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Best Places To Go Camping near Cleveland

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image via Flickr by HJ Harland

Camping is a great way to experience Ohio's parks. Whether you prefer primitive camping or camping in your RV, there many family-friendly campgrounds to enjoy in the Cleveland area. We’ve asked our local staff and their families for their recommendations on the best places to go camping outside of Cleveland and their tips for how to have the best experience. Here are some of our favorite local campgrounds and tips for making your camping trip a success. 

Geneva State Park

Located on the shore of Lake Erie, Geneva State Park has almost 700 acres to explore. The campground has 19 full hook-up sites and 74 electric sites. In addition to campsites, Geneva State Park also offers several cedar cabins for rental. A shower house, flush toilets, and coin-operated laundry are on site. The seasonal camp store stocks ice, firewood, and other camping necessities.

The campground has basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a playground. Campers also have easy access to boating, fishing, biking, and hiking. You can find Geneva State Park on Padanarum Road in Geneva.

Findley State Park

Findley has 15 full-service, 91 electric, and 151 primitive campsites. Three cabins are also available. If you are traveling with a large group, check out the group campsites that can accommodate 40 campers. Pets are allowed in the individual campsites, but not in the cabins or group campsites.

Findley State Park campground provides showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities. The campground also has a camp store for any forgotten necessities. Campground amenities include a playground, sand volleyball pit, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and a gaga ball pit. You can find Findley State Park on State Route 58 in Wellington.

West Branch State Park

West Branch State Park has over 5,000 land acres and 3,000 water acres to explore. The campground has over 200 campsites, including electric, primitive, and full hook-up sites. Several sites are situated lakeside. Three group camping sites are also available. Each group site offers six picnic tables, a charcoal grill, two fire rings, and several lantern hooks. West Branch State Park also has a bridle camping site, perfect for campers with horses. A camp store sells firewood and general camping supplies.

While camping at West Branch State Park, you can enjoy activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and boating. West Branch also has a large beach area. West Branch State Park is on Esworthy Road in Ravenna.

Punderson State Park

Punderson State Park campground has over 150 campsites available, including 15 primitive, 137 electric, and 20 full hook-up campsites. Some of the campsites are on a hillside, providing a breathtaking view of the park below. Several group campsites throughout the campground can accommodate 25 people and include electric service, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground has a shower house and flush toilets. You can rent kayaks at the camp office.

While camping at Punderson State Park, you can enjoy canoeing, boating, fishing, or paddleboarding on Punderson Lake or nearby Stump lake. Punderson State Park also has several hiking trails, a nature center, and a playground. Punderson State Park is on Kinsman Road in Newbury.

Tips for Camping Near Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and relax. Ohio offers many different areas and opportunities to camp near the Forest City. Use these tips to make the most of your camping trip:

1. Pack Weather-Appropriate Gear

The Cleveland area has a wide range of weather patterns. Always check the weather forecast before leaving on your camping trip. Make sure that your camping gear, including sleeping bags and tent covers, is made to withstand expected temperatures and weather conditions.

2. Stay Safe With Your Pet

Many Cleveland-area campgrounds allow pets such as dogs. If you enjoy camping with your dog, always use a dog harness and a six-foot leash. Doing so will prevent your pet from becoming lost and avoid unnecessary conflicts with other campers and their pets.

3. Make Reservations Ahead of Time

Many campgrounds require a reservation in advance. Always reserve your campgrounds before you hit the road. A reservation guarantees that you have a place to sleep when you reach your destination.

4. Dress in Layers

Temperatures fluctuate, even in the hot summer months. Dressing in layers allows you to add or subtract clothing as the weather changes throughout the day.

5. Bring a First-Aid Kit

Accidents happen, but they don't need to ruin your trip. Pack a first-aid kit with essentials such as bandages, tweezers, a tick-remover tool, gauze, wound-cleaner, saline solution, and antibiotic ointment. If you are camping with a pet, be sure to pack a first-aid kit for them as well.

6. Use Sealable Containers or Bins to Store Food

Using sealable containers prevents bugs and other pests from getting into your food. Some campsites provide food storage lockers that will keep your containers safe from small animals.

