Managed by the Geauga Park District, The West Woods in Novelty, Ohio is a county-regional park with two small walk-in campsites set within forested terrain near a river slope. The sites are tent-only and sized for two to four people, reached by roughly a quarter mile of trail from the parking lot. Pack accordingly. Campers who have stayed here note the raised tent pad held up during rain, keeping the sleeping area dry even as water moved through the surrounding ground.
The site sits slightly below trail level, which provides some separation from day hikers passing through the park. That said, the West Woods sees regular daytime foot traffic, and trail noise is a consistent part of the experience. The slope leading down to the river is a draw for families with older kids, though the terrain can be steep enough to warrant caution with younger children. Bird activity is notable throughout the day, with multiple species audible and visible from camp.
Amenities are minimal. There is no running water on site, and the toilet is located at the parking lot rather than near the camp. Campfires are permitted, but wood must be brought in. Reservations are required at least three days in advance, which rules out last-minute trips. Campers interested in nearby options can also explore places to camp near The West Woods or check out Punderson State Park Campground for a more developed alternative. As Rebecca G. puts it, "Easy getaways are wildly underrated." The campsite works best for solo campers or small groups comfortable with a pack-in setup and limited facilities.
Description
There are 2 primitive sites here. The West Woods is a 902-acre park that protects the historic sandstone ledges of Ansel’s Cave, Silver Creek and its watershed, extensive wetlands and mature forests.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsThe West Woods is located in Ohio near Novelty
Public CampgroundDirections
From Erie and points north: Travel I-90 to Route 306. Travel south on Route 306 for approximately 12.7 miles to Route 87. Turn east on Route 87, and travel 1.9 miles to the park entrance on the south side of the road. From Akron and points south: Travel I-422 to 306 exit. Turn north onto Route 306, travel approximately 5.3 miles to Route 87. Turn east on Route 87, and travel for approximately 1.9 miles. Park entrance is on the south side of Route 87. From Warren and points east: Travel Route 87 approximately 3 miles west of Auburn Road. Park entrance is on the south side of Route 87. From Cleveland and points west: From Cleveland and points west: Travel I-271 N to US 422W. Exit 29 Chagrin Blvd. OH -87. Travel Route OH-87 1.9 miles east of Route 306. Park entrance is on the south side of Route 87.
Coordinates
41.45833526 N
81.30708627 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 31 min from Cleveland, OH
- 42 min from Akron, OH
- 57 min from Youngstown, OH
- 1 hr from Canton, OH
