Great park! They have lots of areas to check out: Campground Nature center Kayaks to rent Boat launch Hiking trails Beach area Playgrounds Manor Restaurant We stayed in the campground and were able to bike ride most of the park. There is a cool boardwalk trail that starts by the hotel area and walks along the lake. read more

Punderson State Park - Playground - Parks Near Me - Newbury, Ohio

See all

Haven't caught a fish at Punderson lake ever and I've been trying occasionally for the last 4 years at least. I don't think the lake is being stocked like it should and their records verify this. I've had much better results at pine lake in the recent past but even that is now being fished out to the point of being skunked at most attempts. Forget stump lake too. read more

I enjoy seeing the lake here and the birds. Bring your small boats, kayaks and fishing poles. Drive pass the marina and you'll come to the camp ground. Check in at the building to get your site. Have a picnic. Hike the trails. Rent a cabin. Walk the wooden platform on the lake which begins in front of the lodge. Enter the manor for a good meal and check out the gift shop. Stay in the haunted lodge. Bring your cross-country skis. Play a round of golf. Swim in the pool. So much to do at this State Park. See the website for details. read more

See all

We stayed here for two nights and chose this location for its proximity to Cuyahoga National Park. The staff were very nice and friendly. The sites are close together but liked that they were slabs. The bathrooms were clean (we stayed at site 15). We had a view of the lake, obstructed by trees but beautiful during sunset nonetheless. The only disappointing part of the park was the beach. They advertise it as a swimming beach but I would not swim here. It was mucky and goose poop everywhere.. could definitely be better maintained. read more

Punderson State Park - Site 15 - Parks Near Me - Newbury, Ohio

We have camped here for years and even though it is a beautiful park with very nice sites this parked has started to hire not the best staff. Anybody that has ever camped knows that if your spot is available you can register and park your rig, no matter what time. We arrived here at 12:30 and where told by a red headed short nasty woman that our spot was still occupied, but we should see if they finally left. We checked is was empty and where told by other campers they left hours ago. We went back to the front office and informed the nasty woman that the spot is empty and to please register us. She said NO. You will not get in until 3pm go take a walk and have fun. Somebody that incompetent should never work at any State Park and therefore get paid by our hard earned State Tax. read more

We camped in our travel trailer for the first time at Punderson. We stayed at campsite 21. Upon arrival I was shocked the parking pad was so narrow. We barely had enough room for our steps to unfold and have any footing to the parking pad under it. Be prepared with some extra kind of step to use. The park was experiencing an issue with the electricity and didn't have power from 8pm-6am. It was at least 90 out. Husband had to drive 45 min one way to get the generator. My daughter and I sought refuge in the dark shower house to cool off. We used our phone light and I was kinda happy there wasn't full light as the showers were filthy. We chose to stay at this park as it was a half hour from where my daughters travel softball team had a tournament (that got rained out) and we'd have something to do after her games. The beach was a bust when we went and seen how gross the water was. The outside pool was an addition $8 per camper to use at the manor and it was packed already. The park itself seemed to be beautiful, just a little unkept. read more

Punderson State Park - Edge of the water at the beach. - Parks Near Me - Newbury, Ohio

See all

I was disappointed with the beach. I had read about the goose poop littering the beach but thought that was something I could shrug off. There was none of that, but the water was gross. Natural, but gross and unfit for swimming. I'm not sure what it was, but there was a green, slimy, seaweed-like growth all over the ground that made the water murky and the sand like quick sand. There wasn't avoiding this growth from the shore all the way to the buoys. It covered everything. No one except for a few children were in the water; everyone was exclaiming how gross it was and some proceeded to pack up and leave. I sunbathed for a couple hours and left. If you don't like to swim then this beach is fine. Maybe this is a bad year for the beach, I don't know. The reason I didn't rate lower, is because there are many trails that I didn't get to do, that I am sure are great. We didn't get to hike. I'm sure there are other great amenities to the park. The beach just wasn't one of them. read more

