Best Campgrounds near Westlake, OH

The suburban community of Westlake, Ohio sits within reach of diverse camping options, with established campgrounds located primarily in surrounding counties. American Wilderness Campground in Grafton (about 15 miles southwest) and Findley State Park in Wellington (approximately 25 miles south) represent the closest developed camping areas, both offering tent and RV sites with hookups. Willow Lake Park in Medina County provides seasonal camping from May through October with both primitive and serviced sites. For RV travelers, several Ohio Turnpike service plazas including Vermilion Valley and Middle Ridge offer overnight parking with basic amenities. The region's camping landscape balances family-oriented private campgrounds with state-managed recreation areas, most within a 30-45 minute drive of Westlake.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Findley State Park remains open year-round but with reduced services during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities frequently reach capacity. According to one camper, "Findley State Park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences. We had no trouble pulling in at 3 pm on a Sunday after Labor Day with no reservations and snagging a very nice spot." Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near the Ohio Turnpike. Poison oak has been reported at Findley State Park along woodland edges. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to urban areas.

Cyclists and hikers can access unique camping opportunities along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. As one reviewer noted, "Very few people know that there are MANY camping options along the towpath designed for cyclists and hikers!" These include Heritage Farms, Big Bend Trailhead, and other primitive sites. Water recreation features prominently in camper reviews, with fishing, canoeing, and kayaking available at several locations. Family amenities like playgrounds, camp stores, and organized activities are common at the larger established campgrounds. Sites at state parks tend to be closer together with limited privacy, though many feature wooded surroundings that help buffer noise. Campers frequently mention the convenience of these locations for exploring nearby attractions including Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Best Camping Sites Near Westlake, Ohio (103)

    1. American Wilderness Campground

    16 Reviews
    Grafton, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 926-3700

    $35 - $69 / night

    "We had nice woods behind us, neighbors to the right and vacancy on the left (jackpot)."

    "Drive in sites are set back & not near the lake. They have back in & drive through sites. There is a small store. It is close to Cleveland & has Good Sam discount."

    2. Findley State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Wellington, OH
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 647-0534

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Beware, the sites are close to these roads and quite shallow, but because each road dead ends in a cul de sac, traffic is very light, even when the campground is full, as when we visited."

    "Lots of walking trails, lots of nature. Once off my favorite local ohio parks."

    3. Willow Lake Park Inc

    10 Reviews
    Brunswick, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 225-6580

    $35 - $65 / night

    "Fishing lake and swimming lake are separate. Multiple bathroom/shower locations. Game room, snack pavilion and general store."

    "Good price very kid friendly , swimming lake and a pool, also a fishing lake. Mostly RV but some tent. Old campground"

    4. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Berea, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 243-0090

    $45 / night

    "Pulled in around midnight on a Wednesday and there were just two other vans parked overnight. Plenty of space if you just need to crash."

    5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED

    26 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 717-3890

    $80 - $110 / night

    "The Stanford House campground is the only one that's relatively easy to find online, but there are many other options."

    "Tucked in between Akron and Cleveland, this quiet NP has numerous hiking trails, historic buildings and the remains of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Well worth the side trip or destination."

    6. Vermilion Valley Ohio Turnpike RV Lot

    2 Reviews
    Amherst, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 234-2081

    "Dump station as you exit. Gas and convenience items are extra helpful. Safe environment to snooze overnight."

    "Pulled in to the RV parking area around 9:45 pm, there was one other vehicle there. 3 more came and parked before midnight. Felt completely safe and not crowded by the campers on either side."

    7. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    24 miles
    Website

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  "

    "really lovely camp spot. beautiful views and surroundings. Extremely close proximity to CVNP. lots of room for kiddos to run wild."

    8. Silver Springs Campground

    31 Reviews
    Stow, OH
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 689-5100

    $15 - $22 / night

    "Water close by and port a pottie style bathrooms close to the camp sites. There are flush toilets a walk away but we didn’t use them. Sites are big and grassy but not super level."

    "Silver Springs Campground is a small 27 site campground in Stow, Ohio, a convenient 17 minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and a bargain at $18/night for a site with electrical hookups. "

    9. Service Plaza - Middle Ridge Overnight Parking

    2 Reviews
    Amherst, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 234-2081

    "You can walk into the service plaza which has vending, showers, laundry.  The sites are very wide, with 30/50 amp service. It's behind where all the cars and trucks go. 20/night paid with a kiosk. "

    "The cons…lots of highway noise and trucks coming through but I like it if I am in a public place. The place was $20 for overnight. It was a full house. I felt safe!"

    10. Middle Ridge/Vermilion Valley Rest Area

    2 Reviews
    Amherst, OH
    16 miles
    Website

    "This is a test area on the Ohio Turnpike. Rv owners can self pay $20 to stay overnight. Quiet area away from the semis and common parking lot, but super close still to the plaza."

    "The location was in an suburban area."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 103 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Westlake, OH

633 Reviews of 103 Westlake Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Nice hiking, camp sites do not have a lake view, but the trails do

    Huge campground, sites close, no showers, lots of activities. Only a few sites have water .

