The best camping near West Branch State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next West Branch State Park adventure.

100% (6 reviews)
100% (6 reviews)

From jet skis to snowmobiles, this thrill-seeker’s paradise has unlimited horsepower.  

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Community favorites near West Branch State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in West Branch State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near West Branch State Park

98%
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Camping at Heritage Farms

47 sites · Lodging, Tents115 acres · Peninsula, OH
At Heritage Farms, we’re currently a 5th-generation, family-owned and -operated Christmas tree farm headed by my husband, George, and me, Carol. Originally founded in 1848 by my great uncle Lawson Waterman, it was my father who shifted our primary focus to cultivating Christmas trees in 1955. George and I took the reins in 1979 and have been happily continuing the tradition of growing trees while also expanding into other areas, including celebrating Halloween with our month-long Pumpkin Pandemonium in October. We’ve also taken to hosting the Peninsula Flea during the summer months, catering to a wide variety of artisan- and craftsman-centric clientele. As for camping, we began eight years ago following a trip George and I took to Denmark, wherein we stayed in a number of outdoor shelters that would later inspire us to construct the first of our several Adirondack-style shelters. We’ve since expanded to offering six shelters total, three of which share the same Adirondack aesthetic of our original build, and three of which take inspiration from an open-air A-frame design. Along with those shelters, we’ve mapped out nine primitive tent sites, all of which are available for rent, spring through fall—we hope to see you here! Heritage Farms is a 5th-generation, 115-acre farm located in the heart of the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and as such we are incredibly close to the various trails located across the Cuyahoga Valley. We are a working tree farm, and while we do ask for your care while residing among our fields, we also encourage you to take advantage of the beauty and serenity that our property has to offer! WHAT WE OFFER From April 1st to October 26th, 2024, we have 15 campsites available* for rental, including nine outdoor tent sites, three A-frame sites, two standard Adirondack shelter sites, and one “Glamping” site. Each site comes standard with a fire ring, a grilling grate, a picnic table, and a storage rack for firewood and kindling drop-offs. All shelter sites include closure devices for privacy and protection. Our Glamping site (numbered as Campsite 3) features an upgraded Adirondack shelter that includes a complimentary mattress, screen door and fasteners, exterior curtain, lean-to awning, and full propane grill and tool set. Also included is a furnished campfire ring featuring rustic bench seating and chairs. It’s a perfect site for large groups! Included for use by all campers is our Games Field, located by our lower gravel lot, adjacent to campsites A and B. This field holds a cornhole area, a horseshoes pitch, and a tetherball court, all with playing pieces available. We also have our Lending Wagon, stocked with board games, books, puzzles, and miscellaneous gear campers may need—we do request that all items borrowed from the Lending Wagon be returned before departing Heritage Farms. Other amenities include an information booth where carts, charging stations, and assistance from an on-site attendant can be found. *During October, several of our campsites (A-F, and 6) are closed in lieu of our Pumpkin Pandemonium. As a result, our reservations are limited during this month. SOME THINGS TO KNOW 1. We have capacity limits at our sites. Tent sites, labelled A-J, can hold three (3) tents. Shelter sites, numbered 1-6, have a shelter and room for two (2) tents. All sites are limited to a maximum of six (6) campers. 2. All vehicles (except bicycles) must remain in the designated parking lots. 3. No vehicles may be driven into the camping area at any time. 4. Campers are responsible for carrying their gear to their campsites—we provide wheeled carts for your use. 5. Ohio Primitive Camping licensing does not allow for wheeled camping on Heritage Farms property. This includes car camping, truck campers, popups, RVs, and any other wheeled camping vehicles. 6. Due to Summit County Health regulations, we cannot provide ground water. Please bring your own drinking water and washing water. We do have 1-gallon jugs of water available for purchase during reservations and upon arrival at Heritage Farms. Purchases can be made using PayPal, credit card, or cash. 7. Due to the potential risks posed to our crops, and to state and National Park regulations, WE DO NOT ALLOW OUTSIDE FIREWOOD on Heritage Farms property—firewood MUST be purchased from Heritage Farms. Firewood and kindling bundles are available for purchase upon reservation at a discounted rate and will be delivered to your campsite prior to your arrival. Firewood may also be purchased upon arrival at our standard rate, using PayPal, credit card, or cash. 8. Several of our campsites are situated along the boundary between the farm and Cuyahoga Valley National Park property. Please respect the designated boundaries and refrain from encroaching into unauthorized park territory. 9. Check-in times are from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you’re arriving after 7:00 p.m., please let us know your estimated time of arrival—if you’re arriving after dark, we’ll mark your site with a solar light. Checkout should be completed before 10:00 a.m.—all tents, equipment, and trash must be removed from your campsite prior to your departure. We do have a dumpster on-site where all camp trash must be disposed. Gray water stations are available for the disposal of used or dirty water. 10. Only campers registered to Hipcamp are permitted on Heritage Farms property. A public picnic area is available ¼-mile south of the farm for outside socializing. 11. DOG POLICY: we welcome dogs who have received prior permission from the farm owners. We limit the number of dogs on property each day. A dog registration form must be filled out upon arrival and must include information regarding rabies vaccinations—dogs that have not had the proper vaccinations are not permitted on the property. All dogs MUST be on a leash and in the physical control of their owner(s) at all times. No pets may be left unattended at any time—pets must be taken with their owner(s) any time the owner(s) departs the farm property. 12. Heritage Farms is a working farm, and as such machinery may be in use during your stay. OTHER INFORMATION Our 15 primitive campsites are situated 25 to 50 yards apart from one another. This allows for social distancing and maximizes campsite privacy. All 15 of our campsites at Heritage Farms are available for booking from April 1 until September 27, 2024; from September 28 to October 26, 2024, only shelter sites 1-5 and tent sites and G, H, and J will be open. We can't wait to see you on the farm!
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$40
 / night
99%
(120)

