If you’d like to experience a multi-day bicycle touring adventure on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, there are several options available for camping near the trail.
The information listed below is current as of February 2026. Rates, policies, and availability may vary by season; please contact the responsible organizations to confirm the details before planning your trip. Use the Contact page to submit any errors or additions.
Heritage Farms in Peninsula
Heritage Farms is a 5th generation family-owned farm located at 6050 Riverview Road in Peninsula, Ohio. Primitive camping is available, with tent sites, A-frame shelters, and Adirondack-style shelters.
Access from the Towpath Trail is easiest by exiting the Towpath through the Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park. About one mile south of the Village of Peninsula, there is a railroad tunnel on the trail, with a small footbridge right next to it. Cross over that bridge, then proceed up the paved path and through the parking lot. Turn RIGHT onto Riverview Road, then the farm is just up the road on the left.
Valley Overlook Campground and Lodging
Valley Overlook Campground and Lodging is a family-run camping and glamping area with 62 scenic wooded acres featuring canvas cabin tents. They are located at 4451 Akron-Peninsula Rd, Peninsula, Ohio.
This is about 5 minutes by bicycle from the Towpath Trail. At the Hunt Farm Visitor Information Center (on Bolanz Road, near Szalay’s Farm & Market), go EAST on Bolanz Road (keeping the Visitor Center on your left), then turn LEFT onto Akron-Peninsula Road. The campground is just ahead on the right.
Summit Metro Parks Camp Sites
The Summit Metro Parks provides campgrounds at two locations along the Towpath Trail:
- Big Bend Trailhead in northern Akron – This is about one mile south of the Merriman Road/Portage Path business district. Look for the Big Bend Trailhead sign and turn RIGHT, then cross the railroad tracks. There is a pit toilet and water fountain; look for the dirt path to the left of the toilet. Follow the path to the top of the hill for the camp site.
- About one-quarter mile south of the Franklin Trailhead, or about 1.5 miles north of the village of Clinton. Look for a small tent symbol and a small path going up from the east side of the trail. No running water or restrooms are available at this site.
Camping is permitted by hikers and cyclists (no drive-up camping) for one-night stays only on a first-come, first-served basis. Use is free of charge and reservations are not required, although campers are requested to sign-in at the kiosk by providing their names, zip codes, arrival date, the number of people in their group, and their departure date.
Stark County Parks District
A primitive camping area is located near the Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead (3455 Erie Ave NW, Massillon, Ohio), about 2-1/2 miles north of downtown Massillon. Use is free of charge for hikers or cyclists; drive-up camping is not allowed. There is a porta-potty nearby but no running water.
Canal Fulton
Canal Fulton Canoe Livery & Campground offers tent camping, and they have restrooms and a shower. They are located just one block from the Towpath Trail at 219 Cherry St W #1066, Canal Fulton, Ohio. There are several options for dining out within walking distance in downtown Canal Fulton.
Bolivar
Towpath Trail Peace Park Campsites are operated by the Towpath Trail Snack Shack, located at 689 State Route 212, Bolivar, Ohio. The campsites and snack bar are directly accessible from the Towpath Trail, between the McDonnell Trailhead and the village of Bolivar.
NTR Canoe Livery allows primitive camping on their grounds for a small fee or free with a canoe/kayak trip. They are located at 11358 OH-212, Bolivar, Ohio, which is just outside the main downtown area on the east side of Interstate 77.
