Spend the night in the parks

Lake Metroparks introduces tent camping in five parks

In an effort to provide more opportunities to enjoy our parks, Lake Metroparks is expanding its camping opportunities to include tent camping so campers may experience unique natural features and the great outdoors. Staff created sites to highlight different natural resources, thus providing a variety of camping experiences.

These new opportunities offer a “primitive” experience for small groups of up to eight people staying in tents. Campers must hike about ¼-mile to more than a mile or paddle to the campsites. 

Each location is different, and there is only one campsite per park to provide a quiet, intimate natural experience—much different than crowded campgrounds. There is a lakeside site on Hidden Lake, a site high on the bluffs over the Grand River, a creekside site along Big Creek and two different riverside sites along the Grand River.

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 now 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. 

Sites are available from May 1 until October 31 and subject to temporary closure due to high water or extremely wet conditions.

Click here for a list of campsite locations, reservation procedure and the rules and regulations for tent camping in Lake Metroparks.

Lake Metroparks celebrates Earth Day

Lake Metroparks Farmpark and Penitentiary Glen Reservation

Sunday, April 21 • Noon to 4 pm 

We are all responsible for caring for our natural environment. This has been the concept of Earth Day since its beginning in 1970.  Lake Metroparks continues that focus with its Earth Day events to celebrate our successes that help the Earth, and make a commitment to learn and use new ways to make our planet a healthier place.  

LAKE METROPARKS FARMPARK

Discover earth-friendly ways to make an earth-friendly difference at home. You can learn how to start your own garden compost, investigate new ways to conserve energy at home, and how alternative energy works. Enjoy a family day in the country with fun games and crafts for the kids. 

• Check out the high gas mileage and electric micro SMART USA that embodies innovation and efficiency.
• Discover how we harness solar and wind power at our renewable energy display
• Interact with with local conservation agencies at an eco-fair.
  
• Bring your bike to Farmpark for a Children's Bike Safety Clinic (noon to 2 pm)

FREE admission for Lake County residents and Farmpark members (Valid ID required)

PENITENTIARY GLEN RESERVATION

Discover what you can do to help the environment and learn valuable tips as you participate in hands-on activities during this free Earth Day event that features:

• ECO-FAIR, where you can interact with representatives from 16 local agencies, organizations, and groups focused on conservation and the environment.
• Did you know that Earth without Art is just “Eh”? Learn more as you help make this craft. Artwork will be pieced together to be displayed in the Nature Center in the near future.
• Take a walk on the new I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TRAIL, a self guided with informative and fun stations geared towards learning what you can do to help the environment. A free tree sapling will be given to those who complete the trail.
• Visitors can help paint a rain barrel using the pointillism technique. The winner of a free drawing gets to take the rain barrel home!
• Meet native Ohio wildlife in our Wildlife Center yard and along the train line. A naturalist will share interesting animal stories and answer questions in the Wildlife Center yard.
• Haircut-a-thon – Ladies & Gentlemen Salon & Spa will be on site to give $10 haircuts, first-come, first-served. The money raised will benefit Penitentiary Glen Nature Center.
• WELW 1330 AM will be on site for your entertainment.
• Explore nature in the park – self-guided on our trail system (some trails suitable for strollers).
• Ride the miniature trains provided by the Lake Shore Live Steamers between 1 and 3 pm, weather permitting.

Click here for more information about Earth Day activities at both parks.