Mary B
June 27, 2026
This was a wonderful spot for my family reunion. Everyone enjoyed the park’s beauty and the shelter. They literally couldn’t believe how lovely it was. Thank you NPS!! This is a gem!
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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
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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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Monica D
June 27, 2026
Cons: Waiting in line for 20 minutes to get the code for the shelter to be told “you’re in the wrong line” is ridiculous. All you’re doing is showing me a number! There should be a better way to get the code as it isn’t super close to venue.
Love this place for a party but will not rebook ONLY because EVERYONE hiking thinks they can just walk through your party and think they can go inside! Constantly telling people “this is a private party”. I even surrounded the outside poles with crepe paper to deter people from walking through and they find any opening to walk through! I even had people at my dessert table! 😖
Pros: Very nice shelter otherwise. Great setup for food in the back with electricity and water, indoor portion large enough in case it rains and nice outside space! Would be great for the fall with the provided firewood for the fireplace!
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Andrew V
September 22, 2025
Saw some upgrades to the picnic tables inside and outside the shelter.
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Sarah D
July 12, 2025
The Octagon was a beautiful setting for my daughter’s grad party. Everything turned out great!
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George B
June 28, 2025
The property is excellent. Good parking nearby. The bathrooms were OK, could be better. There's a small kitchen with a sink that we've used in the past but it was locked. More tables would be a benefit.
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Howard M
July 23, 2024
We asked for a couple of special accommodations, and both were exercised to a ‘T’. Great job.
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Erin Y
July 15, 2024
The Ledges Picnic Shelter was the perfect spot for a grad party for our son. We were proud to host our family and friends in an iconic and beautiful spot in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The rangers were super helpful and the reservation process smooth. We are grateful to have such a service right in our backyards! Thank you, CVNP!
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shalatha w
June 17, 2024
The staff was so accommodating during our reservation, they changed the trash and made sure the restroom's were nice and clean. Our family enjoyed this park.
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kim q
March 2, 2024
This was the perfect spot for a gathering! Awesome accommodations and the fireplaces are beautiful! The hiking was a bonus! Thank you.
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Christina S
May 5, 2023
We enjoyed the shelter, unfortunately it rained the entire day so all of our time was spent there. It was clean and the bathrooms were surprisingly nice
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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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