Greater Cleveland and the surrounding communities abound with natural splendor. Gorgeous waterfalls, incredible sandstone walls, and open, grassy meadows delight the eye and beckon to adventure seekers. What’s more challenging to find, however, are lovely places like these that provide overnight accommodations. When a Clevelander is dreaming of camping… where can we go? You’ll be delighted to learn that there are several campsites close to home, and some are hidden in your favorite parks.
- Kelleys Island State Park
Steve5863/TripAdvisor Believe it or not, you can actually spend the night on an island without leaving our lovely state. Kelleys Island, otherwise known as Lake Erie’s Emerald Island, includes campsites that nature lovers simply can’t resist. Peak season spans from April through October, offering you the opportunity to enjoy Ohio’s loveliest months immersed in nature… without being too far away from running water. You can book your stay here. Address: 920 Division Street, Kelleys Island, OH, 43438
- Geneva State Park
Devon M/TripAdvisor At 698 acres in size, visitors are never surprised to learn that there is much to discover at Geneva State Park. Freshwater marshes and enchanting beaches attract sun worshippers to this gorgeous park, and its lovely landscape has captured many hearts. In fact, some have a hard time leaving after a day spent hiking! If you long for more time in this pretty place, you will adore a stay in the park’s campsite. You can rent a plot without electricity, with electricity, or even choose to stay in a cabin. Schedule your stay here.
Address: 4499 Padanarum Road, Geneva, OH, 44041
- Mohican State Park
TheTravelingRoss/TripAdvisor Mohican is a breath of fresh air in the best way possible. With 1,110 acres awaiting exploration, it seems that adventure is limitless in this state park. You can canoe down the Mohican River and hike through the charming Clear Fork Gorge. Don’t want to take the trek back to Cleveland following your outdoor adventure? Book a stay in the resort lodge or a cottage, or bring your tent and reconvene with the great outdoors.
Address: 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH, 44842
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Travelling Hiker/TripAdvisor The only national park in the state is Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and its proximity to Greater Cleveland is an absolute blessing. This slice of paradise is tucked between Cleveland and Akron, and it encompasses roughly 51 square miles of breathtaking beauty. Aside from its stunning waterfalls and historic canalway, this park also features a campsite that visitors can’t get enough of. The tent-only sites are available from Memorial Day weekend through October 31, and you can reserve your campsite here.
Address: 1550 West Boston Mills Road, Peninsula, OH, 44264
- American Wilderness Campground
American Wilderness Campground and Event Center (OFFICIAL)/Facebook Widely known as the closest campground to Cleveland, this rustic campground is perfect for nature lovers that wish to avoid long travel times. The on-site cabins are delightfully cozy, and regularly scheduled events like summertime hayrides are a fan favorite. Visitors can also rent tent sites or stay in their own RV, depending on their camping preferences. To reserve your site, click here.
Address: 17273 Avon Belden Road, Grafton, OH, 44044
- Clay’s Park Resort
Clay’s Park Resort/Facebook Have you ever longed to stay overnight in a water park? While indoor waterpark resorts can be found in several parts of Ohio, there’s nothing quite like its outdoor counterpart. Clay’s Park Resort surrounds a stunning ten-acre lake, and it is absolutely abundant with summertime fun in the warmer months. You can relax on the beach or take on the floating inflatables, or spend a day on the fishing lake. For more information, check out our previous feature article here.
Address: 13190 Patterson Street NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666
- Lake Erie Bluffs
Lake Erie Bluffs/Facebook The Lake Metroparks are a stunning park district just across county lines, and there is an abundance of beauty to discover within. Clevelanders adore the diversity within these parks, and they are close enough to home for spontaneous hiking trips. They are also an incredible place to camp overnight, particularly if you’re looking for a primitive site that’s close to Lake Erie’s shore. You can find more information about the Lake Erie Bluffs campsites here.
Address: 3301 Lane Road, Perry Township, OH 44081
- Amish Country Lodging
Amish Country Lodging/Facebook Amish Country is an incredible place for a weekend trip, and there are many options in the area for overnight accommodations. However, the untamed countryside offers a cozy getaway for nature lovers. There’s nothing quite like a stay in a treehouse, especially when the treehouse is equipped with upscale features like a gas fireplace, a hot tub, and a full kitchen.