7. Don't Forget Sunscreen and Bug Spray

A bad sunburn or itchy bug bites can put a damper on an otherwise happy camping trip. Be sure to pack these essentials in an easy-to-reach place and use them often.

8. Practice Setting Up Camp Before You Leave

Practice setting up your tent, using your camp stove, and lighting your lantern before leaving for your trip. A practice run will reduce stress and help you avoid issues at the campsite.

9. Know Your Campsite Regulations

Every campsite has different rules regarding pets, tent pegs, firewood, and quiet hours. Be sure to check the regulations before you leave so that you can be prepared during your stay.

10. Leave No Trace

Following the Center for Outdoor Ethics' Leave No Trace principles not only keeps you safe but also preserves Ohio's beautiful natural areas for many years to come. Leave No Trace provides tips for minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and properly disposing of camp waste. Read up on the seven principles of Outdoor Ethics before your camping trip.

Bonus: Keep an Eye Out for Snakes

When camping in the woods, always keep a close eye for snakes. Although most of the snakes in Ohio are harmless, there are three poisonous snakes to watch for: the Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Massasauga, and Northern Copperhead, though they’re very, very uncommon. Learn to identify these snakes before you leave for your camping trip. And learn about the probability of encountering them in the wild so you can be relaxed in the wild.

Experience The Best of Northeast Ohio With Our Local Staff

There you have our complete Cleveland-area camping guide. We hope that our list of recommendations help you find a new spot to camp out at or enjoy a weekend hik. Get out there and enjoy some of Ohio's beautiful parks. If you have a favorite campground not listed here, contact us and we’ll be happy to add it to our list of the best places to go camping near Cleveland.

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Top 5 Waterfront Restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio

One of the best summertime activities is dining outdoors. While eating on a patio or enjoying a picnic in the park can be fun, having a meal by the water may be something new and special to try. To help you know where to go this summer, our team at Nissan of Streetsboro created this list of some waterfront restaurants in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Lindey's Lake House kites over Lake Erie 02 - Cleveland Ohio by Tim Evanson is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0 If you're looking for a waterfront restaurant to enjoy a casual night out with family or friends, head to Lindey's Lake House. Inspired by the Michigan lake house where the Doody family spent a few weeks of summer, this Flats East Bank restaurant provides the perfect spot to relax and share a delicious meal with your loved ones while taking in beautiful views. It serves fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. The menu at Lindey's Lake House features a selection of soups, salads, appetizers, and sandwiches. Choose from other entree options like shrimp and grits, barbecue ribs, fish and chips, or Walt's shrimp platter. Finish your meal with one of its tasty dessert offerings, such as a slice of key lime pie or a serving of creme brulee. Location: 1146 Old River Road, Cleveland, OH 44113 Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday Collision Bend Brewing Company Collision Bend Brewing Company is your destination for local craft beer and delicious food. Named to honor the commercial ships that navigate the Cuyahoga River, this microbrewery restaurant occupies a renovated building with a history that dates back to the 1860s. While the building previously served as a location for Civil War-era merchant ships to gather supplies before sailing, it's now how to this award-winning brewery. Because of its unique location, Collison Bend Brewing Company also offers private parking and docking for boats right along the Cuyahoga River. The dinner menu at Collison Bend Brewing Company includes a selection of dishes inspired by Southern California street food, such as wood-fired pizzas, blackened