The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Youngstown, OH

716 Reviews

State parks and recreation areas within an hour of Youngstown, Ohio provide a variety of camping experiences centered around lakes and reservoirs. West Branch State Park Campground, located 20 miles west of Youngstown near Wayland, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts alongside Kirwan Reservoir. Mosquito Lake State Park Campground in Cortland features waterfront sites with varying levels of privacy and a mix of open and wooded terrain. Closer to town, Youngstown ARS FamCamp provides a small but well-maintained RV park with 15 sites adjacent to the Youngstown Regional Airport. The Ohio-Pennsylvania border area includes additional options like Pymatuning State Park and Shenango Campground, both offering water-based recreation opportunities.

Reservations are essential during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly, particularly at West Branch State Park. According to one camper, "West Branch is one of the best-known family campgrounds in NE Ohio. Be sure to book early as spots fill up often." Most state park campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities with shower houses, though amenities vary considerably between locations. Cell service can be spotty, with T-Mobile coverage noted as weak at several parks. Weather conditions remain relatively mild from May through October, with occasional summer thunderstorms. Winter camping is available at select locations like West Branch, though with reduced services. Many campgrounds close or operate with limited facilities from November through April.

Lakefront camping dominates the region's offerings, with fishing, boating, and swimming available at most locations. Campers frequently mention the quality of waterfront sites at Mosquito Lake, where "the site was spacious, but not as private as some others." Pymatuning State Park receives praise for its lake views and wildlife watching opportunities, including bald eagles and various bird species. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with West Branch described as busy with boat traffic during summer days but quieter at night. The Youngstown ARS FamCamp offers a more peaceful setting, with one visitor noting it's "pretty quiet, probably more air traffic when it's warmer as it's mostly private planes at the actual airport." Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, beaches, and hiking trails are common at the state parks.

Map showing campgrounds near Youngstown, OhioExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Ridge Ranch Family Campgrounds

Ridge Ranch Family Campgrounds

20 min away

Quiet and Secluded

Quiet and Secluded

26 min away

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Youngstown Contest

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Youngstown, Ohio (137)

    1. West Branch State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    25 miles
    Website

    "Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences."

    "Here's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming"

    2. Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Sharpsville, OH
    7 miles
    Website

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Our family really enjoyed staying here, and our kids especially loved swimming and fishing in the lake. In the evening, we bought some firewood from the campground owners for our bonfire."

    "The only downside for us is that we're full-time and this is close to "home." We don't really use the amenities, so we can't validate having to pay for anyone to visit us only at our rv."

    3. Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area

    22 Reviews
    Berlin Center, OH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 547-8180

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Lots of playgrounds and you can access the lake for swimming and fishing from just about anywhere. The sites are well spaced and feel private, until you get closer to the lake."

    "The people next to us parked their boat right behind their site. We even seen a doe and 2 fawn right here at our site!"

    4. Shenango Campground

    15 Reviews
    Transfer, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 646-1124

    $18 - $34 / night

    "The Shenango Recreation Area is a large campground with some 300 plus sites located on a lake in western Pennsylvania. Access to the campground is fairly easy and about 12 miles north of I-80."

    "Most spaces are shaded and if not on the water, close to the water. We took kayaks - endless places to put into the water including from many sites. Easy 1.5 hour drive from Pittsburgh."

    5. Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Cortland, OH
    21 miles
    Website

    "This park is one of my favorites in Ohio at this time. Most of the sites are some what private. There are many trails and even a fog park next to the lake."

    "The group next to us seemed a little rowdy when we first pulled in, but by 10:00 there was no noise anywhere near us. "

    6. Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground

    2 Reviews
    Struthers, OH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 330-1901

    $35 / night

    "My first camping location and review. Camping in a tree farm has been cool!

    I called the number listed and left a message. See the friendly manager walking the farm."

    7. KOA Lake Milton Berlin Lake

    8 Reviews
    Lake Milton, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 538-2194

    "My 2 boys had so much fun at the lake and the playground and the bounce pad ect ect! The owners and all the staff were extremely friendly and helpful and always around interacting with the guests."

