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There are many reasons to visit Canton, Ohio, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame and nearby Amish country. Canton also boasts several first-class hospitals, which was the reason for our recent unscheduled stay.
Our big summer road trip got off to a rocky start when my husband landed in a Canton hospital for several days. We were far from home and it was late in the evening when we arrived, so I spent the night in the RV parked behind the hospital, nervous and sleepless. First order of business the next morning was to find a suitable campground nearby.
Using the Good Sam RV Park Finder app, I lucked upon Bear Creek Resort Ranch in East Sparta, Ohio. Owners Carol and Lee Soehnlen were sympathetic to my plight, and offered an open-ended reservation even though it was the height of their busy season and Enshrinement Weekend to the Hall of Fame as well.
It’s a pretty drive through bucolic farmland to reach this KOA campground, only a few country miles from Interstate 77. Nestled in the woods, the 400-acre property has plenty of grass areas for kids and pets to romp. Sites include big rig pull-thrus and full hook-ups with sewer and cable. Camping cabins and cottages are also available.
The owners have been managing Bear Creek Resort Ranch for over 40 years, and the amenities offered here are a testament to their commitment. There’s a prettily landscaped miniature golf course, a large and inviting swimming pool, a lovely and serene fishing lake with paddleboats, and horseback riding available. A large playground in the center entertained camping kids all day long.
And then there’s the best feature I’ve ever seen – a giant teeter-totter made for adults. It’s a solid log carved into the form of a dragon, 20 feet long, and swings you way up in the air. A few days later, after hearing that my husband was well and we would be leaving soon, the owners treated me to a ride. Carol climbed on one side of the giant beast, Lee helped me up on the other, and away we went!
Like many KOA properties, Bear Creek offers reliable camping plus a host of other services such as propane fill, laundry, dump station, and grocery/gift store. The relaxed and quiet setting was just what I needed, and a good night’s rest helped to soothe the nerves.
Hopefully your trip to Canton will be a pleasant and planned visit rather than an emergency stop-over like ours. But either way, do stay at the KOA Canton/Bear Creek Resort Ranch.
Websites:
www.koa.com/campgrounds/canton
August 24, 2023
