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Best Tent Camping near Vermilion, OH

333 Reviews

Public lands surrounding Vermilion, Ohio offer several tent camping options within driving distance, with notable locations including Heritage Farms and Hidden Hollow Camp. Heritage Farms, located in the Cuyahoga Valley area, provides walk-in tent-only camping on a working Christmas tree farm with well-spaced sites. Hidden Hollow Camp in Lodi (about 60 miles south of Vermilion) offers tent camping with drinking water and reservable sites. For those willing to travel east toward Cleveland, primitive tent camping can be found at trailheads along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, including Big Bend and Franklin Trailheads.

Tent campsites throughout the region vary significantly in amenities and access. Heritage Farms features grassy, level tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though campers must carry gear from parking areas to their sites using provided wagons. Most sites lack direct vehicle access, creating a true walk-in tent camping experience. Portable toilets are typically available near parking areas rather than at individual sites. Drinking water is limited at most locations, with Heritage Farms offering wash water but requiring campers to bring their own drinking water. Seasonal operation is common, with most campgrounds open from spring through fall, typically April through October or November.

Backcountry tent camping experiences differ across locations. At Big Bend Trailhead, one camper noted that sites "sit up on a ridge overlooking the scenic railroad" with vault toilets and seasonal water available at the base of the hill. The elevated position provides some seclusion despite being visible from trails below. Franklin Trailhead offers rustic sites specifically designed for hikers and cyclists, with a visitor reporting they are "nice spots to camp on trail" but cautioning about security as "lots of people pass by." Heritage Farms receives consistent praise for privacy between sites, with reviews mentioning "beautiful and private" tent areas and "amazing views and abundant wildlife." Most primitive tent sites require campers to register at kiosks and follow specific regulations regarding fires and overnight stays.

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Best Tent Sites Near Vermilion, Ohio (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Vermilion, OH

14 Photos of 11 Vermilion Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Vermilion, OH

333 Reviews of 11 Vermilion Campgrounds

  • R
    May. 3, 2021

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Perfect Ohio Oasis

    We camp here at the beginning and end of the season where the bars are less crowded and the campground isn’t as booked.

    These lakeside campsites are stunning and even the one tucked further into the park have a lot of options too. From open areas where it would be fun to book a couple sites with friends, and some secluded for more privacy.

    We always stay lakeside because you cannot beat the view! We’ve stayed 103 and 114!

    One hint: be we are on the cliffs of Lake Erie, some sites you might have to hunt for soft ground to stake your tent.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Brady R.
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Heritage Farms

    Available Through HipCamp

    Review for Site #12. 

    Our site was in the middle of the sites, but upon on a slight hill. 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. It was great to store our belongings in there, esp. when it rained overnight - kept everything dry (with the help of a tarp).

    It's hard to not give it any lower than 5 stars when you literally camp within a Christmas tree farm. It's a dream. Lol. 

    You do have to carry your belongings into the campsites, but it wasn't too horrible for us, esp. since our campsite was right off the walking path. The provided wagons and wheelbarrows make it easier too. 

    Firewood is $8 a bundle and required to pay via PayPal. Water is also available for purchase, but we brought our own. 

    2 portopots were provided and were mostly clean. All sites come with fire pit and picnic table. Some of them have tree coverage and access to hang hammocks.

    Sunset was incredible the first night. It did get very chilly when we were there.

  • K
    Aug. 20, 2020

    Findley State Park Campground

    Clean and great hiking

    Findley state park is well maintained large park! We can easily get lost on 3 mile hikes in the woods and still be on marked paths! The roads are paved and excellent for biking and skating. About half the sites are for tent or dry camping. Half have electric and a few of those have full hookups. We have enjoyed the shade at our site this week and the space between us and our neighbors.

    Shower houses are clean. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting. Many musicians set up camp and would jam out for some live evening music! Everyone was so nice at the campground. We enjoyed our stay.

  • Victoria B.
    Jun. 5, 2020

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Camping on the cliff—a great get-away

    I recently camped here at South Bass Island State Park. Because of current Covid-19 restrictions, the campground was pretty empty (which I hear is very unusual for summertime). I camped in a tent-only site on the edge of the 25 foot cliff. Great for adults, but no safety barrier for young children.  Campsite #97 and#99 have fire rings right on the cliff. (I camped at #99.)

