Allison G
October 4, 2026
The shelter was clean, it was easy picking up the key code, and it was so nice that firewood was provided for the fireplace!
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About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Picnic Shelters
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a destination for millions of visitors each year who enjoy hiking, riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad , biking and picnicking.
Whether you need an area large enough for a family reunion or just an intimate spot for two, Cuyahoga Valley is an ideal destination. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park. Two rustic shelters, Ledges and Octagon, are available for reservation in the Virginia Kendall Unit of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Picnic Table
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Grill
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
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Reviews
45 reviews
Summary
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Picnic Shelters receive high praise for their beautiful locations, cleanliness, and amenities like kitchenettes and grills, making them ideal for family reunions and company picnics. Many users appreciated the helpful staff and reported that the shelters were perfect for large gatherings. However, some guests noted issues such as long wait times for access codes and unwanted foot traffic from hikers, suggesting improvements in these areas.
Based on guest feedback
4.6
Overall rating
Based on 45 reviews
5 stars
77.8% (35)
4 stars
15.6% (7)
3 stars
2.2% (1)
2 stars
2.2% (1)
1 star
2.2% (1)
Showing 45 reviews
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Andrew V
September 27, 2026
We have been renting out the Ledges Pavillion for over 20 years for a family reunion. The place is always well kept and they have now upgraded to the picnic tables.
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Cathy R
September 5, 2026
We secured the Octagon Shelter near the Ledges Trail for a family memorial picnic. It was a very beautiful and meaningful place for us all to be. The younger members of the family desire to do it again on an annual basis choosing different times of the year due to the ability of the park to convert the shelter to fully enclosed with moveable walls. It was a perfectly lovely space with two fireplaces with wood provided and a generously sized grill. The space was really great in which to share our picnic and to remember our loved ones. We had also had interaction with the park office and the help and information we received was a blessing. We were sent maps of all the separate park areas. The kids loved pouring over the maps. We worked with Faith in obtaining some additional services and she provided over and above our needs to make our special day even more special. It will be an annual event for our family for years to come❣️
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Samantha L
August 17, 2026
Everyone was friendly and helpful. The pavilion was beautiful and the perfect location for our event.
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Christina K
August 17, 2026
Love this location for a great family reunion! Everything we need is there except a fan or 2 to circulate the air on hot humid days. This would really help keep it comfortable. Maybe they could be mounted up high so not in the way.
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Brianna S
July 27, 2026
The Octagon Shelter had everything we needed for a company picnic. The bathrooms were nice and clean and the kitchenette space was handy for chopping vegetables. The grill met our needs and there was plenty of space for outdoor activities. We will definitely use this space again!
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Jeffery K
July 26, 2026
We had our family reunion at the Ledges Pavillion. I was the perfect place to have it. Everyone was very happy with the facility. We will book again for another function!
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Linda D
July 19, 2026
Wonderful place to have a large picnic!
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Ann S
July 18, 2026
beautiful and clean shelter. easy access. had all necessary items such as small kitchenette (no stove). wood for fireplace. toms of parking.
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Tom P
July 4, 2026
My family has used the Ledges Shelter for 25 years for many occasions and have always been pleased with the facility. I know we will continue to use it in the future.
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Location & Directions for Cuyahoga Valley National Park Picnic Shelters
15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141 United States
Elevation: 279 ft
Getting There
Ledges Shelter:
701 Truxell Road
Boston Township, Peninsula, OH 44264
Octagon Shelter:
801 Truxell Road
Boston Township, Peninsula, OH 44264
Click here for the quickest routes to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Highway access
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Picnic Shelters are accessible via Interstate 80, approximately 10 miles to the north, and Interstate 271, about 8 miles to the east. Additionally, Ohio State Route 8 runs nearby, providing further access to the area.
Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The closest entrance is: Boston Mill Visitor Center
Approximate drive: 4.5 mi · 8 min
Policies & Rules
General
- Only the shelter and the large grill adjacent to the shelter are reservable; the fields and restrooms are open to the public.
- SHELTER HOURS: May 1 - September 30: . October 1 - April 30: . Both shelters gates are closed at dusk until morning.
- Space heaters and other large appliances are not permitted. The fireplaces are for ambient heating and do not heat the entire building; dress warmly in winter months.
- Keys for the shelter are kept in a lock box on site. The access code for the key box must be picked up at the Boston Mill Visitor Center located at 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264. The access code may be picked up between . For reservations occurring on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Years Day, the code must be picked up a day in advance. Reservation holder must must bring a copy of the permit when picking up the access code. Rental fees must be paid in advance to receive a key. At the conclusion of the rental, leave the key in the drop box located near the shelter.
- Decoration of shelters must not alter the historic structures in any way, including damage from nails, tacks or tape.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
- Bounce houses and other inflatables are not permitted.
- Catering trucks and guest vehicles are prohibited from using the service driveway. The service driveway gate cannot be opened for public use
- A Special Use Permit is required for weddings outside the shelter. Visit the Permits & Reservations page on the park website for more information.
- There are two bins of firewood provided with a reservations. The group must provide their own kindling and start the fire themselves. Requests for additional wood are not available.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states.
- Ice Box Cave (at the Ledges) is closed year-round to all park visitors in an effort to slow the spread of White-Nose Syndrome. This emerging fungal disease has killed millions of bats in the US. The main method of transfer of the disease is by bat to bat transmission. Humans can also transport the fungal spores on their shoes, clothes and gear from contaminated sites to new sites. Please help protect our bats! Respect all posted trail restrictions and closed areas. Read more at Bats in the Park on our website. https://www.nps.gov/cuva/learn/nature/bats-in-the-park.htm
- Visit the Cuyahoga Valley National Park website for more information and Things to Do in the park!
- CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations more that 14 days before arrival will receive a refund minus a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations less than 14 days out will forfeit the entire fee.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Brecksville, OH
Population: 13,692
Nearby city: Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Approx. 6 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 889 ft
Brecksville, OH
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