Tent Camping

In an effort to provide more opportunities to enjoy our parks, Lake Metroparks offers tent camping so campers may experience unique natural features and the great outdoors. Reservations are required.

Campsites provide a “rustic” experience for small groups of up to eight people staying in tents. Campers must hike or paddle to the campsites. The sites are set back from the developed areas of the parks from about 0.25 mile to more than a mile. Each location is different and provides a quiet, intimate natural experience—much different than crowded campgrounds.

The paddle-in sites may require a 3- to 8-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! That is all possible in your Lake Metroparks.

Each site has 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, 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.

Baker Road Park • Hidden Lake
Lake Erie Bluffs • Lakeshore Reservation
Riverview Park • Penitentiary Glen Reservation
May 2 - November 30

River Road Park
May 2 - Labor Day

Girdled Road Reservation
Year-round

Click here for our tent camping brochure

Click here to make a reservation online 24/7 or call the Lake Metroparks Registration Department at 440-358-7275, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Note: Reservations for 2018 dates begin on May 1, 2018.

Tent Rules & Regulations

Thank you for choosing a Lake Metroparks location for your tent camping experience. To ensure both a quality and safe experience, please review the following rules and regulations:

• Maximum capacity at each site is eight.
• Maximum number of cars per campsite is two.
• Set up begins at 3 pm or later with tear down no later than noon day of departure.
• All tents must be placed within 50 feet of campsite amenities.
• Noise curfew is 10 pm. Noise must be kept at a level that cannot be heard by surrounding neighbors. Guests must remain within 150 feet of the camping area after 11 pm.
• Gate should remain closed, but not locked, at all times while camping, where applicable.
• Respect other visitors and the natural resources around you. If you bring pets, please keep them quiet and on-leash and under control at all times. Horses are not permitted.
• Deposit solid human waste in small pits (called catholes). Select an inconspicuous site untraveled by people, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Dig a hole six to eight inches deep (a garden trowel works well). Cover with original dirt and disguise the hole with native materials. Note: Self contained portable toilets are encouraged and permitted; all waste must be removed from the park and properly disposed of. Urine does not hurt plants and soil directly. Sometimes, the salt in urine may attract wildlife. Animals can defoliate plants and dig up soil to get at the salts. It is best to urinate on rocks and in places that will not attract wildlife.
• Wash yourself, your dishes and your clothes using a container. Washing in a spring, lake or waterway is prohibited. Dispose of waste water at least 200 feet from water resources.
• Do not bring firewood into the park. Park staff will make every effort to provide firewood but cannot guarantee its availability.
• Only downed and dead wood within the immediate campsite area may be gathered for firewood. Collect only the amount needed for your stay.
• Small campfires for cooking and warming purposes are permitted and must be contained within the fire ring provided. Never leave a fire unattended; put your fire out cold and leave fire rings intact.
• Use of camp stoves for cooking is encouraged.
• Swimming is not permitted.
• Please do not feed wildlife.
• Please remove any trace of camping. A garbage can is not provided at most campsites, therefore “pack in, pack out.”
• Campers are encouraged to bring a mobile phone.
• In an emergency call 911. For Lake Metroparks Ranger dispatch call 440-354-3434.
• All park rules apply.

Please practice “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors

The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.

Tent Reservation Procedure & Information

• Tent camping sites must be reserved.
• Reservations can be made up to 3 pm one day prior to arrival.
• 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.

Group Camping: Organized group camping sites (for scouts and youth groups) are available at Hell Hollow Wilderness Area year-round and at Chapin Forest Reservation during the spring and fall. A permit is required. Call 440-358-7275 for information.

Buckeye Trail Camping: Primitive camping for Buckeye Trail hikers is available at three Lake Metroparks locations. Campers must request a permit at least 48 hours in advance. There is no charge for the use of these sites. Call 440-358-7275 for information.