Pitch a tent at Lake Metroparks

Campers looking to experience unique natural features and the great outdoors through a “rustic” tent camping experience in one of Lake Metroparks' 11 rustic tent campsites must make reservations in advance. COVID-19 protocols require that all people using one campsite must reside in the same household (limit of eight people maximum per campsite).

Registration

Campsites at Baker Road Park, Blair Ridge Park, Hell Hollow Wilderness Area, Hidden Lake, Lake Erie Bluffs, Lakeshore Reservation, Penitentiary Glen Reservation and Riverview Park are available beginning May 9 until November 30 each year and subject to temporary closure due to high water or extremely wet conditions. Campsite at River Road Park is open through Labor Day and the one at Girdled Road Reservation is available year-round. 

• Click here to make tent campsite reservations.
• Online reservations are encouraged and recommended; will be the fastest and most efficient method to secure a reservation.
• Business operations are greatly reduced with limited staff available to assist customers with tent campsite reservations. Response times may be delayed due to high volume, however, staff will attempt to respond on the same day: call 440-358-7275 or email registration@lakemetroparks.com.

Reservations can be made up to 3 pm one day prior to arrival and there is a limit of three outstanding permits at one time with a three-night limit on each reservation. The renter must be 21 years of age or older. Sites are $10 per night for Lake County residents; $20 per night for out-of-county visitors. When registering, campers must sign and agree to the terms of the Lake Metroparks Tent Rules and Regulations.

Campsite information

Each location is different, and, with the exception of Lake Erie Bluffs where campsites are a 1/2-mile apart, there is only one campsite per park to provide a quiet, intimate natural experience—much different than crowded campgrounds. Campsites all have a designated area to pitch a tent, a place to build a fire, a grill and a picnic table. The sites do not have restrooms, electricity, running water or trash cans. Campers are expected to practice a “leave no trace” camping ethic, including carrying in and carrying out all supplies and trash, with the goal of leaving the area better than it was found. Campers are “on their own” and should be prepared to take care of themselves and the environment.

The sites are set back from the developed areas of the parks from about 1/4-mile to more than a mile. Campers must hike or paddle to the campsites. The paddle-in sites may require a three- to eight-mile paddle by canoe or kayak to reach the campsite. The idea is to paddle a stretch of the Grand River, spend the night under the stars and then paddle another stretch the next day. Imagine paddling 27 miles and spending two nights on the wild and scenic Grand River!

Click here for more information about the campsites.