Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 1

A camping site with fallen leaves and logs

Site 1 is nestled inside of the backcountry site’s camp triangle most proximal to the kitchen area and food storage areas. The 12’ x 17’ designated tent area is a defined natural surface area that can accommodate one 4-person tent or two small 2-person tents. Sites 1 and 2 sit close to each other and the shared kitchen area.

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 whether hiking in from Cuyahoga Valley National Park or hiking from one of the designated parking areas within Brecksville Reservation (Plateau Picnic Area or Brecksville Nature Center). Guests should expect to hike at least 3 miles to the backcountry sites from where they are parking in Cleveland Metroparks. The sites are designed to model the camping triangle which separates the tent sites from the food storage area and kitchen area. To preserve these sites, promoting backpacking in Cleveland Metroparks, follow "Leave No Trace" principles and these guidelines throughout your camping experience:

  • Know before you go:
      • Backcountry Site use requires a permit.
      • Vehicles left overnight MUST park in designated locations.
      • The backcountry sites have a maximum stay of 1 night and 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.
      • Guests are NOT permitted to park at Ottawa Point Picnic Area to start their backcountry experience.
  • Hike and camp on designated areas only
    • Use the designated trail to access the backcountry sites and camp inside the tent areas. This minimizes erosion and habitat degradation.
    • Natural surface trails are not cleared of snow in the winter; please plan your stay accordingly.
    • The maximum capacity at each site is 4 individuals and 2 tents.
  • Protect our natural resources
    • Trimming or removing trees is not permitted.
    • Use of hammocks and clotheslines are allowed on the designated posts at each site.
    • Campfires are not permitted.
  • Pack waste in and out:
    • There are no trash cans in the backcountry sites: plan to carry all trash out upon departure.
    • 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. They must not be left unattended.
    • Minimize human waste by using latrines provided at Ottawa Point Picnic Area

Respect other visitors by observing the Backcountry Site Rules and Regulations:

  • Sites will be hike-in only. Users will not be able to access the backcountry sites to unload gear from their vehicles. Maximum stay 1 night for all sites/permits
  • Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. No loud noises, talking, music, etc.
  • Trail use and entrance in and out of the parks is limited to park hours, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Campsite Check-In: 3 p.m. or later; Campsite Check-Out: before 12 p.m.
  • No alcohol or fires permitted.
  • 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.

Rental Information

  • Fee: Free: please only reserve sites for days you'll be there, so they remain available for others.

  • Capacity: 4 individuals/site maximum capacity; must stay within designated boundary

  • Maximum stay: 1 night

    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 always 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 CANNOT be parked for more than 1 night. 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. 


    Click here to book

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Interactive Map

Activities

Amenities

  • Drinking Fountain

  • Restrooms

  • Trail Access

Nearby Attractions

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