Hallstead Cabin & Camping

3 sites · Lodging7 acres · Hartville , OH
This small farm is 7 acres of the original 25 my great grandmother purchased for her family in 1934. The house dates back to the 1850s and is a post and beam structure. Guests can enjoy the barn, which has been converted to a rec area. Make our home and green space yours for a few days. Camp in comfort in our "little cabin in the woods." Accommodates up to six guests, with a queen-sized bed, a futon and two single rope-beds with foam mattresses in the loft, accessible only by ladder. Kids six and older may sleep in the loft-- just like Laura and Mary-- and they can read a chapter of one of Laura Ingalls' "Little House" books before bed! The Camp Cabin contains a small refrigerator, microwave and gas fireplace (no, the pioneers didn’t have that!). Fresh eggs and other snacks are provided for breakfast. The restroom and shower are located in the walkout basement of the farmhouse, a 40 yard walk from the Cabin. The restroom has a private entrance and is used only by guests during their stay. Pet and feed goats and other farm animals. Enjoy fun activities on the farm and in the barn.
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$120
 / night
100%
(100)

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
93%
(20)

White Walnut Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Perry, OH
Our 8-acre farm, nestled on a rural-ish road in Perry, Ohio, is a haven of natural abundance. With over 300 fruit and nut trees alongside various perennial plants, the landscape offers a picturesque blend of verdant fields, scattered woods, and a serene pond. Ample space for several tents and parking is available, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors. Guests can enjoy immersing themselves in the tranquility of rural life. Additionally, our location offers easy access to outdoor adventures and is situated 2.5 miles from Interstate 90. Just 3 miles to the north is Lake Erie and the scenic Lake Erie Bluffs park, with bird watching, biking, and swimming opportunities. The Grand River, a state designated scenic and wild river is 2 miles south, and beckons with its kayaking and canoeing possibilities during high water seasons. The area is rich in natural wonders, with numerous parks waiting to be explored. Conveniently located just 30 minutes east of Cleveland and 2.5 miles from the I-90, our farm serves as an ideal base for both urban excursions and rural retreats, offering the best of both worlds.
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$25
 / night

The best camping near West Branch State Park guide

Overview

About

Endless aquatic fun awaits at West Branch State Park. Bring your boat, jet ski, or kayak to explore the 2,650 acres of glistening lake, dive in to swim at the south shore beach, or head to the tranquil western banks to fish, paddle, or picnic by the lakeside. Away from the lake, wildflower meadows and maple forests provide the backdrop for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding (there’s also an equestrian camp), transforming into snowmobile and snowshoeing terrain during the winter months. Campers can check in to West Branch State Campground, where there’s a choice of electric, full-hookup, and non-electric sites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the park’s 198 campsites via the Reserve Ohio website. 
  2. Campsite reservations open from 7am, six months in advance for all campsites. 
  3. Campsites can book up fast, so book as early as possible, especially if visiting during peak season or on holiday weekends.

When to go

Lake activities can be enjoyed year-round, from swimming and water sports in the summer months to ice boating and ice fishing through winter. Spring and autumn are the most scenic times to explore, when woodland wildflowers and fall foliage add a pop of color to the landscapes. The beach and camping areas can get busy in summer, but you’ll still find plenty of quiet spots to escape to around the lake. 

Know before you go

  • West Branch State Park is 45 miles southeast of Cleveland, about a 1-hour drive away. 
  • There are no entrance fees for Ohio State parks, but camping and reservation fees apply. Ohio fishing licenses are also required.
  • Facilities in the park include restrooms, picnic areas, and four boat launches. 
  • There is unlimited horsepower at the lake, and you can bring your own boats and watercraft. Swimming is only permitted at the beach.
  • There are ADA-accessible campsites, restrooms, and boat launches.

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