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Perry Township Park

    Beautiful

    There are many sites taken by permanent campers for the summer. There are pickleball courts in park. Right on Lake Erie, nice hot showers.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Beautiful but Buzzy

    I booked one night here for the amenities on a cross-country trip.

    The laundry, showers, and water fill stations were convenient/ well-maintained.

    I gave only 4-star however 2 reasons.

    1. for the 5hr lawn mowing caravan that started at 7am in every direction. I’m not even sure what they were mowing since the lawns looked freshly cut. It was obnoxious! And
    2. not enough signage. For example, I had to ask for directions to the laundry rooms and then they are quarter only with no change machine. I had to make a trip back to the office for change.

    Overall, a nice spot with all the amenities you could need. Plenty of room and nice multi-use trail to the beach was great!

  • Adam A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Terrace Lakes Campground

    Family Fun and Friendly

    They have a nice big fishing lake they have a nice swimming Lake and other ponds to fish in a very relaxing and fun place to go

  • K
    Aug. 27, 2025

    American Wilderness Campground

    American Wilderness

    We had a good experience the place was clean and nice the amenities were great the staff was helpful and the laundry room was clean as well as bathrooms and showers.

  • Travis O.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    American Wilderness Campground

    Property is so relaxing and nice

    We had a nice time the place was clean and the people were nice as in other campers we had a good time we went to the pavilion to a get together.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Nice park

    Stayed 2 nights. The bathrooms are decent, laundry facility is good and the sites are a good size. There are trails and beaches in the park. I found a disc golf course in the park, and I really enjoyed the layout’s layout. The main issue is the mosquitoes, on every tee pad I was swarmed by at least 50 mosquitoes. It was by far the most mosquitoes I’ve ever seen in one area. I was warned, so I sprayed before going. It helped, but they still buzzed around your head.

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Rvino - Camp Hiyo

    Nice spot

    Nice park, two fenced dog parks. Bathrooms were clean.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

    Quiet, peaceful, close to all the things

    We stopped here for a couple nights to go to a Cleveland Guardians game and go to Cuyahoga National Park. It was within great proximity to both and had all the amenities the kids and I love. Swimming (wish it were open a little later…) laundry 24/7, a game room, store with just what we needed to pick up a few things, a pond that seemed to always have someone fishing at it (that’s a good thing) and a big wide sites to spread out and have a nice campfire in. (Wood available 24/7 and trash pick up at the site in the AM). It’s always nerve wracking when the fire pits are close to the rigs - loved that these sits were wide. And while there are likely people here it feels nice and spread out.


Guide to Westlake

Camping near Westlake, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Mohican State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Close to hiking, MTB trails, canoeing," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Lake Activities: At East Harbor State Park Campground, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and kayaking. A visitor noted, "Easy drive-up spots, fire pits, clean showers, bathrooms, and a camp shop."
  • Family Fun: Check out the playgrounds and small beaches at West Branch State Park Campground. One family shared, "The playground is extremely age-friendly for every kid there."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Findley State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse is very clean and well maintained."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A visitor at Punderson State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is very pretty—lots of large trees and it's pretty quiet."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One reviewer at Silver Springs Campground said, "The campground attendant was a very friendly man who asked several times if we had questions about the area."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One family at West Branch State Park Campground loved the "very nice playground."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at East Harbor State Park Campground mentioned, "Quiet hours were, however, quiet!"
  • Pack for Rain: Be ready for sudden weather changes. A camper at Mohican State Park Campground noted, "The pit toilet shelters were large and clean too," which is helpful if you need to stay dry.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Accessibility: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Findley State Park Campground mentioned, "Make sure you check pictures of the sites to see if they will accommodate your rig/tent."
  • Bring Extra Power Cords: Some sites have power outlets at a distance. A camper at Silver Springs Campground noted, "The outlets are at the top of a gentle slope."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to fun spots. A visitor at Kelleys Island State Park Campground shared, "We rented bikes downtown to explore the rest of the island."

Camping near Westlake, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Westlake, Ohio?

While there aren't campgrounds directly in Westlake, several options are available within a short drive. Middle Ridge/Vermilion Valley Rest Area offers convenient overnight RV parking for $20 with access to restaurants and clean facilities. For families, Kool Lakes Family RV Park provides affordable sites with a gravel road system connecting numerous camping spots. These locations are easily accessible from Westlake and serve as practical options for both quick overnight stays and longer camping trips.

Are there scenic tent camping options near Westlake?

Several scenic tent camping destinations await near Westlake. Findley State Park Campground offers a peaceful wooded retreat less than an hour from Cleveland with fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities alongside numerous walking trails. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite, which provides cozy sites with plenty of firewood and proximity to scenic gorge trails. Both locations combine natural beauty with convenient access from Westlake, making them perfect for weekend escapes.

How far is Thompson, Ohio campground from Westlake?

Thompson is approximately 40 miles east of Westlake, typically a 45-55 minute drive depending on traffic conditions. While there isn't a specific Thompson campground mentioned in reviews, nearby West Branch State Park Campground offers a scenic camping experience within a similar driving distance. This park features clean facilities, hiking paths, swimming areas, and boat rentals, making it worth the drive from Westlake. For a different direction but similar distance, East Harbor State Park Campground provides clean facilities, lake trails, and a disc golf course.