    "Very nice lake and inflatables in swim area. Good fishing lake as well. Lake milton is a jump down the road for boating."

    8. Not Available

    1 Review
    Youngstown, OH
    2 miles

    $5 - $35 / night

    9. Youngstown ARS FamCamp

    1 Review
    Cortland, OH
    12 miles
    +1 (330) 609-1501

    $12 - $15 / night

    "Thankfully Youngstown, Ohio isn't really a vacation destination. Only 5 Sites are full hookup. The rest are water/ electric. It's attached to the Youngstown Regional Airport."

    10. Beaver Creek State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Negley, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 385-3091

    $18 - $50 / night

    "Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe. "

    "direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 137 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Youngstown Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Youngstown, OH

276 Photos of 137 Youngstown Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Youngstown, OH

716 Reviews of 137 Youngstown Campgrounds

  • Bettina A.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Run Campground

    Options.

    This is an amazing campground with reasonable prices, an array of camping options to suit different camping needs as well as budget range. I am unsure if I just happen to have gotten lucky and decided to go camping during a special weekend, but it’s Labor Day weekend and I am loving that there is a calendar of events for campers to participate in if they choose to. Activities include wagon rides to the lake, talent show, karaoke…etc, as well as church! This was an unexpected gem as we are from Florida and were blessed enough to stumble upon the right person in a parking lot when my husband asked if they knew of any places that we could possibly camp at nearby and that gentleman told us about Moraine Park. Upon making our way out to here, we found Bear Run and have loved our experience so far. Love it!

  • Don H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Shenango Campground

    Great camping

    Great place to camp. Beautiful lake and wonderful people.

  • 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.

  • Jerry L.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Woodside Lake Park

    Old Park With Iron Laden Well Water Beware

       I stayed at this park for 2 months in 2023 and was planing on staying for 5 months in 2025. I left after 2 months due to iron& sulfur laden well water that is provided in at least half the park. 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 so you can filter it to an acceptable level for drinking, cooking, washing etc.

       In 2023 I was in a section that was treated and my filters/softener did a acceptable job to make it work. I Used the laundry facilities also. This trip to see family in 2025 I was in a different section and by the second day it was unacceptable disgusting turbid rusty water with sulfur odor. I bought additional filters for Ferrous Iron Water treatment and remediation along with iron out chemical for cleaning fixtures and plumbing system on the camper. It barely worked well enough for a couple weeks between filter changes and rinsing the system for shower use. I Had to buy drinking water in town every few days for cooking, drinking and brushing teeth etc.

       New owners bought the park in 2023 and have increased monthly rent from$750 a month to$950 a month but don't seem to care enough about the health and comfort of their guest to do anything with the well water for a majority of the park. Let alone any of the other infrastructure or"amenities" to be generous in there reference This year even the laundry machines where too disgusting to use that we had to go into town for laundry also.

       The park needs major renovations to just bring it up to modern standards. The bath house is in decrepit condition moldy smelly and barely cleaned anytime I was over there. Site pads are rip rap 1" to 4" size rock with no fine rock coverings, or in some areas smoother rock and dirt but nowhere close to flat or level. Water drainage when its raining is deplorable and you very well might be in a mud pit at your doorway.

       It's sad there are no decent RV parks in the Cleveland area, just old campgrounds that have added hook-ups and market themselves as RV parks and now charge like they are RV Resorts. Reserve a space at your own risk and definitely verify where and what water source you are on. Bring plenty of filters and plan on sanitizing your system after staying there.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Silver Springs Campground

    Affordable

    The lots are nice and large. The main problem was very hard to level and soft grass they don’t have a well compacted area for your tt/rv. Would be nice to have bathroom built on the campground. Have to walk to the baseball field to use the bathrooms. Overall had a good time with my family.

  • S
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground

    Great community

    When I first got here the 2 owners went above and beyond in so many ways. Unfortunately they didn’t have a 50 amp site available so the owner gave me 30 amp converter at no cost and also helped me hook up my gray water and black water connections. They keep the area pristine and welcome everyone as if they are family.