Stayed last year. Cabin dirty smelled like cigarette smoke manager gave us a free night and told us they were remodeling and to ask for cabin 8 next year. Just did it and were disappointed. No fireplace. If you plug in the toaster you have to unplug coffee pot. The blind fell down in the bathroom and took out the toilet paper holder. They updated the furnature to cute rustic wood log stuff but it's oversized. To go to the bathroom I had to crawl over my husband every time. The toilet ran and the sink dripped. Also they put wood floors everywhere. Not so clean and cold take slippers. You couldn't plug in the clock and the lamp at the same time in the bedroom because the outlet was bad all in all wasn't worth the 255 a night Also the cabins back up to the road so you hear the trucks go by all night. read more

Punderson State Park - Parks Near Me - Newbury, Ohio

This is a really pretty park, and it sounds like it has a lot of great year-round activities. My visit was recent, in the summer, so that's what my review is going to focus on. However, it does sound like they have a lot of great winter activities, so I think it would be worth a visit to check it out during that time of year too. The manor house is quite elegant and situated in a great place to overlook Punderson Lake, which is not only beautiful, but also allows for boating, swimming, and fishing, and has a beach and marina to support these activities. It is a kettle lake, the results of glacial action in northern Ohio. There's a nice campground, many cabins, and there are also rooms available within the lodge (supposedly haunted) - both in the original part of the house and in the addition. Other summer activities include golf, disc golf, sports courts (basketball, sand volleyball, horseshoes, tennis, shuffleboard), and an archery range. The summer also includes the opening of the nature center near the campgrounds. There are 10 miles of trails, some of which are also available for use during the winter as cross-country skiing or snowmobile routes. The Punderson staff is very friendly and offer some fun programming too. read more

Nice place to drive through....but that's about it. We went here and went on the playground which was okay. The beach is horrific honestly. Disgusting. The cabins look nice, I'm sure it's beautiful in the fall. Not somewhere I would consider staying just from all of the other negative things I have heard about this place. read more

This is a "car camping" park - you will be camping 20 feet from where you park. But that's not necessarily a bad thing - the camping area is barely used in the fall and winter. It gets busy during the typical weekends... Memorial Day, July 4th, etc. Typically during the week (mon-thurs) the place will hardly have anybody there. They just upgraded a bunch of sites by the water with larger parking pads, picnic tables and a variety that are wheelchair accessible. If you go in winter, they close the upper section, but there are still plenty of spots to pick from. I haven't found the perfect spot yet, but here are my recommendations: 1. Look at an overhead map before you go... a section of the lower camping area backs up close to Rte 44. When I walk there in the mornings, the traffic can be a bit loud. 2. If you have a camper or big RV, there are tons of places for you. If possible, pick the updated spots on the water in the lower camping area. BUT, there is a water pump house toward the end of that aisle along with a couple group camping sites, so I would steer clear of the end. They also have electric hook up at the sites and a dump station on your way out. 3. In the summer there are plenty of bathrooms. In the winter, they only keep one open in the lower section. I have seen complaints about the bathrooms stating that they are old. What's to complain about? They are normal bathrooms (not outhouses with a hole), they are heated in the winter and they have showers. So if this is your idea or roughing it, just put on a pair of flip flops and you'll be fine. 4. They rent bikes, cornhole, frisbee golf and the check-in office has a variety of small items for sale. There is a nice playset and I'm pretty sure they do an outdoor movie on the weekends, but don't quote me (check their schedule). 5. Even though the campsites are close, there are tons of them so you should be able to get some privacy if you look around for an out of the way spot. read more

