Big Creek Park

Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

Lily of the Valley

Country Lakes Family Campground

Headwaters Park is a 926-acre reservation located in Claridon and Huntsburg townships. The property is leased by Geauga Park District from the City of Akron in a partnership that allows for conservation of natural areas, enjoyment by park visitors, and outdoor education and passive recreation. It is Geauga Park District's intent to mange this natural area and to protect the water quality for aquatic life and downstream neighbors.

Prior to 1932, the east branch of the Cuyahoga River meandered through a lush ravine as it made its way through Claridon and Huntsburg townships. Picnickers enjoyed many summer afternoons along it's banks; vacationers escaped to cottages nestled around adjacent Crystal Lake and along the river's edge.

When the City of Akron began purchasing land in Geauga County in 1932, the cottages and neighboring farmhouses were moved and a dam was built to impound the waters in East Branch Reservoir.

Having secured a stable water supply for the businesses and homes in their community, City of Akron officials opened the reservoir and surrounding land to local residents in 1959. In 1996, Geauga Park District's Board of Park Commissioners signed an agreement to lease the land and reservoir, and renamed the area Headwaters Park because of its location at the upper reaches of the Cuyahoga River.

Visitor activities are regulated by Geauga Park District in accordance with the City of Akron in order to achieve mutual stewardship goals of protecting natural resources and water quality.

Camping is available by permit in the designated tent pad or lean-to sites. Reservations for all facilities can be made online or by calling the Park District office.

Headwaters Park

Rolling hills and lush greens await you at Thompson/Grand River Valley KOA Holiday! Located in the quaint town of Thompson, Ohio this campground offers an experience for all campers. Thompson KOA is sits in the middle of Ohio Wine Country just minutes from Lake Erie and Cleveland making it a great home base for day trips and off-site adventures. Sites fan out around a stocked fishing pond, walking paths, a swimming hole, and heated outdoor pool. Onsite amenities include golf cart rentals, jumping pillow, playground, gem mining and more. There is fun to be had by all with robust recreation options including Wibbits, volleyball, gaga ball, basketball, and paddle board rentals.

Thompson-Grand River Valley KOA

Punderson State Park

Perry Township Park

Surrounded by the Sawdust Preserve part of the Natural History Museum of Cleveland.  Located 6 miles south of Harpersfield Township, Ohio; naturalist Isabelle H. Klein wrote a collection of letters from her home of Sawdust (named from the sawdust left by the loggers of the early 60’s) for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Explorer Magazine from the winter of 1969 to the summer of 1976. They then were published as the book “Letters From  Sawdust” by the Press of Case Western Reserve University for the Museum. After we added the farmhouse to the land we already owned we decided to preserve almost 400 acres of the property with the help of the Western Reserve Land Conservatory for the Cleveland  Museum Of Natural History Natural Areas program.

Sawdust FarmCamp

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.

The West Woods

Kenisee's Grand River Campground

Part of a larger county park system, Big Creek Great park has a little bit of everything. Most of the trails are small, well-marked, accessible, and easily walkable for families. 

As far as camping, there are two rent sites (A and B), two lean-to sites (C and D), plus a tree house :) Really cool structures that are available to rent through the website. 

Quick tip: Bring some fishing rods! There are a few ponds on the property, complete with fishing docs, that are stocked with bluegill and small man fish. Have at it!￼

Big Creek Park

Save more with PRO

Do you own or manage this property?

About This Campground

Access

Stay Connected

Site Types

Features

For Campers

Reviews

2022 Explorer Giveaway

Great place!

Location

Address

Coordinates

Nearby Campgrounds