Reservations for tent campsites now open

With nine campsites throughout eight different parks in Lake County, Lake Metroparks has officially kicked off its 2018 season, with reservations now available.

The campsites and parks are:

• Baker Road Park — Leroy Township

• Girdled Road Reservation — Concord Township

• Hidden Lake — Leroy Township

• Lake Erie Bluffs — two sites, Perry Township

• Lakeshore Reservation — new, North Perry Village

• Penitentiary Glen Reservation — Kirtland

• River Road Park — Madison Township

• Riverview Park — Madison Township

Each site provides “rustic” tent camping for small groups of up to eight people, according to a Lake Metroparks news release. Each location is different, with one campsite per park. All campsites have designated areas to pitch a tent, a place to build a fire, a grill and a picnic table. Sites do not have restrooms, electricity, running water or trash cans.

Campers are expected to practice a “leave no trace” camping ethic, including carrying in and out all supplies and trash, with the goal of leaving the area better than it was found. Campers are “on their own” and should be prepared to take care of themselves and the environment.

The sites are set back from the developed areas of the parks from about a quarter-mile to more than a mile. Campers must hike or paddle to the campsites. Paddle-in sites may require a three- to eight-mile paddle by canoe or kayak to reach the campsite.

Tent camping sites must be reserved.

Most of the campsites are available from May 2 until Nov. 30 each year, and all are subject to temporary closure because of high water or extremely wet conditions. The site at River Road is open through Labor Day; the Girdled Road Reservation is available year-round, the release stated.

Reservations can be made up to 3 p.m. one day prior to arrival. There is a limit of three outstanding permits at one time with a three-night limit on each reservation. The renter must be 21 years of age or older. Organized group camping sites are available year-round.

Sites cost is $10 per night for Lake County residents and $20 per night for outof-county visitors.

When registering, campers must sign and agree to the terms of the Lake Metroparks Tent Rules and Regulations.

To reserve tent campsites online, visit lakemetroparks.com/tentcamping or by call Lake Metroparks registration at 440-3587275 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Visit http://bit.ly/LMcamping for more information.