Many people who want to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio are disappointed to learn that camping is no longer offered in the park and that backcountry camping is also prohibited. However, there are numerous campground and RV parks in nearby state parks and privately owned facilities that are within driving distance to make your visit here more than just a day trip.
Here are the top-rated camping spots near Cuyahoga Valley National Park to help you set up your overnight accommodations.
Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA, Streetsboro
For a family-friendly campground near the national park, consider the Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA, which is open for camping between May 1 and October 31. This campground has a general store, 50-amp RV sites, a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and firewood and propane for sale. The max length for RV sites here is 95 feet. In addition to RV camping, there are also tent camping options and cabins for rent. There are themed weekends and planned activities held at this KOA. In addition to the national park, it’s also fun to visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum when you stay here.
Punderson State Park Campground, Newbury
There are multiple state park campgrounds near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including the one at Punderson State Park. This campground has 20 full hookup sites with 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer. It also has 137 20-amp electric sites and 15 non-electric sites. You’ll be in a family-friendly and pet-friendly camping area with easy access to hiking, fishing, and paddling. The campground offers flush toilets, showers, a dump station, nature center, playground, and kayak rentals at the camp office. There’s also a kayak launch spot by the office at the park. Winter camping is an option, but the amenities are more limited.
Stow Silver Springs Campground, Stow
Another option is to stay at the Stow Silver Springs Campground, which is open for camping between April 1 and October 31. This is an affordable place to stay that’s just $13 per night for Stow residents and $15 per night for non-residents. Drop-in camping is not an option here, so you’ll need to make a reservation at least a day in advance. The campground is operated by the Parks and Recreation Department at the City of Stow. It’s one of the very few municipally operated campgrounds in Ohio and has 27 campsites. Some sites are open with others are shaded, but all sites have picnic tables, electrical hookups, fire rings, and grills. You’ll find water spigots around the campground, as well as a trailer dump station, portable restrooms, and many park amenities for recreation.
Woodside Lake Park Campground, Streetsboro
Woodside Lake Park is a scenic Northeast Ohio campground that is near the national park and also Cleveland, Akron, and Aurora. It is typically open for camping from April 15 to November 1. When you book a site here, you’ll be at a 100-acre campground and have easy access to hiking, biking, paddle-boating, fishing, and swimming. Travelers can reserve a site on the park website.
Hidden Valley Campground, Ravenna
Set among 64 acres of trees and spring-fed lakes, the Hidden Valley Campground is a family-friendly spot to camp near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is also 20 minutes from West Branch State Park, which is a great place for boating. In addition to RV sites, you can also rent a trailer or a cabin at this park. Tent camping is also an option here. Activities at the campground include Saturday night bingo, canoe and rowboat rentals, DJs on holiday weekends, cornhole tournaments, fishing, and drive-in movie nights.
West Branch State Park Campground, Ravenna
West Branch State Park offers camping as well and is conveniently located near the national park. From here, it’s easy to access the statewide Buckeye Trail and enjoy boating, swimming, and disc golf. There’s a campground here with full hookup and electric-only camping sites. Additionally, there are group sites and a separate equestrian campground here with non-electric sites. The campground has over 200 sites in total and is known for its great beach and boat launch. The facilities include flush toilets, heated showers, laundry facilities, and a trailer dump station.
Countryside Campground, Mogadore
The Countryside Campground is a quaint and family-oriented campground by the Mogadore Reservoir and nestled in peaceful surroundings. It’s close to the national park and has lots of great amenities and activities. There are 95 RV sites, several of which are pull-throughs and can accommodate double slide-outs. The maximum RV length here is 40 feet, and there are full hookup and water/electric-only sites here. If you don’t have your own camper, you can rent a travel trailer, cabin, or cottage at the campground. This place also has a swimming pool and lake access to the reservoir to make your family vacation an enjoyable one.
Maple Lakes Recreational Park, Seville
When you visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you can camp nearby at the Maple Lakes Recreational Park and make lots of fun day trips. This campground offers many fun and seasonal activities, such as hayrides, Halloween parties, and a Christmas in July event. Maple Lakes is northeast of Seville, Ohio and also has cabin rentals available. Camping is typically offered here between mid-April and the first of October. Features of this camping spot include a baseball/softball field, basketball and volleyball courts, off-leash pet area, playground, fishing, Wi-Fi, and a swimming pool.
Cherokee Park Family Campground, Mogadore
At the Cherokee Park Family Campground, you’ll be just a short drive from the national park and Akron in Northeast, Ohio. This campground is on 50 acres of land in a wooded and open space by two small lakes. Camping season here runs from mid-April to mid-October. The facilities include hot showers, a dump station, laundry room, and propane and firewood for sale. For RVs, there are 120 campsites with 30-amp electric and water hookups. Some pull-through sites are available here, and there are some tent sites for the summer too. Overall, this is a well-maintained park with great service for your camping trip.
Roundup Lake Campground, Mantua
For your national park trip, consider staying at the Roundup Lake Campground, which has over 350 camping sites and also lodge, cottage, and cabin rentals. The pool is open daily, and the lake is open from Friday to Sunday in season. This pet-friendly camping resort also has wagon rides, volleyball, movie nights, kayaks and canoes, four playground areas, and a sandy beach on the lakes. A laundry room, horseshoe pits, game room, and shuffleboard are also provided. Check the campground website to see if any themed weekends are happening during your trip, such as a yard sale weekend, luau weekend, or pet weekend.
Ridge Ranch Campground, Newton Falls
Between May and October, you can stay at the Ridge Ranch Campground, which spans 76 acres and has a 16-acre lake with a sandy beach and swimming deck. There are lots of planned activities here, including karaoke and DJs. The campground also offers canoe and paddleboat rentals, playgrounds, and fun outdoor sports. There is a camp store in case you need any supplies and accommodations for tents and RVs. Cabin rentals are also available onsite. Guests enjoy the off-leash swim and play area for dogs at the Ridge Ranch Campground.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Akron/Canton, Uniontown
There’s a nice Yogi Bear-themed campground near Cuyahoga Valley National Park too, which is a top choice for traveling families. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Akron/Canton has lots of opportunities for fun, including in inflatable obstacle course, 18-hole mini golf, and themed weekends with crafts and games for kids. Wagon rides, fire truck rides, and giant tube slides are also located here to keep young campers entertained. For camping, there are pull-through RV sites, primitive tent sites, and luxury cabin rentals. Camping season here runs from May through October, with discounts available in September and October.
