OutReserve

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Picnic Shelters

A park visitor and her dog enjoy the Ledges overlook
Visitors explore the Ledges
Ledges Shelter
Hikers look at the high rock walls at the Ledges
Octagon Shelter Exterior

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
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
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Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Reviews (33)

What Guests Are Saying

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Picnic Shelters offer beautiful settings, such as the Octagon and Ledges, perfect for special events like grad parties. Reviewers appreciated the helpful staff and smooth reservation process, along with upgrades to picnic tables and good parking. While there were minor issues with bathrooms and the kitchen being locked, overall experiences were positive and enjoyable.

Review Summary

4.5
33 reviews
5
72.7%
24
4
18.2%
6
3
3.0%
1
2
3.0%
1
1
3.0%
1

Maria A

October 28, 2022

5

Great place would book again.

Samantha H

September 2, 2022

5

The Lodges was a great location. Since it was a nice day, I did not need to get the key to open the building but may for future events. Thank you! :)

Alice C

August 22, 2022

4

The lodge was much nicer than expected. I didn't realize that there was a bar/serving area that made it so easy to organize our buffet. Also, it was very clean.

Marlene S

June 16, 2022

5

Beautiful setting for our event. The park staff was extremely helpful with all questions I had before hand.

Tyler M

June 4, 2022

5

Stayed at Stanford House with family for a wedding. Only had chance to hike Ledges Trail since I was busy helping family with wedding, but this trail was beautiful. Staff at Stanford House and park rangers at Boston Mill Visitor Center were outstanding to help wedding coordination seamless.

Jennifer T

May 28, 2022

5

The Ledges Shelter was a fantastic place to hide a family party. Outdoor shelter with shade. Inside shelter with tables and working fireplaces in case Ohio’s crazy weather hit and we had a snow storm. I’d recommend this for any party, although people do get confused and walk in to your party frequently looking for the bathrooms.

Virginia M

May 3, 2022

5

The Ledges hiking trail and shelter were perfect for our class retreat. Numerous students who felt unenthused about the idea of an outdoor adventure commented that they had a lot more fun than they had expected. We felt so blessed to be in such a beautiful space. We lit fires in both fireplaces and the shelter stayed warm and cozy. The big open field was perfect for kickball and football games. We'd love to come back next year!

Trixy B

December 30, 2021

5

Great place in a beautiful park to spread out and see family.

Pam H

November 13, 2021

5

The Ledges Shelter was the perfect little cozy cabin to have our get together. The weather could not have been more perfect. The fireplaces kept the inside warm, the bar area was super spacious and had plenty of spots for extra food or to set containers around. There was a room in the back that was nice and heated with a big sink for water. Everything was clean and spacious. It was perfect.

Valerie L

November 10, 2021

4

The Ledges pavilion was a perfect location for a fall eagle court of honor! The fireplaces made it very cozy and the kitchen area was very nice for serving food. We enjoyed it very much!! I only took off 1 star because instructions were to go to the visitor center 10 minutes from the location to get a key for the pavilion, which was actually a code. Something that could have easily been emailed, and saved extra drive and set up time.

Location Cuyahoga Valley National Park Picnic Shelters

Address:
15610 Vaughn Road
Brecksville, OH, 44141
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 41.2206 / -81.5167

Elevation: 279 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Only the shelter and the large grill adjacent to the shelter are reservable; the fields and restrooms are open to the public.

General

SHELTER HOURS:
May 1 - September 30: 10 a.m. to 9.p.m.
October 1 - April 30: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Both shelters gates are closed at dusk until morning.

General

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. 

General

KEY CODE PICK-UP: 
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 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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. 

General

Decoration of shelters must not alter the historic structures in any way, including damage from nails, tacks or tape.

General

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

General

Bounce houses and other inflatables are not permitted.

General

Catering trucks and guest vehicles are prohibited from using the service driveway. The service driveway gate cannot be opened for public use

General

A Special Use Permit is required for weddings outside the shelter. Visit the Permits & Reservations page on the park website for more information.

General

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. 

General

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.  

General

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

General

Visit the Cuyahoga Valley National Park website for more information and Things to Do in the park!

General

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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