quieter experiences, consider timing. A Clay's Park visitor observed, "During the week is a ghost town this time of year" compared to busier weekends.