shrimp tacos, and stout-braised rib tips. Pair your meal with one of the dozens of beer options that it brews right on site. The microbrew also serves brunch on the weekends, offering dishes like brioche French toast and fried green tomato benedict. Location: 1250 Old River Road, Cleveland, OH 44113 Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday Don's Lighthouse Grille Don's Lighthouse Grille is located along the scenic Lake Erie waterfront near Edgewater Park and a host of other Cleveland attractions. Its dining options make it an excellent choice no matter what your plans may be for the evening. For example, the dining room offers an upscale setting, perfect for an intimate night out, and the lounge provides a more relaxed environment to enjoy an excellent meal paired with an adult beverage. The menus at Don's Lighthouse Grille focus on classic American cuisine, and they vary based on time of day and dining location. The menu for the dining room focuses on entrees with seafood, steak, and chicken, and the lounge features tasty fare like salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. While not a requirement, Don's Lighthouse Grille encourages reservations for the dining room. Location: 8905 Lake Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102 Dining Room Lunch Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Dining Room Dinner Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday Lounge Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday Pier W Consider Pier W for an evening of romantic waterfront dining on Lakewood's Gold Coast. This award-winning restaurant offers an impressive selection of fresh seafood, prime meats, and seasonal offerings. Pair your entree with a selection from a wine list that Wine Spectator awarded with Awards of Excellence for more than 15 years. Helmed by executive chef Regan Reik, the Pier W menus focus on serving the freshest seafood, beef, pork, and lamb options. While options rotate seasonally, some entree options you may enjoy include oysters, roasted Alaska halibut, Maine lobster pasta, or overnight slow-braised beef short rib. The restaurant also serves a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, such as local tofu poke. Pier W also serves Sunday brunch each week. The buffet includes options like a carving station with prime rib, eggs benedict, salads, smoked salmon, and more. When making your plans to dine at Pier W, be sure to make your reservations in advance so you don't miss your chance to enjoy the stunning Lake Erie views. Location: 12700 Lake Ave., Winton Place, Lakewood, OH 44107 Lunch Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Dinner Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday Lunch Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday Summer House Enjoy beautiful views of Lake Erie from the comforts of Summer House. Located approximately 20 minutes from Cleveland in Lakewood, this contemporary American restaurant serves modern interpretations of classic entrees. The menu at this scratch kitchen includes a variety of shareable small plates and appetizers, a selection of seafood entrees, and pasta and flatbread options. Consider pairing your meal with one of the options from the expansive drink menu, and be sure to check out the happy hour specials available during the weekdays. Summer House is also an excellent option for a waterfront brunch this summer. Its brunch menu features breakfast favorites like eggs benedict, chicken and waffles, and omelets. It also offers a selection of brunch cocktails, such as mimosas, bloody Marys, and martinis. Regardless of when you choose to dine, Summer House welcomes walk-ins but strongly recommends reservations. Location: 12900 Lake Ave., Unit 2, Lakewood, OH 44107 Hours: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sunday That brings us to the end of our list of some of the waterfront restaurants in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. We hope our guide helped you learn about some new spots to try. Don't see your favorite waterfront restaurant included? Drop us a line to share your recommendation with us! Our team at Nissan of Streetsboro may even update our list to include your suggestion.

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Where to Go for Rainy Day Family Fun in Streetsboro, OH

Rainy days don't have to be dreary or boring in Streetsboro, Ohio. There are many activities available for the entire family on wetter days. Here are some of the best options for family fun when it's raining in the area. Gaze into Space at the Hoover Price Planetarium The Hoover Price Planetarium is part of the William McKinley Museum and National Memorial. It's an ideal spot to dodge showers, educate your family, and see some beautiful sights. The planetarium's main projector system is a powerful Spitz A3P model, and it's capable of showing 3,200 stars simultaneously. Its LED unit can create a breathtaking replica of the entire Milky Way galaxy. Its special effects projectors can show viewers the more fantastically colorful aspects of space, including meteor showers, auroras, and complex constellation patterns. Each planetarium show is unique, and planetarium operators use a control board with more than 200 switches to interact with audiences in unique ways. The planetarium has 65 seats, and it opened in 1963. Shows are held in the mornings and afternoons, and you can visit Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Game and Escape at The Malted Meeple Gaming, escape room adventures, and delicious food and drink come together at The Malted Meeple. This place offers an astonishing range of gaming possibilities to visiting families. The board game library has 358 titles, and it features two-player, classic, co-op, competitive, dexterity-based, party, trivia, social education, and many other genres of board and table games. In it, you can find everything from chess sets to games based on the popular Attack on Titan and Game of Thrones series. The Malted Meeple offers two escape room experiences, Area 53 and The Sorcerer's Eclipse. You can figure out sci-fi or fantasy-related puzzles to find your way out of these uniquely furnished, exciting escape rooms. A wide range of snack food and drinks are available, and you can visit from 4 to 11 p.m. on weekdays or from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays. Skate the Day Away at Brunswick Skate Station Image by Devin Avery is free to use under the Unsplash License If you feel like having fun and getting fitter at the same time, you can skate away on a rainy day at Brunswick Skate Station. It's in Brunswick, about 40 minutes away. Taking a few spins around this skating rink is entertaining and fun, especially with popular music playing in the background. Brunswick Skate Station is more than your standard skating location. It offers classes for children and adults of all skill levels. Adult classes are open on Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., and kids' classes are open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Those who stay around after the kids' class can see the trainers demonstrate their skills in style during their weekly skate sessions. Brunswick Skate Station often hosts birthday parties for a minimum of ten participants. Special group rates are available for scout groups, youth groups, and daycare providers. If you want to see some truly spectacular skating, you can ask about their Artistic Skating Club. This place is open Friday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Hide Away in The Troll Hole About half an hour away in nearby Alliance, Ohio, you can find the Guinness World Record-holding Troll Hole. This place has the largest, most varied collection of troll dolls in the world, from the limited edition Smoky Mountain trolls to the Chupacabra, Jersey Devil, and Swedish Troll Vikings. You'll be amazed at the things you'll find here, including a little Uncle Sam, Troll Presidents, a Troll Rosie the Riveter, and a wide variety of fantasy and sci-fi troll variants. If you or your children see a few that you love, you can usually find versions of them for sale in The Troll Hole's expansive gift shop. The Troll Hole holds regular events, including cookie crawls, comedy shows, meet and greet parties, and holiday-specific troll parties. Admission is free for toddlers two years old and under, and the Grumpy Troll Cafe offers waffles, pancakes, gourmet coffee and teas, and troll-themed candles. You can visit from Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Improve Your Family's Swing at Mac's Indoor Golf If your family is full of golf lovers and you can't get out and play because of the rain, Mac's Indoor Golf has you covered. This full-swing, simulated golf experience can excite kids and adults. Their system can simulate any of 50 world-famous golf courses down to the last hole, water hazard, and sand trap. Unlike a standard course, you can come and practice at Mac's at any time of year without having to buy special clothing or expensive equipment to handle weather conditions and varied tee-offs. Mac's offers a wide range of drinks, hot dogs, and snacks. You can also order food for delivery from anywhere. Mac's Indoor Golf is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Challenge the Family to Pool at Fiddlestix Fiddlestix Billiard Cafe has been the primary destination for pool enthusiasts in the area for over 20 years. It's in Canton, about 45 minutes away, and it hosts a number of billiard leagues for players of all ages. Your family can sign up if they're feeling competitive, and various league games take place every day but Friday. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are for in-house leagues, and on Thursday, a traveling league shows up to give patrons an extra challenge. Saturday and Sunday feature a women's league and a 9-ball league. Dart games are also available. From 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, rates are just one dollar per person per hour or two dollars per hour with two or more people. Fiddlestix is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. The range of activities available on a rainy day near Streetsboro is surprisingly large. Did we miss any of your family's favorite things to do? Contact us and let us know what you like doing on rainy days.

Up close photo of a hand reaching into a box of chocolates from a candy store in Cleveland, Ohio and picking up a single piece of chocolate to try

