Built for campers and Loved by families.

We’re rooted in history and built on community.

Western Reserve Campground is more than just a place to stay — it’s a place to connect with nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and create unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a full-season retreat, our campground offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and community

Founded in 1971, but its story starts long before that.

Originally owned by Comfort Christian “CC” Bowman and his brother “AC,” the land served as a sugar camp—rich with towering maple trees, where the brothers harvested and sold syrup right from their front porch. This property, full of natural beauty and purpose, became the foundation for what would grow into one of northeast Ohio’s most beloved campgrounds.

When a group of attorneys purchased the land from the Bowman brothers, they hired a man named Bill Elms to bring their vision to life. That same year, Bill placed a trailer on-site and added a room to it. That simple addition still stands today as the manager's house and game room—a quiet reminder of our humble beginnings.

From 1971 to 1999, Western Reserve Campground grew steadily under the care of Mr. Elms and the founding team. Ownership eventually changed hands — eventually leading to the owners today, RiverWest. What’s remained constant is the sense of community, the commitment to quality, and the campers who return year after year. In fact, 11 original campers still spend their seasons with us — a testament to the special bond between this land and the people who love it.

One of those original campers is Joann Santha, who first began camping at Western Reserve in 1969—two years before the park officially opened. With her husband, her kids, and a group affectionately known as “the Italians,” Joann helped turn muddy ground into a welcoming space. In true camper fashion, they hand-dug a new road—yes, with shovels—and named it “Pig’s Hollow.” To this day, you can still see the sign. And yes, her family continues to camp here—now spanning three generations.

Looking Ahead:

While we honor our history, we’re always moving forward. We're upgrading our transient sites and improving the campground experience in big and small ways. We’re here to make Western Reserve even better for generations to come.