The park is pretty but the staff is not knowledgeable. First night we get there and plug in but what I didn't know is there was a hornets nest underground right underneath the power supply. Well my daughter screamed for me to get back and I did. However it wasn't fast enough because I got stung. So we walked up to the front too let them know. And what do they do, take a can of spray (which by the way I said won't doing anything but piss them off) the lady had no idea what bee/spider powder was. They went and sprayed it anyways and I watched the young girl running away from the spot after she passed them off. I get it, it's nature but I should have been warned. It's not like they pop in over night. Then our power supply stops working. I try to carefully look to see if I can get it back on but no such luck. So then one of the other campers plugs us in to the men's bathroom (thank God I had 3 out door extensions cords). So I went back up to tell them our power isn't working but we plugged into the men's bathroom. They said they would send someone. So people show up with spray again and I am like don't do that you will just pass them off, you guys need bee powder. They were again like oh I didn't know there was any. They told us to not plug into the outlet and maintenance would come by and check it out the following day. So Saturday evening someone stopped with spray again and the outlet was now working but he didn't offer to move the cord so I left it in the bathroom. It was a painful camping trip and could have avoided if they would have warned me about the nest that didn't appear overnight. I did ask for a refund for one night but they refused and told me they put bee powder down twice a week. So not true because none of them brought any or have any idea to use that instead of spray. I will never go back. If you do go take bee powder. read more

Cabin rental is a nightmare. Old broken down fixtures, appliances,and windows. Been there a few times hoping things would get better but always been disappointed. Can't make a reservation, only a request. You get what they give you. Also one of the most expensive State parks in Ohio. Check around, you can do better. read more

I have only visited in the winter. Although, judging by the website, there is even more stuff to do in the summer. For me, Punderson= sledding. This is what parents meant when they used to say "Go outside and play." You know, before America turned fat. It's not exercise if its fun. Then it's called "Play". Come and play at Pundersons. They have snowmobiling, sledding, skiing... all kinds of things to do. See for yourself. Oh, and the hot chocolate in the building by the sledding is really good. read more

My family goes sledding here anytime we head up north for Christmas. It's a massive park and I would like to visit it during the summer some time. While all I have done here is sledding, I know they also have snowmobiling, skiing, horse trails, tennis courts, hiking, and lots more I just don't know about. read more

I have only been here a couple of times in the Summer, but this is a state park that does it right. They have a full lodge, and also offer a variety of very nice cabins that you can Sleep in. They have sledding were you throw yourself down a massive hill, cross country skiing, horse trails , hiking and much much more. it was one of my favorite places to go when I was younger and one of my favorite places to take the younger cousins when I visit. There aren't it seems many places like this left in Ohio. or really anywhere that are free, old fashioned family fun. Its worth checking it out. Go play read more

We had Hillside Cabin (4) with a great view of the lake..very relaxing location. The cabin was clean and well maintained. If they had more comfortable chairs to sit out on patio I would of rated it 5 stars.. they had plastic chairs. The dinning room at hotel seemed overpriced and not very good. I would recommend stocking up on food and grilling out. Our cabin had two picnic tables one outside by grill the other on screened in porch with view of lake. read more

See all

Let me start off by saying a few great things about Punderson. The park is beautiful. My kids enjoyed the pool and hiking around. I've not spoken to one employee of Punderson that weren't kind and helpful. However, when calling to inquire of the campsite and which sites were still available I was told that #124 was a great site and there was a hill I would need to hike up as the tent camping was on the hill. Also, I was warned if I have children this can be a problem. It was mentioned to me on the phone that the site next to it was closed but if I needed to use any of the space from it that we were free to do so. I noticed right after making reservations it said under the camp details that the site said "severe slope" so I called back to ask more. The same person I spoke regarding campsite info before ensured me since the site was on a hill they had to add this in the details but the entire site was flat at the top. Well, no big deal if I get to the site with kids and unload going up and down a hill. I was well aware and prepared for this but what was not mentioned to me is that there was a stream of water in between my car and hill. It was hard to carry everything without falling into the stream and mud. I had to hop onto a rock in between the stream every time and my 4 year old's tennis shoes were sopped in mud within 10 minutes of being there and she was crying. I quickly realized that site #124 wasn't at all flat and if it wasn't for using the closed site next to us we wouldn't have been able to put any tents down. I told the lady when calling I had kids and the entire site next to #124 was surrounded with poison ivy, including some of #124 as well. The park needs to manage the sites more for the safety of it's customers. If I had no outdoors experience I wouldn't have known it was poison ivy and taken precautions. The park could have provided a plank of wood to put across the stream for campers - at least so we could have carried our supplies up the hill safely. It was a good thing we lived closely and were able to run to our home to grab rope to rope off part of the campsite, put a plank of wood across the stream and grabbed another pair of shoes for the 4 year old. The staff needs to have more knowledge of the sites when people call to inquire so an entire family's safety isn't at risk. read more

