Most National Parks across the country offer a range of different locations you can stay within the park’s borders. Cuyahoga is no longer one of these.
Camping inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park is now prohibited. Campers are not allowed to stay in the park overnight, whether camping or in one of the parking lots, which can result in a fine.
But that doesn’t mean that you don’t have options.
There are many beautiful locations you can stay in around the park. The surrounding area can accommodate whether you are interested in free campgrounds, RV overnights, or staying in a lodge.
Here are some campsites around Cuyahoga Valley National Park to consider.
Best campsites around Cuyahoga Valley National Park
West Branch State Park
- Type : Tent / RV
- Open : Year-round
- Cost : Varies
- Reservation : Yes; call (866) 644-6727
West Branch State Park is expansive, covering more than 5,000 acres of land and almost 3,000 acres of water. All of this allows you to participate in a wide variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and more. The campground is situated on a small peninsula that sticks out into the lake and gives beautiful views of the water and surrounding area.
If you want the opportunity to go camping to give you access to the National Park and the activities in this beautiful State Park, there are 103 campsites in the park. Some of these are situated along the lakeside. Others are located within the dense forest area, ideal for hammock tents.
There are options for different campsites. Some of them are primitive, while others are suited with full hookups. Pets are permitted within this campground, and there is an active dump station. There are campsites specifically for horsemen as well and trails that run throughout the park.
Punderson State Park
- Type : Tent / RV
- Open : Year-round
- Cost : Varies
- Reservation : Yes
The Punderson State Park Campground is another site that is an hour or less away from the National Park. It is located just to the east of Punderson Lake and offers plenty of boating or hiking options around this lake or Stump Lake.
Some of the campsites are located on a hill where you will get more of a view of the surrounding area. Campers might have to walk up an incline or a set of stairs to get to these sites, so they should be sure to have the ability to take all of their camping gear up with them.
There is a campground station, a Nature Center, and a playground in this campground. Restrooms and a shower house are also located on-site. There are almost 200 sites available, some of which have electric hookups. Bring your camping cookware since there are a fire ring and picnic table for use at each location. Pets are allowed at the campsite.
Stanford House
- Type : Lodging
- Open : Year-round
- Cost : Varies
- Reservation : Yes
Stanford House is just outside of the National Park and is located in a relatively rural section outside of the closeby town of Boston. It was originally built and occupied by James Stanford in 1806. Originally, it served as his property as well as the home of township offices. His son, George, is the one who built the farmhouse that is still standing to this day.
It has a stunning location, with a view of the Cuyahoga River from its windows and closeby to the Ohio & Erie Canal. You can spend a night at the Stanford House to be close to the national park and many of its most iconic sites. The Towpath Trail starts just steps away from its door.
This location offers you a more restful and relaxing stay in the area than camping for some people. It also gives you a chance to engage with the area’s history more closely than on a typical campsite.
River Front Tent Site
- Type : Tent
- Open : Year-round
- Cost : $40 per night
- Reservation : Yes
The River Front Tent Site is a tent-only campground set up by a local landowner to provide a space for those who want to explore the surrounding area’s beauty. Although there are no sites large enough for most RVs, you can use a rooftop tent if you have the vehicle for it.
This campsite allows pets and campfires. It is not necessary to bring wood with you since they supply an unlimited amount of firewood from work in the nearby forest. You can obtain a fire starter if you want to make the initial job easier.
There are bins to throw away your trash and picnic tables available at most of the sites. Toilets are present at the campground as well, although there are no showers. It is easy to go hiking, biking, or watching wildlife in the nearby area.
Rose Field Tent Site
- Type : Tent
- Open : Year-round
- Cost : $45 per night
- Reservation : Yes
The Rose Field Tent Site is another campground opened by a local landowner who wants to help visitors celebrate the underrated scenery in Ohio. This campground is laid out on 122 acres of a protected sanctuary.
They are trying to create a space where people can interact with nature in a healing environment. The land’s ecological integrity is one of their primary concerns, and their visitors must respect that goal. The sites are large and can host up to 10 people. Feel free to bring along multiple smaller tents or a sizeable eight-person tent.
Pets are allowed in this area, although they need to be kept controlled, not negatively affecting the environment. Toilets are available for campers, along with showers and potable water. There are intermittent fire bans in effect in this area, so be aware of this before lighting yours.
Amanda Williams
Amanda Williams is a writer, plant-nerd, and outdoor enthusiast. She has traveled extensively, around the U.S., throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Everywhere she treks, she takes time to enjoy the outdoors. John Muir is her hero. She aspires to inspire people to live better as he did.
