Family-friendly forest camping near Geneva-on-the-Lake

Pitch a tent at a waterfront campsite on Lake Erie’s shores near Geneva-on-the-Lake.

94% (365 reviews)
94% (365 reviews)

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Star Hosts in Geneva-on-the-Lake

5 top forest campgrounds near Geneva-on-the-Lake

99%
(93)

Hemlock Hideaway

12 sites · Lodging, Tents18 acres · Geneva, OH
Hemlock Hideaway and its 18 acres was originally part of a larger 100-acre plot that was surveyed and settled in the late 1700's by Gideon Granger of the Connecticut Land Company. Granger sold it to one Jehoikim Burget in 1815 for the whopping price of $400. The resident house was built in 1816 by Burget and then passed down to family members over the next 5 generations, until we bought it in 2003, marking the first time the house and remaining property were ever officially sold. In the mid 1800's, a grist mill was put up across the river from the cabin, and our creek was the main road in and out of that operation. There is a gravestone belonging to the wife of Jehoikim's son, she being half Native American and therefore couldn't be buried in the local white cemetery. We also own the original hand-written deed from 1815 detailing the sale of the original 100 acres to Jehoikim Burget. Learn more about this land: Our primitive cabin nestled in the woods overlooking the Grand River is a nature-lover's paradise! Come canoe, fish, experience wine country, or unplug and just get away from it all. Please note: There is no running water or electricity at the site, but the cabin is generator-ready and there is an outhouse.  The cabin does have a wood burning stove for heat and simple cooking, however there is no running water or electricity.  That being said, the building is wired and has plugs and outlets and is generator-ready.  You provide your own generator and fuel.  We provide bottled water, sheets, pillows, flashlights, a fire ring with cooking grate, charcoal grill (you provide the charcoal), access to firewood, and an outhouse with toilet paper.  Our 1/4 mile of Grand River frontage can be accessed right outside the cabin door via a quick hike down the somewhat steep hillside.  If hiking isn't preferred, then a quick two-minute drive will take you to the Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark - a favorite of local fishermen.  Bigger groups with tents are welcome, but will need to bring all supplies beyond what we provide for two guests. 
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$65
 / night
96%
(170)

Sawdust FarmCamp

5 sites · Lodging, Tents80 acres · Geneva, OH
Welcome to Sawdust FarmCamp! Located in Geneva, Ohio. We have four different sites to choose from: 1 tent site, 2 glamping tent sites, and 1 cabin. We also have the option to book all our sites for a 15 person retreat with spacial extras only available for that listing. Portable toilet available, pets welcome, campfires permitted. Potable water and hot water showers are only available at or cabin and our glamping sites only have solar camp showers (not the tent site). New hot showers are being planned for the 2024 season. Naturalist Isabelle H. Klein wrote a collection of letters from her home of Sawdust (named form 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. It is a lyrical voyage through the seasons at the Sawdust Tract in Northeast Ohio. She details encounters with the wildlife of the area as well as the changing seasons and plant life. Reminiscent of Thoreau's writings about Walden. In 1978 an additional house was moved onto the property from Sidley's gravel pit and joined with the existing Klein farmhouse. 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. Forest is home to the red-sided dace, and 10 rare species of birds, including cerulean warblers. The original small family farm and surrounding woods we have retained are being restored and updated. We are proud to call Sawdust home and would love to share it with you.
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$20
 / night
100%
(134)

Bass and Buck Tent Adventures

8 sites · Tents230 acres · OH
With over 230 acres, a lake, trails, the Grand River, and plenty of wildlife. Bass and Buck Adventures is the perfect place to get away. Once known as Parkman Gorge the valley was a hub for water powered industry in the early 1800's. The river and valley is home to a wide array of wildlife. Deer, turkey, eagles, hawks, owls, mink, river otters to name a few. The area also attracts many song birds including a wide variety of warblers. There is also an abundance of wild flowers. The valley is rich in Native American history. Many artifacts have been found on the property. My great grandfather talked about the last Native American to live in Parkman had a cabin on one of the bluffs along the river. In the 1820's there was a water powered sawmill and forge on the river. The boy scouts used the valley for a camp in the 1930's. My grandpa purchased this property in the 50's from Ohio Edison. Ohio Edison's plan to dam up the river for hydro power never materialized. The valley has been a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. Camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, "jeeping". Many of the items used for the camp sites have been reclaimed. The fire rings are old tractor rims and scrap steel. The tent platform is from reclaimed deck lumber. The firewood is excess cutoffs purchased from a local sawmill. For more information log onto our website. bassandbuckadventures.com
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$36
 / night
100%
(44)

