Overview
Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites are designed for users to hike-in only. They are great for backpacking and microadventures where sleeping under the stars is the goal. Guests should expect to hike at least 3 miles to the backcountry sites from where they are parking in Cleveland Metroparks. The backcountry sites reside about 0.25 miles along the Buckeye Trail from
Ottawa Point Picnic Area. Located within the picnic area are bathrooms (year-round) and a water spigot (only available May – September). Anyone using the site should plan to carry water in October – April as the spigot will be turned off to prevent freezing. Natural surface trails are not cleared of snow in the winter; please plan your stay accordingly. Guests are NOT permitted to park at Ottawa Point Picnic Area to start their backcountry experience.
Ottawa Point Picnic Area is a reservable location; please be respectful of any guests using the area.
Rules & Regulations
In order to help ensure a quality, fun, and safe experience, we ask all users to review the rules and regulations, and to follow
Leave No Trace Principles.
- Sites will be hike-in only (about 3 miles); users will not be able to access the backcountry sites to unload gear from their vehicles.
- Set-up begins at 3 p.m. or later on your reservation date with departure no later than noon the following day.
- Must use latrines provided at Ottawa Overlook Picnic Area.
- Please cook and hang food in the designated areas.
- No alcohol permitted.
- No fires will be permitted any time of the year.
- To preserve the area for future use, no trees should be trimmed or removed.
- Trash is to be packed in and packed OUT.
- Wash yourself, your dishes and your clothes using a container. Washing in a spring, lake or waterway is prohibited. Dispose of wastewater at least 200 feet from water resources, trails, and campsite.
- Please do not feed wildlife.
- Dogs and cats may accompany their owners in the Park District; however, pets must be controlled on a leash not more than eight feet long, and all excrement must be placed in a litter receptacle.
Rental Info
- Fee: $5 non-refundable processing fee
- Capacity: 4 individuals/site maximum capacity; must stay within designated boundary
- Best for: Backcountry sites are ideal for backpackers and those capable of hiking in with necessary overnight equipment. Expect to hike about 3 miles from where your vehicle is parked.
- Amenities: Potable water (May-September), Restrooms within .25 miles, Hangable food storage
- Activities: Backpacking
Permits are available year-round, but must be booked at least 2 days in advance.
Permit holders must be at least 18 years old and are responsible for all guests.
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email. This is your permit. You MUST keep a copy with you at all times and present it to any Cleveland Metroparks Police or other staff upon request.
For your safety at the start of your trip, call Dispatch via the non-emergency number 440-331-5530:
- Ask for the Cleveland Metroparks Dispatch
- Tell them you have an overnight vehicle.
- Tell them the vehicle location ((Only Brecksville Nature Center (3.1 miles away) or Plateau Picnic Area (3.4 miles away) when parking in Cleveland Metroparks. Backcountry permit holders can NOT park at Ottawa Picnic Area (0.25 miles away); they must hike in)), make, model, and license plate number.
Vehicles that don’t call in can be subject to being removed as an abandoned vehicle. Cleveland Metroparks is not responsible for any vehicle damage that may occur while parked at either of the designated overnight sites.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: