Stanford Backcountry Sites
lay of the land » For $18 a day you get your very own plot of land far off the beaten path. Don't expect shower houses, running water or parking lots. Campers ready to rough it have to hike or bike in and are only provided with one modern amenity, says community relations manager Jocelyn Buckey. "You have access to a, um, I don't want to call it a Porta-Potty," she says chuckling, "but a Porta-Potty." 6093 Stanford Road, Peninsula, nps.gov/cuva
Mohican State Park Camper Cabins
lay of the land » Mohican's options range from primitive camping to a full-service lodge, but in-betweeners should opt for a camper cabin. It's only $50 a night, so you have to bring your own linens, but you do get a microwave and a dormitory-style fridge. "You can sleep up to six," says campground attendant Bernie Lepley. "There's beds in there for four, but you can set up a tent outside for the other two." 3116 state Route 3, Loudonville, mohicanstatepark.org
Kelleys Island Yurts
lay of the land » A cross between teepee and cottage, yurts allow campers to sleep in a covered circular structure with an open skylight in the middle. A week costs $625, but it includes a full-service kitchen, bathroom, living and dining space, and outside grill. 4049 E. Moores Dock Road, Port Clinton, dnr.state.oh.us
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Inn at Brandywine
lay of the land » This is the opposite of roughing it. The Inn at Brandywine is a cozy and historic escape from the modern and mundane. "We have three rooms and three suites, and each room is different," says owner and resident George Hoy. 8230 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills, innatbrandywinefalls.com
