Camping options near Willoughby, Ohio provide access to the region's diverse landscape of rivers, lakes and forests across Geauga and Lake counties. Elevations in the area range from approximately 600 to 1,300 feet above sea level, with seasonal temperature variations between 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Most tent camping areas remain open from May through October, while some RV sites offer year-round access.
What to do
Fishing at multiple ponds: West Branch State Park Campground offers access to multiple fishing spots across its expansive property. "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," notes a camper at West Branch State Park Campground.
Disc golf and archery: Several campgrounds feature recreational amenities beyond typical hiking. "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf," reports a visitor at Punderson State Park Campground.
Kayaking on calm waters: The lakes in the area provide smooth waters for paddling. "We took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear," explains a camper at West Branch State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of tent camping in the area. "Would have given this site 5 stars but the walk to the site was a bit more of a haul than expected. It's like you have the forest to yourselves out here," shares a visitor at Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite.
Farm animal interactions: Unique glamping near Willoughby includes farm-based experiences. "My 6 year old daughter lived her farm animal dream life for a week! 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!" relates a family that stayed at The Farm at Grand River.
Lakefront accommodations: Sites positioned directly on the water remain popular. "I had the furthest lakeside tent from the office. Was a beautiful site but the water treatment facility had a loud hum all night, even though they said it was quiet," reports a camper at Punderson State Park Campground.
What you should know
Sloped camping pads: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "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," warns a visitor at Punderson State Park.
Wildlife activity: The natural surroundings bring wildlife close to campsites. "The second night had lots of coyotes around, which is cool but can be dangerous if not careful of course. Coyotes were heard all around the general area," reports a camper at Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite.
Bathroom quality varies: Facilities differ significantly between locations. "Wifey says the bathrooms were below average, outdated and very buggy (most important for her)," notes one camper at Punderson State Park Campground, while others at different sites report clean facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with play areas for children. "The park is very well maintained, has a nice playground and cute camp store," observes a family at Punderson State Park Campground.
Swimming opportunities: Woodside Lake Park offers water recreation for all ages. "The swimming pond has inflatables and boat rentals. There's good fishing, and typically lots of activities," reports a repeat visitor.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds organize events for children. "We had a great time. The staff was wonderful. The kids loved both the pool and the lake. The wrist band for kid activities is well worth it," shares a family at Thompson/Grand River Valley KOA Holiday.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require substantial leveling equipment. "The lots are not even close to level. You will need a lot of blocks to get close to level. Saw one RV with auto levelers with his tire about foot off the ground," cautions an RVer at Punderson State Park.
Dog-friendly options: Some areas offer specialized amenities for pets. "Dog wash, dog parks (2), private fenced dog sites (2) - pull through site," notes a visitor at Thompson/Grand River Valley KOA, making this location excellent for RVers traveling with pets.
Water quality concerns: Test water sources before connecting to RV systems. "I spent hundreds of dollars trying to filter and clean up the water to no avail. It damages everything and they won't put a treatment system in at the well pump like the 2nd well has," warns a camper at Woodside Lake Park regarding iron and sulfur in the water.