Hickory Shores Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · Rome, OH
In 1955 when my family bought our 180-acre farm, there were Shagbark Hickory trees lining both shores of a rock-filled stream. Years later a 550-acre lake was created from damming our stream and Hickory shores became the wildlife- filled headwaters. Bald Eagles, fox, river otters, ospreys, beaver, and deer are frequent visitors to our farm along with other water birds and wildlife. Recreational opportunities are plentiful including fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking. The 50 mile Western Reserve Greenway paved bike trail is 1 1/2 miles away on country roads and other adjoining roads create unlimited quiet country rides and walks. In 2023 we have added a 3/4 mile wooded trail along the shores of Rock Creek with lookouts and 27 numbered stops. These stops are described in our Hickory Shores interpretive guide available at the trailhead. Additional hiking trails continue upstream and connect two seasonal waterfalls on the property. Benches along the way provide quiet spots to rest or picnic. Spectacular sunsets, a quiet country paved road and Amish buggies await your visit. We are in Ashtabula County, home to 32 wineries and 19 covered bridges including the shortest and longest in the U.S. The second weekend in October brings the Covered Bridge Festival in nearby Jefferson, Ohio. We are conveniently located south of Lake Erie and 16 miles east of Pymatuning Reservoir for additional recreational opportunities. We currently offer 2 campsites, and both are conveniently located near a cottage style bathroom which features a flush toilet and shower. The electric site provides a 30 amps connection and a hook-up to water if desired. Each site has a campfire ring with outdoor chairs. A redwood picnic table is located at each site. An outdoor utility sink is also provided for dishwashing and can be found outside the bathhouse. Abundant firewood is available for $5.00 a wheelbarrow. (Honor system). If you are bringing dogs, please be aware that Sunny the inside/outside cat may greet you (he loves to say hello). For his safety and the safety of your pet, please keep dogs leashed. Please NO SMOKING allowed on farm or in bathroom.
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$35
 / night
79%
(14)

Hidden Lakes Family Campground

42 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Montville, OH
We are privately owned and are not part of any corporate campground chain that pushes the “rack em and stack em” mentality. We can give you personal attention and larger campsites with more green space and elbow room – the way camping should be. AMENITIES: - Doubled Site Sizes and MEGA Sites - 50 Amp Pull Throughs - Deluxe Tent Sites - RV Sites with Water and Electric - Group Camping - Inground Pool - Free Modern Restrooms with Hot Showers - Playground - Planned Activities - Camp Store (ice, firewood, snacks, ice cream) - 7.5 Acre Fishing Lake (catch and release) - 2.5 Acre Fishing Lake (catch and release) - 2.5 Acre Swimming Lake with Beach - Large Recreational Fields - Basketball - Horseshoes - Pet Friendly - Rental Hall with Full Kitchen - Rental Pavilions - Free Dump Station We have also featured throughout the year, activities such as Western Days, Medieval Days, Slime Party, Football Camp, Wagon Rides, Squatch Hunting, and more.
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$45
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

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Family-friendly forest camping near Geneva-on-the-Lake guide

Overview

Under an hour outside of Cleveland, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a small resort town on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Campers can explore the lively energy of arcades and go-karts along the historic Geneva-on-the-Lake Strip, embark on wine tours and tastings, or discover the stories behind the picturesque covered bridges of Ashtabula County. Right next to town, Geneva State Park awaits with sandy beaches, comfortable cottages, and RV campsites with full hookups next to Lake Erie. Farther south, Pymatuning State Park and Mosquito Lake State Park welcome campers with charming yurts, excellent fishing, unbelievable sunsets, scenic hiking trails, and unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

Where to go

Geneva State Park

At Geneva State Park, just outside of Geneva-on-the-Lake, campers can take a short walk from their cabin or campsite and enjoy a relaxing picnic next to Lake Erie. Thrill-seekers can take their jet skis onto the lake, while the rest of the family looks for sea glass at Breakwater Beach. Pet-friendly campsites with hookups for electricity are available year-round. There’s also access to laundry facilities, showers, a fish-cleaning house, and a playground for kids.

Pymatuning State Park

Right across the Ohio-Pennsylvania border is Pymatuning State Park. It surrounds the 17,000-acre Pymatuning Reservoir. Linesville Campground is in the northern part of the park and offers pet-friendly campsites with electric hookups. Jamestown Campground is at the southern end of the park and has a boat launch, beach, amphitheater, and camp store. After picking a campsite, check out a unique phenomenon at the spillway—it’s where ducks walk on the backs of fish. Then look to the skies for nesting bald eagles and enjoy picture-perfect sunsets before retiring to the tent.

Mosquito Lake State Park

South of Geneva-on-the-Lake is Mosquito Lake State Park. It offers some of the best lake fishing in the state. Boats with unlimited horsepower are allowed, but there is a “no wake” restriction within 300 feet of the shore. Reel in channel catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, and black crappie. Then, set up at an on-site campground facility that includes shower houses with flush toilets, full-service campsites, plus two yurts with bunk beds, picnic tables, and fire rings that overlook the water.

When to go

The summer months from June to August are the most popular time of year at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Temperatures average in the 80s, which makes summer an excellent time for swimming, beach activities, and taking in the fun attractions on the Strip. For a quieter visit with fewer crowds and milder temperatures, consider the shoulder seasons. Wine tours are especially magical in fall, while spring offers blooming flowers, diverse migratory birds, and the beginning of fishing season at Pymatuning Lake.

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