Whether you want to rough it in a tent or stay warm in a cabin, Ohio has enough waterfront campsites to please even the pickiest campers. This list of spots features campgrounds near bodies of water and beaches, so the whole family can enjoy everything from swimming to fishing. And they’re well worth the drive from Cleveland.
Whether you want to rough it in a tent or stay warm in a cabin, Ohio has enough waterfront campsites to please even the pickiest campers. This list of spots features campgrounds near bodies of water and beaches, so the whole family can enjoy everything from swimming to fishing. And they’re well worth the drive from Cleveland.
Baylor Beach Park
8777 Manchester Ave. S.W., Navarre
This water park and scenic campground has been family owned and operated since 1954, so its staff knows its stuff. Home to dozens of R.V. lots, swimming and paddle boats and many games and activities, there is something for everyone in the family.
Photo via 4drumz/InstagramHocking Hills’ Riverside Campground
26650 Rockbridge A Rd., Rockbridge
Here, cabins and tent campsites are offered near the versatile Hocking River. You can go tubing, boating and rafting on the water. Plus, go carts, mini golf and a driving range are among the land activities this adventure features.
Photo via astutzm24/InstagramBluewater Campground
2791 Road 173, Grover Hill
From slipping n’ sliding to painting n’ sipping, this campground and R.V. park has got your range of interests covered. Bluewater even gets into the summer spirit by hosting canoe races and other contests.
Photo via Mark Salisbury/flickrClay’s Park Resort
13190 Patterson St. N.W., N. Lawrence
Sure, you could bring your tent or trailer, but why would you do that when you could “glamp?” That’s right, Clay’s Park offers cozy cabanas and cabins. You can also visit its 10-acre Adventure Water Park, an indoor heated pool and a pub, as well as take part in sports and live entertainment, which is sure to make you say “camping who?”
Photo via clayspark/InstagramAustin Lake Park
1002 Township Rd. 285A, Toronto
Come in your R.V., camp in a tent or rent a cabin. Not only does this park offer lakes for fishing, swimming and boating, but it includes hiking trails and a huge waterslide. And even though cell phones don’t work here, WiFi is available. Thank goodness.
Photo via Brenda Bergen?/FacebookMosquito Lake Park
1439 State Route 305, Cortland
Don’t let the name scare you away. This state park includes a butterfly garden, an archery range and more. You can bring your furry friends and even rent a yurt if normal camping is too tough for you.
Photo via The Explorographer™/flickrJackson Lake Park
3715 Cedar Hill Rd., N.W., Canal Winchester
This park has cabins, and offers R.V. and tent campsites. Glamping is also available here, with canvas belle tents. Activities are complete with a game room, a fishing lake and a nine hole disc golf course.
Photo via Jackson Lake Campground & Park, LLC/FacebookLake Loramie State Park
11070 State Route 362, Minster
Camp for as long as two weeks at a clip in this state park. You’ll have plenty of boats to rent, movies to watch and cornhole to play while savoring the great outdoors. If you get tired of the sunny scenes, there’s a nature center and heritage museum.
Photo via Chris Lewis/flickrSeneca Lake Park
22172 Park Rd., Senecaville
Bring your tent or R.V. and choose from a full amenities hookup (complete with water) or a rustic experience. If you’re not into roughing it, that’s okay. Cabins are also available. After your long day of fishing, boating and swimming, every now and then you can enjoy movies, group hikes or even fireworks.
Photo via Randy • R/flickrMorgan’s Outdoor Adventure
6262 Gilmour Rd., Morrow
This adventure prides itself on its boating experiences, so get ready to kayak, canoe and raft during your campout. If you’re looking for something romantic, take advantage of the place’s recurring “Twilight Canoe & Dinner for 2” events.
Photo via dawsonpix/InstagramMiami Whitewater Forest Campground
9001 Mount Hope Rd., Harrison
This campground surrounds you with nothing but nature, as it’s nestled in a forest and near a harbor and an 85-acre lake. But, here’s a secret, walk a little bit, and you will be able to book a tee time at a golf course.
Photo via Jim Brekke/flickrSabo’s Lakefront Camping & Resort
8236 State Route 366, Russells Point
Sabo’s Resort offers campsites and R.V. rentals, along with a community cottage that features a pool table, TV, kitchen and, most importantly, air conditioning. The resort also prides itself on its views of “million dollar sunsets.”
Photo via kathyannbob/InstagramSteamboat Bend Campground
8401 Steamboat Dr., Cincinatti
Steamboat Bend sits on the Ohio River and offers a strip of spots for R.V. parking. Do note that camping here requires a commitment to all nature has to offer for at least a week, and no, there’s no wifi.
Photo via lynne5866/InstagramKiser Lake State Park
4370 Kiser Lake Rd., St. Paris
Rolling wooded hills and diverse wetlands await your visit in this park that lets you scuba dive, hunt birds and hike six trails. Kiser Lake State Park offers traditional camping as well as a couple cabins. If you want those, you better snatch ’em fast.
Photo via chelsiewalter_/InstagramNatural Springs Resort
500 S. Washington St., New Paris
Bring your tent or R.V., or rent a cabin at this resort. You can scuba dive in the lake, relax in their heated outdoor pool, play on huge water floats and more. There are also tons of events happening every week, so you’ll never be bored.
Photo via Christina Holland/FacebookKelleys Island State Park
920 Division St., Kelleys Island
Here’s you can rent games and sports gear, swim and even clean the fish you catch. You can hike renowned nature trails when you want to leave your campsite or premium yurt. You can even hunt deer with your bow and arrow (during the correct seasons, of course).
Photo via melindayerdon/InstagramLong’s Retreat Family Resort
50 Bell Hollow Rd., Latham
This retreat offers regular campsites, cabins, rental trailers and, if you want, essentially a house with deluxe units. Enjoy the 20-acre lake with a diving board, a tube slide and Water Wars. If water recreation isn’t your thing, take a spin on the carousel or go-karts. If being outdoors isn’t your thing, head to the Oasis Arcade.
Photo via Long’s Retreat Family Resort/FacebookBuckeye Lake KOA Campground
4460 Walnut Rd., Buckeye Lake
This chain of campgrounds are basically established resorts. You can swim in a pool, play some mini golf and rent a bike. You can even do laundry if you’re not taking a ride on a fire truck or playing giant checkers outside.
Photo via gre_shoes_g/InstagramGeneva State Park
4499 Padanarum Rd., Geneva
This park within Geneva-on-the-Lake is a beautiful campsite that doesn’t only let you bring tents. You can rent cottages, cabins and lodge rooms. Although there aren’t too many unique activities other than embracing Lake Erie, the park is adjacent to a zipline and challenge course and is near an archery range.
Photo via hristina_bozhanova/InstagramIndian Lake State Park Campground
13156 State Route 235 N., Lakeview
With hundreds of campsites, boat camping, sports courts, a nature center and more, this campground is one of multiple that Indian Lake caters to. This community partakes in special events like car shows, golf outings and a talent show each summer.
Photo via eawortman/flickr
