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Headwaters Park

Location

13365 Old State Road (Rt. 608)
Claridon Township

Hours

Open 6 am until 11 pm today

View All Hours

Trail Maps

planning to take a hike?
get off on the right foot

Take a waterside walk Along East Branch reservoir

This 926-acre park is leased from the City of Akron in a partnership that allows for conservation of natural areas as well as enjoyment of recreation and outdoor education. Five trails total 4.7 miles. More than two miles of the statewide Buckeye Trail winds along the western shore of East Branch Reservoir. The eastern shore and all islands are designated preserves and only accessible during naturalist-led programs. A secondary entrance is located at 15055 Mayfield Road (Rt. 322).

Boat borrowing is now closed for the 2025 season.

When next season is about to begin, News & Updates is where we’ll post a new schedule, updates, and everything else you’ll need to know to float, so please check back in May 2026 for that!

Headwaters Park Trails
Eagle Flying in Headwaters Park habitat

Habitat About the Wildlife

You'll love the beauty of this natural watershed that is home to a multitude of species, including Bald Eagles.

Facilities

 

Headwaters Park has one lodge, one shelter and 13 campsites, all reservable.

 

Crystal Lake Shelter

Reserve This Facility

 

Crystal Lake Shelter can host up to 80 people and offers 8 picnic tables, electrical outlets, a grill, and nearby vault-style restrooms.

Guests must bring their own water for drinking and clean-up. Alcohol is only permitted in the shelter, not in the adjacent support facilities such as restrooms, activity areas, trails, parking lots or roads.

To protect the beauty of the parks, Geauga Park District encourages you to “Pack It In, Pack It Out.” Decorations are nice, but please no nails, glitter or confetti, and be sure to remove all traces of your decorations at the end of your visit.

Guests are responsible for their own shelter clean-up at the end of each reservation/event.

Camp Site A - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site A (which is ADA accessible) contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site B - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site B contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site C - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site C contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site D - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site D contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site E - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site E contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site F - Lean-to

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site F contains one 10′ x 12′ lean-to structure which typically accommodates up to 5 people. There is no provision for setting up a tent on this site. Campers must bring their own bedding as the interior has a wooden deck for sleeping. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a grill are also provided. Cooking must be done in the fire ring; the lean-to fireplace is to be used for warmth only.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Camp Site G - Lean-to

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site G contains one 10′ x 12′ lean-to structure which typically accommodates up to 5 people. There is no provision for setting up a tent on this site. Campers must bring their own bedding as the interior has a wooden deck for sleeping. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a grill are also provided. Cooking must be done in the fire ring; the lean-to fireplace is to be used for warmth only.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site H - Lean-to

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site H contains one 10′ x 12′ lean-to structure which typically accommodates up to 5 people. There is no provision for setting up a tent on this site. Campers must bring their own bedding as the interior has a wooden deck for sleeping. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a grill are also provided. Cooking must be done in the fire ring; the lean-to fireplace is to be used for warmth only.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site I - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site I contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site J - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site J contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site K - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site K contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site L - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site L contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

Camp Site M - Tent Pad

Reserve This Campsite

 

Camping reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note that snow is not plowed along the trails to the campsites during winter weather so guests must be able to “pack in and pack out” their items.

Headwaters Park’s Camp Site M contains one 10′ x 10′ tent pad which typically accommodates up to 4 people each. Tents must be placed on the tent pads and not on the surrounding ground. Groups larger than 4 people must reserve an additional site.

A picnic table and a fire ring with grate are also provided.

Campers must bring their own firewood and supplies. Please do not bring firewood from outside Ohio. Campers are encouraged to bring/purchase firewood from local sources nearby this park.

Quiet Hours: Your group must be quiet enough between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM to not disturb your closest neighbor.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at campsites.

Vault-style restrooms are available in three locations; please refer to this park’s trail map. There is no running water in the restrooms.

Campers must bring their own water for drinking and sanitation.

Campers are responsible for cleaning up their campsite before they depart. Trash receptacles are not provided at the campsite to avoid attracting animals. Do not burn trash in the fire ring; rather, please “pack it out” at the end of your reservation. A “trash center” for garbage disposal can be found near the restrooms.

Upon placing a reservation, please review the complete camping guidelines found on your permit and keep this document available to reference during your stay.

How's the water?BOAT LAUNCH LEVEL

How is the water level at the Headwaters Park boat launch?

Please Note: We do our best to keep this indicator updated, but should you arrive to the park and find it inaccurate, please Contact Us to suggest an update. Thanks for your help!

Hypothermic water
Stick to the shore!
Good but not great
Grab your oars!

Get out on the water Boat Borrowing

Typically beginning in late May and lasting through early September, the Park District’s limited number of kayaks, canoes and paddleboats can be borrowed first-come-first-served for self-guided tours of East Branch Reservoir.

To take advantage, please visit our News & Updates page during the season for pricing, safety rules, hours of operation (including exceptional schedules), and everything else you’ll need to know to float.

What to do at Headwaters Park Upcoming Programs

Event Location Date Time Fee
Hound Hike Headwaters Park 04/18/2026 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Free
Campfire Cooking: Dutch Ovens Headwaters Park 04/19/2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm $4.00
Buckeye Trail LONG Haul Hike! (16.6 Miles) Headwaters Park 04/25/2026 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Free
Nature Trek Fitness Hike Headwaters Park 05/30/2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am Free
Bald Eagle & Osprey Kayak (Ages 10+ w/adult) Headwaters Park 06/06/2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Free
Bald Eagle & Osprey Kayak (Ages 10+ w/adult) Headwaters Park 06/06/2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Free
View All Upcoming Events