Best Tent Camping near Canton, OH

Several primitive tent camping areas near Canton, Ohio are situated along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, offering walk-in tent sites for hikers and cyclists. Rivers Edge Camping Area at Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead provides free dispersed tent camping in a small grassy field with space for 6-8 small backcountry tents. Heritage Farms, located within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offers tent sites scattered throughout a working Christmas tree farm.

The tent sites at Rivers Edge feature a picnic table, campfire ring, and a small cooking prep area shared among campers. Portable toilets are typically available in nearby parking lots, though no running water is provided at most sites. Heritage Farms provides more amenities for tent campers, including fire rings with supplied firewood, picnic tables, and maintained porta-potties. A recent review noted, "Our site was beautiful and private. We couldn't really see or hear any other campers." Most primitive tent areas require first-come, first-served registration at site kiosks, and campers should bring their own drinking water as it's rarely available.

Tent campers along the Towpath Trail often experience varying levels of privacy depending on site selection. Areas farther from trailheads typically offer more seclusion, though railroad tracks near some camping areas can create periodic noise during daytime hours. One camper shared that Rivers Edge provides "great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail," making it convenient for overnight hikers. Most tent sites are situated on level, grassy terrain with some shade available. For those seeking more amenities while tent camping, Heritage Farms offers carts to transport gear from the parking area to campsites, with some sites featuring two-sided open shelters that provide protection during inclement weather. Winter camping options are limited, with most tent areas open seasonally from spring through fall.

Best Tent Sites Near Canton, Ohio (15)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Canton, OH

653 Reviews of 15 Canton 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.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Tomlinson Run State Park Campground

    Camping in the trees

    Electric Site 37 - pad is pretty level, plenty for our small camper and truck, on a slight hill to get to fire ring but lots of space to spread out. You could tent but not really a flat spot. We were near the non-electric cul de sac and a neighbor right across but not on top of each other. Trees are everywhere and wonderful during the fall season. We had a big night of rain and with the wind it dried up pretty quickly.

    Camp store - small, not a lot in it but may be end of the season items only. Mostly shirts and mugs and very little snack food. The camp store staff were all very friendly and helpful and the store has limited WiFi if you stood in the right spot. There is a laundry room available there as well.

    Dump station- 2 way and potable water on the other side of it. The only place to drop your trash too.

    Trails - lots of trails to choose from. Some were pretty easy some were a little hilly. My favorite was the fern trail - lots of ferns and a very pretty stream. Hiking poles are recommended especially if it rains.

    Playground - is available for kids and a huge shelter house too.

    Firewood is $6 a bundle and burns well, no slab cut.

    Water - have to go up to entrance as the water spouts are still shut off.

    Showers - in womens the shower on the left never got warm, other two were fine. There are 4 flush toilets.

  • 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!

  • Danielle S.
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest

    Can't beat free, but caveats abound.

    This tiny gem of a campground is actually quite decent. Each site is furnished with a small fire ring and picnic table. The fire rings do not have a grill grate. The pit toilets in the restroom are "fragrant" when you enter the women's side of the building but not so terribly that they can't be used. My friend did gag upon entering the men's room. There are designated wastewater areas to dump grey water, but you'll have to bring your own water for drinking, washing, etc. There are no electric hookups.

    As others have mentioned, there is a gun range nearby and you can hear occasional firing. Helicopter traffic at night was a slight distraction from the otherwise quiet night I spent here.

    There is an easy orange-blazed trail behind site 10 but as of this writing, a there are several downed trees blocking the trail a good distance in.

    I'd definitely stay again.

    5/3/2021 Edited to add:. Well, our second stay here is decidedly less positive. We are at site 9 this time. No fire ring here. The women's bathroom is filthy and it made me gag (there is feces all over one toilet seat and the other smells so bad that I just peed in the woods). It's turkey season so lots of noise in the woods.

  • Aloma O.
    Sep. 5, 2022

    Tappan Lake Park Campground

    Needs accurate website for bookings

    Booked 2 sites online using website. Upon getting to our sites the numbers listed on the site posts did not match the numbers on the site map used for booking. Section 4. Seasonal campers verified the campground constantly changes site numbers around.. It is very misleading. Should not offer booking online or should make sure all online booking locations have the site numbers and pictures accurate. The site we had was NOT the one pictured on the map online. Very small, muddy, and could not even have a fire on it. Got lucky no one was across from us. We used that site to build a fire. Make sure you don't forget anything or need gas, not much around.

  • 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.

  • Emily S.
    Jun. 1, 2017

    Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest

    Free!

    Spent the first camping trip of the summer here on Memorial Day weekend and it was a beautiful spot. There are a number of sites set up in a circle, the initial sites are better suited for RVs while the sites along the back of the loop are flatter and can accommodate a tent. This was our first car camping in an actual campground experience in a while - our last few trips were all backcountry sites - and it felt very luxurious. The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit.

    The best part - it's free! Just register at the box. There are vault toilets and each site has a fire ring, picnic table, garbage cans, and there are spots to dump waste water. It's very well-organized and well maintained.

  • K
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Jefferson Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet and Beautiful

    This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning. You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped. Our site was huge and right next to the water spigot.

  • 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.


Guide to Canton

Tent camping near Canton, Ohio offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature without straying too far from urban conveniences.

Tips for tent camping near Canton

  • Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping provides easy access with a short hike from the parking area, making it a convenient choice for those wanting to set up camp quickly.
  • Rivers Edge Camping Area is a hidden gem that allows campfires and has a picnic table, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Franklin Trailhead offers a rustic experience with no reservations required, making it ideal for spontaneous camping trips.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you can explore numerous hiking trails and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that surround the area.
  • Heritage Farms is close to the national park and provides a unique camping experience among Christmas trees, perfect for family outings.
  • KimTam Park at Melanie Springs features a lake with a beach, offering swimming and additional amenities for a fun-filled camping experience.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $35

  • Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping is free, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers.
  • Rivers Edge Camping Area also offers free camping, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without spending a dime.
  • Heritage Farms charges around $35 per night, providing a well-maintained site with amenities like firewood delivery and clean facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Canton, OH is Rivers Edge Camping Area (Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead) with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

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