Park & facilities.
A walk through what's on the property, how it's laid out, and what's on offer.
A beautiful paradise landscape of 250+ acres.
The scenic Nelson Ledges Quarry Park is a great place to camp, swim, hike, sunbathe, attend music festivals, or just plain hang out. The park is a beautiful landscape made up of 250 acres of forest, meadows, streams, rock ledges, fishing lakes, and of course the quarry itself.
There are more than 400 campsites, some deep in the woods, some along the quarry, and others in secluded meadows. The park is a unique and special place that is cherished by many.
Over the last 50 years, thousands have claimed that their greatest memories were made at the quarry. Due to their interactions with friends and the landscape as a whole, the park leads to experiences that can be compared with no other.
More than just a park: Nelson Ledges offers hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, scuba, snorkeling, and more — all on one 250-acre property.
250+ acres. 30ft avg quarry. 60ft Abyss. Two fishing lakes.
The quarry.
Spring-fed, clean, clear, and warms up by mid-May. Water is officially tested twice per season and rates among the lowest-contaminant bodies of water in Ohio. We rarely need to treat it — and never with copper sulfates.
Average depth is 30 feet, with shelves, rock formations, fish, and plant life. The bottom holds a sunken cabin cruiser and the 60-foot Abyss trench.
Camping & beach.
A variety of individual campsites that cater to personal preference. Whether it's on a ledge by the water or deep in the woods, you can camp near the social activity or settle in one of the quiet, isolated areas. We pride ourselves on being a primitive campground and avoiding the trailer/RV look — campers and motorhomes are welcome for short stays, but there are no water or electrical hookups. Small, quiet generators are allowed.
The quarry has a large beach with a shallow, roped-in area for children. Red-Cross-certified lifeguards are on duty daily during the regular season. Water is open 10 AM to 7 PM weather permitting (above 70°F and sunny). Because the water is spring-fed, clarity and visibility are excellent — even for an average swimmer, a mask and snorkel can provide hours of underwater exploration.
The forest & trails.
Mature hardwood cover across the camping areas and walking trails. The Ledges themselves — quartz and sandstone formations shaped by Ice Age erosion — border the park and are a well-known Northeast Ohio geological feature.
Two lakes.
Two separate fishing lakes in addition to the swimming quarry. (Fishing in the swim quarry is prohibited by state law.) The fishing lakes are home to large-mouth bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. You'll also find waterfowl, turtles, frogs, non-venomous snakes, and other freshwater species.
Festival fields.
Main stage and side stage areas in the festival section of the property, walking distance from both the campground and the water. More than ten music weekends use this space every summer.
What's on site.
- Bathhouses & showers. Two public showers by the main gate, plus bathhouses throughout the campground.
- Water refill station. Near the showers at the front gate.
- General store. Firewood, ice, camp essentials, cold drinks, basic supplies.
- Concessions. Burgers, snacks, and hot food during summer season.
- Raft compressor. In the green Quonset hut by the front gate — free to use.
- Lost & found. At the front gate. Call (440) 548-2716 if you left something behind.
- Dump station. In the RV section for pull-behinds and motorhomes.
- No hookups. No water or electrical hookups for campers or RVs. Small, quiet generators are allowed; the park is otherwise primitive.
Find your way around.
Campsites, stages, beach access, fishing lakes, and the scuba entry — all laid out on our illustrated park map. Print it before you come or pull it up on your phone at the gate.
See the park for yourself.
Year-round hiking and camping. Swimming Memorial Day through Labor Day.