    The facilities at the campground are clean and well maintained and the people who work at the camp store are friendly.

    The campground is well shaded with mature trees throughout and it over looks Lake Erie to the West making for great views of the sunset. Some sites are right on top of each other and others are well spread out.

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    Very nice campground, it’s large so if you’re walking around, remember to take a map. The campground is right on the shore of Lake Erie, there are a few restaurants nearby. The sites vary in size, lots of shade trees where we camped. There are picnic tables and fire rings, some sites have FHUs, some standard electric, and of course, primitive.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Charles Mill Lake Park Campground

    Nice older campground

    Eagle point is more rustic than the campground by the marina. Gravel pads, many on sloping ground. No way to know which sites might work for you until you look when you arrive. Someone did answer the phone, though, and let us move to another site.We had electric-only, by choice, for 2 nights. Water nearby. Not very many transient campers, but lots of "seasonal" to permanent-looking larger trailers. Quiet in our loop because only a few sites were occupied. Very nice bathroom and shower building. The dump station here is set up for emptying totes- not much room to park a trailer/RV for dumping at it. We drove to the dump station by the marina to have more room to work. Rinse water hose at the sewer opening had no water hose fitting on it (just a skinny brass angled spout), so no way to rinse our blackwater tank. Potable water was 40 feet away, but all water came out of a backflow preventer, so no way to use a hose. Disappointed with the dump station. Overall, it was fine for 2 nights. If you have a boat, there are lots of covers to explore on the lake. The water is very silty, and rather shallow in most places.

  • T S.
    Sep. 20, 2021

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Perfect for Tents and Good for RV’s

    Although we camp in a motor home, this is one of the best tent camping spots I’ve seen. About twenty of the tent spots overlook the cliffs with great views of the water. Sites 97 and 114 sit on the edge of the cliff. This makes these two spots really unique. However, families with young children, unstable adults, and those who like to party would find these sites profoundly dangerous. The tents are two feet from the edge of the cliff.

    There are no electric RV sites with a cliff-edge view. We stayed in Site 46, which was next to the restroom and just fair. The flattest RV sites with fair to good locations are Sites 57 and 44 (although even these will require a little leveling).

    The campground includes very clean flush toilets and even cleaner showers (no cost for the showers). Wood and ice are available at the check-in building. In the summer there are kayak rentals.

    If you haven’t been to this island everyone uses golf carts and bikes (90% golf carts). Golf cart rental shops are everywhere. We used bikes and saw the entire island. The restaurants and shops are at the other end of the island from the campground. Getting there took about twenty minutes by bike (probably seven minutes by golf cart).

    We loved it here and extended our stay. The people are wonderful and the town is filled with things to do. The campground is quiet and tranquil. Rates for an RV site with electricity were $39.00 in September of 2021.

Guide to Vermilion

Tent camping near Vermilion, Ohio offers a delightful escape into nature, with various campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

  • Experience group camping at Hidden Hollow Camp, which features excellent facilities including a large clubhouse and kitchen, perfect for scout troops and family gatherings.
  • Enjoy the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Heritage Farms, where you can hike through a charming Christmas tree farm and soak in stunning sunrises.
  • Explore the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites providing a serene hiking experience and a chance to connect with nature.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Vermilion

  • When camping at Shawnee Lake Park, be prepared for a rustic experience as it offers basic amenities, making it ideal for those who enjoy a back-to-basics approach.
  • For a more comfortable stay, consider Family Camping Center, which provides fifty amp hookups and is open from April to November, ensuring a pleasant camping season.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, Heritage Farms allows pets and features picnic tables, making it a great spot for families and pet owners alike.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Visit the picturesque Goldeneye Campgrounds, Helendale Lane, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature while being close to local attractions.
  • Spend time at Portageview Campground, which is conveniently located near various recreational activities and offers a peaceful setting for relaxation.
  • Experience the charm of Hanks Place Campground, where you can unwind and explore the surrounding natural beauty, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Vermilion, OH is Hidden Hollow Camp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Vermilion, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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