Camping near Massillon, Ohio offers diverse experiences across the northeastern Ohio terrain. Campers can choose from spots along the Tuscarawas River with quick access to the Towpath Trail or sites in the nearby Amish Country. Area campgrounds operate primarily from May through October, though select locations like Evergreen Park RV Resort remain open year-round with winter camping options available.
What to do
Water recreation options: At Atwood Lake Park Campground, the large lake provides multiple water activities. "Docks available 50' from our waterfront lot. We could leave our camper, take the boat over to the beach and drop off the grandkids and me the Nana for swimming at the beach dock. Good fishing, clean clean clean," notes a camper.
Horseback riding: Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch offers equestrian experiences right at the campground. "Great family owned KOA. Horseback riding on site," reports a visitor with four children who returns at least once yearly.
Biking and hiking: The Towpath Trail system provides excellent opportunities for cycling and walking. The area between Massillon and Canal Fulton offers connected paths with historical interest. "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit," writes a camper about Rivers Edge Camping Area.
What campers like
Family entertainment centers: Clay's Resort Jellystone Park gets high marks for its amenities. "The activities here are endless! Fishing, volleyball, basketball, kayaking, zip lining in water with swimming (15break every 45 min), mini golf, bounce trampoline pad, cornhole, etc! So much for every age," notes one reviewer.
Winter camping options: Some campers appreciate year-round facilities. A winter visitor to Evergreen Park RV Resort shares, "We camped here the second weekend in December and had the park mostly to ourselves. There were only 3 other campers there. It was a great place to stay. Friendly staff and everything was so clean. The game room was nice as well as the indoor pool."
Quiet natural settings: The more secluded campgrounds provide peaceful experiences. "Beautiful campground. I only stayed during the winter so it was only me and another camper but it sure was pretty! There's 6 electrical sites and the rest are non-electric. There's no water on-site but has trash and 2 clean vault toilets," notes a camper at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground.
What you should know
Facilities vary significantly: The best places to camp near Massillon range from primitive to resort-style. "NO WATER. 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," warns a visitor to Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground.
Price considerations: Campground rates differ greatly across the area. Premium sites at some locations can exceed $100 per night during peak season, while Rivers Edge Camping Area offers free camping for hikers and bikers.
Reservation needs: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. Sites along lakes and with full hookups often fill months ahead during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: Find spots that balance privacy with convenience. A visitor to Canal Fulton Canoe Livery & Campground reports, "Very few campsites can say they totally cater to families. This one does! From mini golf, nearby ice cream, canoe rentals, volleyball, and even a playground for the little kids. This is family camping 'the way it used to be.'"
Pool access considerations: At some campgrounds, recreational facilities are shared with the public. "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," suggests a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park- Akron/Canton.
Plan for downtime: Not all campgrounds offer constant entertainment. "If you camp anywhere's along the East bog in the summer- BRING EARPLUGS or the bullfrogs will NOT let you sleep, they are so loud & right by the sites," advises a local camper about Nimisila Reservoir.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Always check site specifications before booking. "We stayed on site LV27. Great location, but not even close to level. Seemed to be the only site with this issue," reports an RVer about Clay's Resort Jellystone Park.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds in the area have problematic water. A cabin visitor notes, "The water smelled horrible, and both the shower head and faucet were caked with scum. My kids begged not to have to take a shower because of the smell." Consider bringing water filters or additional drinking water.
Maneuverability concerns: Several campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "We have a 41 foot class A and we were centimeters from dragging our bumper crossing the road to park," warns a visitor to Jellystone Park Akron/Canton, suggesting sites numbered under 100 for easier access.
