Best Tent Camping near Wickliffe, OH

Tent campgrounds within a short drive of Wickliffe, Ohio include both lakefront and forested options. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite offers tent sites with a quiet, secluded setting, while Lake Erie Bluffs provides walk-in tent camping with views of Lake Erie. The West Woods, located in Geauga County, features small primitive tent sites connected by hiking trails.

Most tent-only sites in the region require campers to hike in their gear from designated parking areas. Penitentiary Glen's campsite involves what one reviewer described as "a bit more of a haul than expected," requiring multiple trips to transport equipment. Fire rings are provided at most locations, with firewood available at some campgrounds like Lake Erie Bluffs and Heritage Farms. Portable toilets or vault toilets are typically available, though they may be located a distance from campsites. Water access varies significantly—Lake Erie Bluffs and The West Woods have no drinking water available, requiring campers to bring their own supply.

Several backcountry tent camping areas near Wickliffe feature elevated tent pads that keep equipment dry during rainfall. The West Woods offers two small tent sites that accommodate 2-4 person tents, providing significant privacy from other campers. These sites tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. At Lake Erie Bluffs, tent campers can enjoy lakefront views and wildlife observation opportunities. A recent review noted, "Site was a walk-in site with plenty of room. Fire wood and kindling were at the site waiting for us when we got there. We had a perfect view of the sunset from the site." Heritage Farms, while slightly farther from Wickliffe, offers unique tent camping among Christmas trees with relatively private sites and wagons provided to transport gear from the parking area.

Best Tent Sites Near Wickliffe, Ohio (13)

    1. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Kirtland, OH
    6 miles
    Website

    $25 / night

    "Even with the colder weather it was nice and cozy. Plenty of fire wood provided and a short distance away from the gorge to walk."

    "Would have given this site 5 stars but the walk to the site was a bit more of a haul than expected. It was just myself, kids, and pup."

    2. The West Woods

    4 Reviews
    Novelty, OH
    13 miles
    Website

    "Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine."

    "While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy. Amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation."

    3. Big Creek Park

    1 Review
    Chardon, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 286-9516

    "Most of the trails are small, well-marked, accessible, and easily walkable for families."

    4. Lake Erie Bluffs

    2 Reviews
    Perry, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 358-7275

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Site was a walk-in site with plenty of room. Fire wood and kindling were at the site waiting for us when we got there. We had a perfect view of the sunset from the site."

    "Walk in sites with a beautiful view of Lake Erie! Quiet, clean, well kept! Provided firewood was great! Able to watch Eagles soaring over Lake Erie listening to the waves hit the bluff below!"

    5. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    26 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.  "

    "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."

    6. Headwaters Park

    2 Reviews
    Middlefield, OH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 286-9516

    $10 - $20 / night

    "I camped at site J the tent pad was level and easy to drive stakes into. I didn't use the toilets so can't comment on the cleanliness there."

    "Park has tent sites as well. Site G is a great setting and therefore books out more readily than other sites. Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks."

    7. Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites

    Be the first to review!
    Brecksville, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 526-1012

    $5 / night

    9. Hidden Hollow Camp

    1 Review
    Lodi, OH
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 722-9364

    "Vault toilets are fine."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Wickliffe, OH

465 Reviews of 13 Wickliffe 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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

  • R
    Aug. 1, 2018

    West Branch State Park Campground

    Well kept campground with access to beach and dock

    Each campsite in on a leveled cement pad and comes with a fire ring a picnic table. There is plenty of room around your site and you don't feel crowded. Most sites offer nice tree coverage for shade. The restrooms and showers are very clean and well taken care of. There is also a laundry facility and sink outside each one for washing dishes and water fountains throughout the park. There is a nice beachfront for swimming and then a dock that be reached from outside the park. A beautiful lake for kayaking or boating. The store has most camping needs in it and once a week they host an ice cream social. Has a very nice playground and a sand volleyball court. There are some hiking trails, but nothing extensive.

  • 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.

  • Andrea F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    West Branch State Park Campground

    Severe Sloping Site Won’t Keep Us From Having Fun

    On first impression we were not impressed with this park. First the water fill is on an incline so when our tank was “full” pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full. This was okay for a short weekend but not good planning from who ever designed the park. Also our site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke. 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.

    Once the dynamics of filling and setting up were done. We set off to explore the park. It had some really nice hiking trails. We also played some disc golf and went geocaching.

    The camper beach was small but nice and clean. We also took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear.

    The only thing we were unable to do is have a camp fire. The fire ring was pushed so far down in the mud we were unable to get good air flow to start a fire. No campfire no worries the bugs were bad anyway.

    I will definitely come back but not to site 190. To much hassle.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area

    Bad experience

    Stayed here on Saturday night of July 4th weekend. Arrived after hours without a reservation. No information on how to self register or which campsites were available even though some sites are first come first served. Found an open site, set up and went to bed. There were fireworks (prohibited) and the campsite next to us played loud music but it was before quiet hours so we didn’t mind. The loud music turned into a party with alcohol (prohibited) and the loud music continued way past quiet hours. No campground host or personnel did anything about the noise/party. At 12:30am we moved campsites because we couldn’t sleep. We saw sheriff patrolling the campground - don’t know why they didn’t quiet the offenders.

    The campground is large with many sites so the probability of inconsiderate people is higher. I won’t be returning.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2017

    West Branch State Park Campground

    Love the Lake!

    This state park has a lot to offer with the highlight being a large 2,650-lake that appeals to fishermen, boaters, and swimmers. The park is over 5,000 acres and not only has camping but hiking, volleyball, fishing, playgrounds, picnicking, hunting, horseback riding, and more.

    The campground is divided into three loops with nearly 200 sites. Campsites include those with full hook-up (50 amp), electric only (50 amp), and some with no electric. This campground is suitable for everything from large RVs to tents. Sites and roads are paved and each site has a picnic table and fire pit. In loops where there is no water directly at the site, water spigots are scattered throughout. The restroom/bathhouses in our loop were really nice, modern, clean, and had laundry facilities which is a real plus at a state park campground. Campsites can be reserved online up to six months in advance. Since we were here in April, the campground was practically empty and getting a site was no problem. But, if you want one of the 29 full hook-up sites in the summer, you better book early.

    We really enjoyed the hiking trails and being able to leave our campsite and be right on the trails. There are approximately 12 miles of hiking trails and an additional 20 miles that are open to horses and snowmobiles. (Be aware that hunting is permitted in certain areas.)

    The park is about 15 miles from Cuyahoga Valley National Park which is a fantastic place to explore with a lot going on for the whole family! If you are interested in football, the National Football Hall of Fame is just down the road in Canton. The town of Hudson has a pretty, historic downtown with a fun old soda fountain.

    We would definitely stay at this campground again. It was a perfect place to stay while visiting family in the nearby town of Hudson. Loved having a paved site with full hook-ups especially since there was a lot of rain while we were there. The lake was perfect for kayaking and had we been able to stay longer we would have spent more time on the water.


Guide to Wickliffe

Tent camping near Wickliffe, Ohio offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature. With well-maintained facilities and access to numerous activities, these campgrounds cater to both relaxation and adventure.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At The West Woods, campers can enjoy features like picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to cook and gather around the fire.
  • Headwaters Park provides reservable sites with picnic tables and the option for cabin or glamping accommodations, perfect for those seeking a bit more comfort.
  • Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite allows pets and has toilets available, ensuring a convenient stay for families and furry friends.

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $35

  • Camping at The West Woods is budget-friendly, with a low fee of just $5 for county residents, making it an affordable option for a quick getaway.
  • Heritage Farms charges around $35 per night, offering a unique experience nestled within a Christmas tree farm.
  • For a more rustic experience, Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping is free, providing a great option for those looking to camp without breaking the bank.

Explore local attractions and activities

  • Lake Erie Bluffs offers stunning views of the lake and opportunities for birdwatching, including eagles soaring overhead.
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park features numerous hiking trails and scenic landscapes, perfect for outdoor adventures and exploration.
  • Big Creek Park provides well-marked trails and fishing opportunities, making it a great spot for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wickliffe, OH is Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Wickliffe, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.