We have stayed here numerous times because its the closest to home. But each time we go i say this is the last time. Rhe lots are small and most are unlevel. The bathrooms are some of the oldest and dirtiest of any state park. They only have 20 amp service that is very unreliable. The lake is nice for boating kayaking and fishing,but the beach needs work overall there are much better state parks in Ohio. The only plus is its the closest state park to Cleveland read more

The lady at the entrance to the campground was always very nice when we came up. Originally, when we arrived, they placed us right next to some other campers. We went back to the front office and asked if we could switch sites, and she gave us a couple different options and switched us! read more

The cabins were absolutely filthy and disgusting. There was a wet stinky mop in the closet, dirt and clumps of dust everywhere. Mold in all corners of the bathroom. Filth on the kitchen counters. Just absolutely filthy. I cannot believe they are even allowed to keep it open. read more

We have been camping here for a long time! We love it here and it is a nice little park and everyone is so nice. You will definitely have fun fishing and things. We went souring the pandemic, and they made sure everything as as safe as it possibly could be read more

The park is beautiful! Golfing was great, only one negative of day (not my golf score!). I went golfing with my friend for his birthday. We were very excited to get out and hit the greens. We were 5 minutes late for our tee time on a Friday afternoon, tee time scheduled for 1:30. When we got in the clubhouse, we were immediately given dirty looks by the man behind the desk. I told him my name, tee time and that I booked on the Golf Now app. The man looked at me, said nothing and rudely threw the cart key on the desk at us. I was shocked with his behavior and then he again rudely said, "Next time, ya know, can you be a little bit more on time." Yes we were late... but that is no excuse for treating your customers in that manner. While we were on the course, it was not busy at all. One 2 person group in front of us and no one behind us. My friend and I were confused as to why this man treated us this way. Other than the customer service being poor, we both had a great time! Unfortunately we both decided not to return to this beautiful course based on our customer service. Although I would recommend this course for anyone who wants to golf on nice fairways and greens. P.S. avoid cart number 48. It stalls and is super slow! read more

Camped here over the weekend. Camp sites are super small and right on top of each other. For being a campground on a lake, you cannot see the lake. All sites are set way back off the lake. Very little access for shore fishing. 1 pier off of camp area, one on other side of lake, and boat launch area. Heard from many fishermen that this was the worst fishing they had experienced here in years. Poison Ivy all around tight/small campground. Grounds/maintenance crew should spray this. read more

My daughter and I went to swim and paid $20 dollars and we're only aloud to swim 2 hours! Apparently they have to spray a fog due to Covid every two hours, well how about actually cleaning the pool area and bathrooms! When you walk around your feet actually stick to all the buildup of grime, when you swim in the pool you cant even do one lap without getting your fingers coated with hair and the bathroom garbage was heaping with garbage and tampons were on the floor. We ended up only swimming over an hour because we were so grossed out. So two months after our experience my best friend plans a pool party at the indoor pool for her daughter. I wasn't excited about this because of our last experience. My friend called the manor house several times and could not get one person on the phone so she ended up calling the 1-800 number listed. She was told that it was no problem to go with her group of kids and it would be $10 a kid. When my friend and her daughter showed up at the manor house she was rudely told they would have to pay $10 per kid to swim for and hour get out and leave while fogging took place and come back for the next open window of 2 hours. My friend said she saw the sign up sheet for the day and no one had swam in the pool for hours so why would you have to sanitize? Meanwhile my friends daughter is bawling her eyes out because her party has been ruined. My friends daughter is partially blind and it's not like we can move it to a outdoor venue and we specifically picked an indoor area to have her party! So they missed out on over $100 because of their ridiculous Covid policy!! read more

