The camping areas near Willoughby Hills, Ohio offer diverse options within a 30-mile radius. Located in the northeastern Ohio region with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,200 feet, these campgrounds experience warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cool fall evenings dropping to the 40s. Most campgrounds in this area sit near lakes or rivers, creating popular fishing opportunities throughout the camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Kool Lakes Family RV Park, campers can fish directly from waterfront sites. "Our kids age 4 and 8 fished from sun up Saturday to about noon and then sporadically after that throughout the day. That night we hunted large bull frogs. All catch and release," reports one camper. The park offers multiple fishing ponds but doesn't sell bait on-site.
Disc golf and archery: Punderson State Park Campground features both disc golf and an archery range. "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf," notes a reviewer. The park also maintains hiking trails and a man-made beach with a floating boardwalk.
Miniature golf and swimming: Several campgrounds offer recreational activities for all ages. "Nice mini golf and good ice cream. Camp store was fully stocked and had the only gas in town," mentioned a camper at Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake. Roundup Lake RV Resort includes a lake with inflatable water features and space for kayaks and paddleboards.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Campers frequently mention lakefront sites as highly desirable. "It's been my kids favorite so far this yr, probably mine as well. Main reason we had a vacant lot on either side of us and our lot (a24) was right on water," shares a Kool Lakes visitor. Waterfront sites often fill quickly during summer months.
Clean facilities: Many reviewers specifically note bathroom cleanliness as important. At Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake, one camper appreciated that "The campground is clean with plenty of open space and trails." Kenisee Lake provides two fishing lakes and makes rowboats available for camper use.
Family-friendly environments: Kenisee's Grand River Campground gets high marks from families. "It's a great place with a lot of events and entertainment for family's. Multiple fishing ponds, Friday night bingo, bands, fishing tournament for kids, duck race, Christmas in July and many other activities," writes a seasonal camper who has stayed there for five years.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most RV campgrounds near Willoughby Hills, Ohio operate from early May through mid-October. Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake, Kenisee's Grand River Campground, and Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake all close after the third week of October. Punderson State Park Campground remains the primary year-round option.
Site variations: Campsite quality varies significantly, even within the same park. "The sites greatly very on size and flatness so make sure you look at the pictures of the site before you book some are basically the parking pad and a fire ring, some are big and flat some are on a incline," advises a Punderson camper.
Cell service considerations: Internet connectivity varies throughout the region. At Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake, a visitor noted: "Kenisee Lake RV Resort is a wonderful place to work from remotely if you have an external antenna to cellular internet." Without external antennas, signal strength may be limited at rural locations.
Tips for camping with families
Weekend activities: Look for campgrounds with structured events. "Loved our short stay, clean & lots to do," shared a visitor at Kenisee's Grand River Campground. Many campgrounds host weekend activities like bingo, bands, and seasonal celebrations that keep children entertained.
Swimming options: The Farm at Grand River offers creek-side camping for families who enjoy water access. "My 6 year old daughter lived her farm animal dream life for a week! The hosts were so accommodating. My daughter loved the free movie nights under stars, running wild with the goats, and the play grounds and play houses kept her busy for hours," shares a recent visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain playgrounds for younger campers. "The park is very nice. Great Lodge. Nice lakes and cabins to rent," notes a Punderson State Park visitor. The park includes a playground area convenient to camping sites, hiking trails suitable for families, and rental cabins for those without camping equipment.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RV campers frequently mention site leveling issues. At Roundup Lake RV Resort, a camper with a 33-foot travel trailer observed: "Sites are close but shady and large enough for trailer and our truck." The primarily gravel sites may require leveling blocks at many campgrounds.
Hookup variations: Full-hookup availability differs among campgrounds. "Nice huge CG with mostly long term residents. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. Good FHUs," reports a Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake visitor. Some parks offer primarily water and electric sites, with limited sewer connections.
Gate access procedures: Many RV campgrounds near Willoughby Hills have gated entrances with specific check-in procedures. At Kenisee's Grand River Campground, a reviewer noted: "Gated entry with provided code after payment given. We arrived after dark and had a little trouble finding our spot." Call ahead if arriving outside office hours to receive entry instructions.
