Big Bend Trailhead Boondocking In Akron, OH – Tips and Location Guide

by John Rodgers / Tuesday, June 10, 2025 / Published in Free Camping, Ohio Free

Big Bend Trailhead Boondocking In Akron, OH
Tips and Location Guide

ADDRESS
1337 Merriman Rd. Akron, OH GPS: 41.12775, -81.53961 Elevation: 787′
MANAGEMENT
Public – County Park (Official) 216-635-3200 This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

Big Bend Trailhead Boondocking: HIKE-IN – There is an active Kiosk register just past the restroom. This is a great little plateau for tent or hammock camping! No RVs

About This Location

Looking for a quiet place to camp near Akron, Ohio? Big Bend Trailhead boondocking area has free spots for hike-in tent camping.

Big Bend Trailhead boondocking area is a no-cost campsite where you can set up in designated areas. It’s a solid pick for anyone who wants to be close to nature and away from vehicle noise.

Just a heads-up: overnight vehicle parking isn’t allowed, so you’ll need to hike in with your gear. It’s not a long trek, but you’ll want to pack light.

This spot is easy to reach by foot and gives you a peaceful way to experience the outdoors along the Cuyahoga River.

Big Bend TH Boondocking In Akron, OH

Big Bend Trailhead boondocking area is a popular spot for boondocking in Akron, Ohio. It’s all about free, hike-in tent camping—only in the designated areas, though.

No overnight parking at the trailhead, but you can bring your gear and hike in to set up camp. The exact address is 1337 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH.

The elevation here is about 787 feet. It’s mostly flat, so getting around isn’t too much trouble.

Boondocking here gives you a quiet, natural experience within the county park. No RV or vehicle hookups, and honestly, facilities are pretty limited.

You’ll need to show up prepared with your own water, food, and camping gear. Don’t forget to stick to the park rules and try not to leave a trace.

Feature	Details
Location	1337 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH
Camping Type	Hike-in tent camping only
Fee	Free
Overnight Parking	Not allowed (exceptions rare)
Elevation	787 feet
Facilities	Minimal (no hookups or restrooms)

This spot is great if you’re looking for simple, no-frills camping close to the Ohio & Erie Canalway. It’s a nice way to enjoy the outdoors near Akron without shelling out for a campsite.

Outdoor Activities And Nearby Attractions

When you’re boondocking at Big Bend Trailhead boondocking area, there’s a lot to do nearby. Hiking trails wind through the area, and there’s a path for just about every skill level.

You can get your fill of fresh air and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way. If you’re into fishing or kayaking, the nearby rivers and lakes are worth a shot.

Spend an afternoon on the water, or try your luck catching some local fish. Bird watchers and wildlife fans might catch glimpses of deer, birds, or other critters—early mornings and late afternoons are usually best.

Here are some popular activities you can do close to your boondocking site:

Hiking and walking trails
Fishing in local rivers and lakes
Bird watching and wildlife observation
Picnicking in nearby parks
Biking on trail paths

There are also small nature centers and historic spots around if you’re looking for something a bit different. These places offer a peek into the local history and environment.

Just a quick tip: weather can be unpredictable, so pack for changes and bring what you need. Most outdoor areas nearby don’t have shops or services, so it pays to be prepared.

Directions

To get to Big Bend Trailhead Boondocking in Akron, Ohio, head to 1337 Merriman Road. That’s the official address for the trailhead and the nearby free campsite.

If you’re driving, plug in GPS coordinates 41.12775, -81.53961 for the most accurate spot. This will take you right to the trailhead.

Coming from downtown Akron? Just take the main roads toward Merriman Road. Navigation apps like Google Maps or MapQuest make it pretty straightforward.

When you arrive, you’ll see signs for the Big Bend Trailhead boondocking area. There’s parking, but remember, camping is hike-in only.

You’ll need to carry your gear from the parking lot to the campsite. Public phone service is close by, and county park officials manage the trailhead.

If you get lost or need help, you can call the park’s office at 216-635-3200. Expect a short hike from your car to the camping area—sturdy shoes and some water aren’t a bad idea, especially if it’s hot out.

Vehicle Access And Pricing

At Big Bend, you can’t boondock with your vehicle inside the park. Camping with your car is only allowed at the main campgrounds.

There are 67 primitive campsites scattered along the backcountry roads. These spots are tucked away in remote desert stretches, and honestly, some of them are a real challenge to get to.

Most of the campsites are reachable by car, but the roads can be pretty rough. Not every backcountry site allows vehicle access, especially up in the Chisos Mountains.

You’ll need a permit to camp at any roadside or backcountry site. It’s $10 per night, or just $5 per night if you’ve got a Senior Access Pass.

There’s a 14-night limit at any one campsite. Overall, you can camp up to 28 days in the park if you move around.

Entrance fees run $20 per vehicle for a 7-day stretch. Annual or senior passes will cover this fee if you have one.

Here’s a quick summary:

Item	Cost	Notes
Park Entrance Fee	$20 per vehicle	Valid for 7 days
Primitive Campsite Permit	$10 per night	$5 with Senior Access Pass
Maximum Nights per Campsite	14 nights	28 days total in the park
Vehicle Access	No boondocking	Primitive sites may be remote