My family of 6 camped at site 199. We had 2 adults and 4 kids aged 4-7. The site's pad was flat for easy camper set-up and well-shaded. The map of the campground makes it appear the playground is very close. It was sort of close, but you had to climb down about 30 rustic steps (watch out for poison ivy) and due to foliage, it wasn't visible from our site (unfortunately). The playground is also right by the exit. There were decent showers with plenty of hot water close by and an area to get fresh water. The bathrooms were quite buggy but I think they tried to get rid of bugs while we were there (a 2 night stay). At the front gate, they asked our visitors to pay a $2.00 visitor fee. The campsite was very quiet and quite empty for that time of year. The roads were well-maintained and that made it easy to let the kids bike ride freely. We did notice - as did our guests - a high amount of mosquitos. We also got bad cases of chiggers after we left. Overall it really was a great campground. read more

We were there for 2 nights, July 10 & 11. We took young grandchildren, and their parents - 6 adults and 3 kids, in all. Our campsite was up on a hill, so we toted all of our gear up some strangely built, but safe stairs (regular run, 1/2 rise, so short steps up on normal-width stairs). Our lot was not very flat, but we found good spots for our tents. The sites (2) were clean, and near a clean bathroom. The sites were not delineated, but we did not feel crowded. Most seemed small. Ours were surrounded with poison ivy, and at least 3 of us came home with rashes. The fire rings were clean and cleaned out. Sunday brunch in the beautiful manor house was disappointing. $18.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids under 12. The first time I asked, my 2-year-old grandson's brunch was going to cost us the full kids price. The second time I called, to see if kids could eat off of the regular breakfast menu (not during brunch), I was told that under 4 eat free. The brunch is not equal to the cost. I have eaten here intermittently for the last 20 years, and previously, the food has been stellar. This time, there was no carving station, but some sort of hot rice dish and some green beans, salad, and then all breakfast items. The consensus of our group was the deserts were attractive, but did not taste well-prepared (eg. the cheesecake was not creamy) - even the kids left some behind. Our table was cleared infrequently, but our server did check on our other needs often. I had an omelet that was going to be brought out to the table when completed, and after I asked about it 20 minutes later, it was found on a side table, still warm, but not hot. I would recommend Geneva State Park over Punderson, at this point. Neither have hiking trails of any significance, but Geneva is on Lake Erie and the food is better. read more

We've stayed here twice in the summer and had a lovely time. The manor house is beautiful and well kept. The dinner room is very nice and the menu good. The rooms are large and well appointed. My only regret is not having enough time to participate in more activities on the property, which include hiking trails, boating, swimming and more. It was a lovely stay and we hope to stay there again. read more

Dined at the Manor House the end of Septemberand had a thoroughly enjoyable experience on a Wednesday evening. The food was outstanding. Every selection, both the entre and side dishes were delicious...it was great. Drinks were very good (Bloody Mary one of best I've ever had and the Pina Coladas, and virgin PC for the kids, were very well done. Service was first class. read more

Be very careful about camp site selection. Sites are very small and close together. After we backed our pop-up in we realized this was not for us, and we left. Staff was friendly and apologetic but we lost a night's rental and only got a gift card for reimbursement for the other night. No complaint about that because those are the terms. read more

I have been to punderson for 2 years now to swim in the outside pool. The pool is great an it cost $6 for senior to swim all day if u r not a guest but the bathroom is a different story. If u plan to change to go home there r no hooks in shower even for a towel. One can change in the toilet area but always wet but there is 1 hook watch when u walk in it is slippery read more