Address: 5331 County Road 626, Millersburg, OH 44654
Nature is truly a treat here in Northeast Ohio, but it’s hard to feel connected to it when you aren’t totally immersed in its loveliness. At these incredible campsites, you’ll feel one with the earth. Where is your favorite local campsite?
Steve5863/TripAdvisor
Believe it or not, you can actually spend the night on an island without leaving our lovely state. Kelleys Island, otherwise known as Lake Erie’s Emerald Island, includes campsites that nature lovers simply can’t resist. Peak season spans from April through October, offering you the opportunity to enjoy Ohio’s loveliest months immersed in nature… without being too far away from running water. You can book your stay here. Address: 920 Division Street, Kelleys Island, OH, 43438
Devon M/TripAdvisor
At 698 acres in size, visitors are never surprised to learn that there is much to discover at Geneva State Park. Freshwater marshes and enchanting beaches attract sun worshippers to this gorgeous park, and its lovely landscape has captured many hearts. In fact, some have a hard time leaving after a day spent hiking! If you long for more time in this pretty place, you will adore a stay in the park’s campsite. You can rent a plot without electricity, with electricity, or even choose to stay in a cabin. Schedule your stay here.
Address: 4499 Padanarum Road, Geneva, OH, 44041
TheTravelingRoss/TripAdvisor
Mohican is a breath of fresh air in the best way possible. With 1,110 acres awaiting exploration, it seems that adventure is limitless in this state park. You can canoe down the Mohican River and hike through the charming Clear Fork Gorge. Don’t want to take the trek back to Cleveland following your outdoor adventure? Book a stay in the resort lodge or a cottage, or bring your tent and reconvene with the great outdoors.
Address: 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH, 44842
Travelling Hiker/TripAdvisor
The only national park in the state is Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and its proximity to Greater Cleveland is an absolute blessing. This slice of paradise is tucked between Cleveland and Akron, and it encompasses roughly 51 square miles of breathtaking beauty. Aside from its stunning waterfalls and historic canalway, this park also features a campsite that visitors can’t get enough of. The tent-only sites are available from Memorial Day weekend through October 31, and you can reserve your campsite here.
Address: 1550 West Boston Mills Road, Peninsula, OH, 44264
American Wilderness Campground and Event Center (OFFICIAL)/Facebook
Widely known as the closest campground to Cleveland, this rustic campground is perfect for nature lovers that wish to avoid long travel times. The on-site cabins are delightfully cozy, and regularly scheduled events like summertime hayrides are a fan favorite. Visitors can also rent tent sites or stay in their own RV, depending on their camping preferences. To reserve your site, click here.
Address: 17273 Avon Belden Road, Grafton, OH, 44044
Clay’s Park Resort/Facebook
Have you ever longed to stay overnight in a water park? While indoor waterpark resorts can be found in several parts of Ohio, there’s nothing quite like its outdoor counterpart. Clay’s Park Resort surrounds a stunning ten-acre lake, and it is absolutely abundant with summertime fun in the warmer months. You can relax on the beach or take on the floating inflatables, or spend a day on the fishing lake. For more information, check out our previous feature article here.
Address: 13190 Patterson Street NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666
Lake Erie Bluffs/Facebook
The Lake Metroparks are a stunning park district just across county lines, and there is an abundance of beauty to discover within. Clevelanders adore the diversity within these parks, and they are close enough to home for spontaneous hiking trips. They are also an incredible place to camp overnight, particularly if you’re looking for a primitive site that’s close to Lake Erie’s shore. You can find more information about the Lake Erie Bluffs campsites here.
Address: 3301 Lane Road, Perry Township, OH 44081
Amish Country Lodging/Facebook
Amish Country is an incredible place for a weekend trip, and there are many options in the area for overnight accommodations. However, the untamed countryside offers a cozy getaway for nature lovers. There’s nothing quite like a stay in a treehouse, especially when the treehouse is equipped with upscale features like a gas fireplace, a hot tub, and a full kitchen.
Address: 5331 County Road 626, Millersburg, OH 44654
Are you a fan of outdoor adventure? You simply must visit these serene places in nature in and around Cleveland.
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