Waterside camping near Cleveland

Cleveland sits in northeastern Ohio on the shores of the massive Lake Erie. That gives you plenty of water access from the city itself, as its entire north border is shoreline. There aren't many overnight camping options in the city proper, though. Fortunately, the greater Cleveland area has you covered! Cuyahoga Valley National Park is about a half-hour drive south of Cleveland. This lovely green park features a wide range of hiking options. If you're mostly interested in light exercise and scenic views, stroll the 2-mile Ledges Trail loop. For a tougher challenge, tackle the Wetmore Trail. This one leads you through some light streams, and it can get pretty muddy in rainy season. Rather stay close to Lake Erie? Head about two hours west of Cleveland to reach South Bass Island State Park. It's tough to beat tent camping on majestic white cliffs overlooking the Great Lake. You'll need to take a ferry ride to reach the island, but there's plenty to do when you arrive! Rent a jet ski, fish on the shore, or grab a table for a picnic. Note that Cleveland's location means its winters often get bitterly chilly. Expect highs to hover around freezing from December to February, with lake-effect winds making the cold bite hard. Summers are much warmer, usually sitting at around 70 to 80 degrees from May to September. That said, Ohio does get pretty humid in the hot months, so pack accordingly!