Best Candy Shops in Cleveland, Ohio

Candy isn't just for kids, you know. Whether you're a chocoholic or a saltwater taffy fanatic, there's a shop to satisfy your sweet craving near home. Here are the top eight confectionery shops in Cleveland, Ohio, that you have to visit. Mitchell's Fine Chocolates "P1150783" by Andrew_Writer is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Hop behind the wheel of your new Nissan and head to Mitchell's Fine Chocolates. It's one of the best candy shops in Cleveland because of its delicious confections. The staff here are serious about chocolate, and it shows in everything they do, from their friendly service to the mouthwatering delights that fill the shop. Chris Mitchell started the historic sweet shop in 1939, and now it's a successful third-generation family business on Lee Road. Its long list of candy includes delicious European-style milk and dark chocolates, creamy caramels, and chewy pecan turtles. Purchase someone special a 48-piece assorted box. It's a wonderful gift for any occasion. B.A. Sweetie Candy Company A trip to b.a. Sweetie Candy Company is like stepping into a virtual world. Large, colorful displays are filled to overflowing with every kind of candy you can imagine. For almost 70 years, this superstore on Brookpark Road has provided locals with classic and contemporary sweet treats. It's the largest store of its kind in the world, with more than 4,500 products on its shelves. We love shopping at Sweeties because you get more bang for your buck than at other local stores. It's also the best place in Cleveland to pick up those hard-to-find candies, like your favorite international brands or childhood treats you may have forgotten. This pick also offers a wide assortment of sugar-free items, plus other attractions. There's even a soda shop that serves drinks and shakes and a seasonal 36-hole miniature golf course. All City Candy All City Candy is another candy mega-store. It's the place to go long after the holidays when you're still craving seasonal favorites like Cadbury Cream Eggs and marshmallow Peeps. All City's staff has whatever your occasion calls for, whether you want some bulk candy for a birthday pinata or something special for mom on Mother's Day. On All City's website, they make it easy for you to shop any way you like, including by color, flavor, or sugar-free items. There's even a clearance section, so you can stock up for less. Browse over 800 chocolate items and more than 600 bulk treats like malt balls, jawbreakers, and jelly beans. You can order online or visit their enormous market on Richmond Road. Groovy Candies Groovy Candies is another fine sweet shop in Cleveland. If you're looking for dessert or an occasional indulgence, this tie-dyed sensation's long list of offerings has you covered. If there's a wedding in your future, look no further than Groovy for your special day. It touts every candy you'd want for a classic or modern reception, including Jordan almonds, pillow mints, and foil-covered chocolates. Put together a candy buffet for your next bridal shower, birthday party, or housewarming event to make your celebration even sweeter. You can even learn interesting facts about candy on Groovy's website, like the history of the lollipop. Campbell's Sweets Factory Did you know that you can see sugary concoctions as the staff makes them at Campbell's Sweets Factory? Taste the candy on your way around the factory at its original location in Ohio City on West 25th Street or visit its other location, which is just a three-minute walk from Cleveland's popular West Side Market. Find festive seasonal delights like caramel apple popcorn and chocolate-covered pretzels that make every holiday special. So make a new family tradition and order a popcorn tin for everyone or grab a box of Buckeyes. These decadent candies, which feature a peanut butter ball dipped in rich milk chocolate, are a favorite of Ohio residents. The Cleveland Chocolate Co. The Cleveland Chocolate Company in the Tremont neighborhood serves products made with responsibly-sourced organic cacao. Its confectioners handcraft the candy right here in Cleveland on West 17th Street. They roast, crack, winnow, and stone-ground cacao beans in small batches to make the most delicious and wholesome chocolate bars around. We love the 48% vegan "mylk" chocolate bar. Cleveland Chocolate makes it with organic cacao from Suhum, Ghana. Coconut milk gives this single-origin chocolate bar its velvety texture while enhancing its fudgy flavors. The 79% dark chocolate bar features beans from Haiti that offer fruity notes and smooth buttery tones. You can order both options and more online, then pick up your order in the store. Sweet Designs Chocolatier If you love chocolate, you're going to love Sweet Designs. Owner Ines Rehner has been making handmade gourmet confections for 25 years. This master chocolatier on Detroit Avenue in nearby Lakewood is a master in the art of candy making. She produces some of Cleveland's best creamy truffles and salted caramels. Rehner even caters to the organic and vegan crowd with chocolates made especially for you. Sweet Designs is a terrific candy shop for business gifts and event favors, plus presents for special occasions. Remember to visit Rehner and her team's informative website. Its Truffles newsletter/blog has tips about wine and more. Fantasy Candies Chocolate Factory Visit Fantasy Candies Chocolate Factory on Mayfield Road. The owners are old-world chocolatiers that share their passion for winemaking and candy with the world at their shop in Lyndhurst. The shop offers some unique products, like chocolate-covered potato chips, chocolate bars with probiotics, and traditional Passover matzos covered in a layer of semisweet chocolate. Stop by for fantastic tasting events. One occasion offers samples of four unique wines, delicious chocolates, and freshly popped popcorn for just $15 per person. It's the perfect budget-friendly date night event, and who wouldn't love to taste some of the most decadent chocolate in Ohio? That's it! Nissan of Streetsboro shared this list of Cleveland's eight best candy shops with you. What do you think of our ideas? Let us know if we forgot your favorite place to find sweets. Please send us a note so we can add your suggestions to our next guide.