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA

    Nice All Year Around Camping

    This was an awesome place for a winter trip! The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    Great Outdoor Spot in Beaver County

    This campground is great for a little getaway. Most sites are spacious! Only downside is you can hear the airport. Not a huge deal though! We loved it

Guide to Youngstown

Camping near Youngstown, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice stretch of forest...great views, trails for different skill levels."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Pymatuning State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor noted, "Beautiful lake on the Ohio/PA border...clean bathrooms/showers."
  • Playgrounds and Beaches: Families will love the playgrounds and small beaches at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground. One camper shared, "Great showerhouses and very nice playground."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A review for West Branch State Park Campground stated, "The facilities were clean...the campground was quiet."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A visitor at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp sites were fairly spacious and level."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One review for Silver Springs Campground noted, "The campground attendant was a very friendly man who asked several times if we had questions about the area."

What you should know

  • Site Variability: Not all sites are the same. A camper at Geneva State Park Campground pointed out, "Not all campsites are the same...some areas are closer together."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for rain. A visitor at Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA shared, "Our tent leaked horribly bad...we had to pack up and leave."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A review for Tomlinson Run State Park Campground mentioned, "Facilities are older but well kept."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One family at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground enjoyed, "We rented a motor boat and paddleboard...had a beautiful large area to set up two tents."
  • Pack for Rain: Always have rain gear handy. A camper at Punderson State Park Campground advised, "There were lots of mosquitoes so be prepared to bring bug spray!"
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A visitor at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground noted, "There were numerous playgrounds and activities for kids."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to check the level of your site. A review for Pymatuning State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites seemed pretty level from side to side."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Silver Springs Campground said, "The campground can get very muddy during the wet season."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A visitor at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Dump station has 2 lanes which was nice when checking out."

Camping around Youngstown, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there year-round campgrounds available in the Youngstown area?

While many campgrounds in the Youngstown area operate seasonally, several options do remain open year-round or have extended seasons. Youngstown ARS FamCamp offers year-round camping for military families with its well-maintained sites. Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground near Hubbard also provides extended season camping. Most state parks in the region, including Mosquito Lake and Pymatuning, typically close their full-service campgrounds during winter months (approximately November through March), though some may offer limited winter camping or cabin rentals. Weather in northeastern Ohio can be challenging during winter months with significant snowfall and cold temperatures, so facilities like bathhouses may be closed even at year-round campgrounds. Always call ahead to confirm current operating status and available amenities during off-season visits.

What are the best campgrounds near Youngstown, Ohio?

The Youngstown area offers several excellent camping options. Mosquito Lake State Park Campground stands out with somewhat private sites, multiple trails, and a dog park next to the lake. Another popular choice is West Branch State Park Campground, known for its family-friendly atmosphere with full amenities, clean facilities, and a nice lake for recreation. Within a reasonable drive, you'll also find Pymatuning State Park Campground on the Ohio/PA border, Jefferson Lake State Park Campground in southeastern Ohio, and Beaver Creek State Park Campground near East Liverpool. For military families, Youngstown ARS FamCamp offers well-maintained, level sites at a small installation with about 15 camping spaces.

What cabins or overnight accommodations are available near Youngstown?

The Youngstown area offers diverse overnight accommodations beyond traditional tent camping. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins provides cabin rentals along with RV sites for a comfortable stay. Heritage Farms, located near the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, offers both standard campsites and shelters scattered among a working Christmas tree farm. For those seeking additional options, Pymatuning State Park has cabins available alongside their camping areas, while Cuyahoga Valley National Park area features the historic Stanford House accommodations. KOA Lake Milton Berlin Lake also provides cabin rentals with amenities for those wanting a more comfortable camping experience. Most cabin accommodations require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons.

Are there any free camping options around Youngstown?

Free camping options near Youngstown are limited, but there are a few possibilities within a reasonable drive. Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping in the Summit Metro Parks system offers primitive camping opportunities for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. For those willing to venture a bit further, Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area provides more rustic camping experiences. While not entirely free, these areas typically have minimal fees compared to developed campgrounds. Always verify current policies before planning your trip, as regulations regarding dispersed and free camping can change. Consider contacting the local ranger districts or park offices directly for the most up-to-date information about free or low-cost camping options.

Keep Exploring