Best Camping Sites Near Cleveland
Spring, summer and fall are the best times to camp. Near Cleveland, there are more than 100 places to camp. Because of this, you can choose whether you want to travel all day or just part of the morning to get to the campsite. Facilities may include just restrooms and water hookups for the RV while you camp in the scenic outdoors – or a main lodge with dining, dancing and a cozy bed. Whatever your preference, camping in Ohio is scenic, fun and right around the corner.
Mohican State Park
3116 State Route 3
Loudonville, OH 44842
(419) 938-6222
Mohican State Park
Mohican State Park in central Ohio has a rich history and amazing beauty, all waiting to be explored. This was once the hunting grounds of Native Americans. And famous white Americans like James Smith, the first white man in the area, and John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed, are carved into these woods. Find solace in your soul while you hunt, hike and explore Mohican State Park. Challenge yourself with camping at Mohican State Park by using the "primitive" facilities where a tent is a necessity; or camp in the park with a camper cabin, where the shelter is provided, but you must bring everything else. Or choose a cottage, in which beds, kitchen tables and more are available for your use. There is also a lodge and conference center if being outdoors during the day only is more your style. Mohican State Park is the ultimate camping experience; there's something for everyone in this historic forest.
Related: Best Hiking Trails In Cleveland
Jellystone Park
4185 Township Rd. 99
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
(419) 946-5230
Jellystone Park
Introduce the kids to camping fun at Jellystone Park. This Yogi Bear campsite includes all of the fun stuff kids love and all of the camping amenities parents need. Located at Dogwood Lakes, you can swim and splash, boat, ride horses, swim in the heated pool and play in the Recreation Hall all day. At night, sit by the fire and roast marshmallows, all while making friends and memories. Jellystone Park is a great stepping stone to real camping if that's what the goal is. There are also RV supplies, laundry and cottages for a truly great vacation. Don't worry about a thing when camping at Jellystone Park.
American Wilderness Campground
17273 Avon Belden Rd. (Rt. 83)
Grafton, OH 44044
(440) 926-3700
American Wilderness Campground
American Wilderness Campground redefines the "all inclusive" classification. Go here if you want to go camping, and bring the RV or just a tent. You can rent a villa for a honeymoon and cabin for the great outdoors experience. American Wilderness Campground has it all, and it's near Cleveland. The recreation fun for the kids and adults is never ending too. There's a splash zone with tiki huts for the kids, planned activities for all ages and pets are welcome. The adult camping trip offers a fully stocked 11-acre fishing lake, boat rentals and biking and hiking trails. American Wilderness Campground can transform your camping experience from hum-drum to extraordinary.
Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S
Logan, OH 43138
(740) 385-6165
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is well known in Ohio. Places like Old Man's Cave, Cantwell Cliffs and Rock Bridge Falls are the perfect examples of Ohio's geological mysteries; jutting out from hills and rolling off the landscape are natural slate sculptures. If you're from Ohio, or just passing through, Hocking Hills State Park is one of the most sought-after places to camp and visit. Surrounding Hocking Hills are plenty of places with a B&B you'll love, or instead rent one of the cottages in Hocking Hills and surround yourself with the beauty and peace of the forests. Hocking Hills State Park also offers more for the family than you can imagine. Besides hiking, you'll find horseback riding, canoeing and a zip-line adventure. There's no end to the magic found in Hocking Hills.
Maumee Bay State Park
1400 State Park Road
Oregon, OH 43616
(419) 836-8828
Maumee Bay State Park
If you're looking to take yourself out of the forest and into the sun, Maumee Bay State Park is the place for you. One of the most inclusive state parks near the impressive Lake Erie, Maumee Bay State Park has camping and recreation fun for everyone. There's swimming and playing in the sand for the kids and golfing, biking, fishing, hunting, hiking and even boating for the adults. The Maumee Bay State Park offers activities like the Monarch Butterfly Festival. And if you're interested, a short drive will take you to the Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art or Cedar Point – one of the best amusement parks in the USA. Maumee Bay State Park can be your family's yearly vacation, and one everyone will look forward to.
Marissa Burke is a happily adventurous wife, mother and runner. Living in Lakewood, Ohio she searches neighboring communities for exciting food and drinks that are good and good for you in the Cleveland area. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
