Fifty summers, passed between families.

The Ledges have been a gathering place since long before there was a park here. In the late 1950s, an operating rock quarry struck a spring — and within days, 30 acres of stone had filled with cold, clear, spring-fed water.

The property became a private campground in 1972, and since 1995 has been owned and run by Evan Kelley, a former lifeguard who grew up here. Same small staff, same primitive-camping feel, same water.

Cold, clear, and actually tested.

Our quarry filled the hard way — rock-quarry machinery hit a spring in the late 1950s and 30 acres filled themselves within days. Average water depth is 30 feet with shelves, rock formations, and a bottom full of catfish, bluegill, crappie, and the occasional freshwater jellyfish.

Water is officially tested twice per season and rates as one of the lowest-contaminant bodies of water in Ohio. We rarely need to treat it — and never with copper sulfates, so plant life, turtles, and small freshwater species stay where they belong.

The beach has a large shallow, roped-off area for children. Past the rope, depth drops into the 30-foot range. Red-Cross-certified lifeguards are on duty 10 AM to 7 PM during the regular season.

The usual, plus hard-soled shoes.

Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water bottle, cans (no glass), and a photo ID. Hard-soled shoes matter here — the rocks around the ledges aren't forgiving on bare feet.

Cash or card at the gate if you haven't pre-booked. Kids 0–3 are always free; all guests sign a waiver on arrival.

Things you won't have to pack.

Two public showers by the main gate, water refill station nearby, bathhouses throughout the park, concessions and a small general store during summer season, rental tubes, and a free-to-use raft compressor in the green Quonset hut by the gate.

The kind of campground we wanted to run.

There is a variety of individual campsites that cater to personal preference. Whether it's on a ledge by the water or deep in the woods, you can camp near the social activity or settle in one of the quiet, isolated areas.

We pride ourselves on being a primitive campground to avoid the trailer/RV look of our competitors. Campers and Winnebagos are welcome for a few days, but long stays aren't encouraged, and there are no water or electrical hookups for campers or RVs. Small, quiet generators are allowed.

House rules.

Non-festival nights: gate closes 2 AM to 8 AM. You can't re-enter during that window. Quiet hours are 11 PM to 7 AM campground-wide (Portage County noise ordinance).

Fires: in the ring only. Seasoned wood only, stacked no higher than 2 feet, no wider than 3. No treated wood, garbage, or plastic. We sell firewood at $25 per wheelbarrow load.

Parking: two vehicles per site depending on space. Don't block roads or encroach on your neighbors. Max 3 tents per site, 5 feet apart, 10 feet from the fire (state law, checked regularly).

Camping age: you must be 18+ to camp, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with custody papers + photo ID. Day swimming has no such restriction.

What's down there.

Scuba diving at the park is regarded as one of the finest freshwater spots in the Tri-State area. Even a mask and snorkel can provide hours of fun and education. Visibility on a clear day can sometimes reach 15 feet or more, and there are many easy entry points.

The average water depth is 30 feet with many shelves, rock formations, fish, and plant life. If chasing large-mouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish sounds like fun, one can experience a wide variety of wildlife. On a lucky day you may get to see the very rare and delicate freshwater jellyfish.

One gentleman tells a story of having his mask knocked off by a 5-foot catfish. We've personally seen them close to 4 feet long, but they are not aggressive. There's also a sunken boat (a cabin cruiser), purported vehicles, and a few bottom trenches that are 60 feet deep — the largest of which we call The Abyss.

Who trains here.

Many organizations have dived at the Ledges, including law enforcement, fire and rescue teams, and local dive schools. These quality, self-insured dive schools are regular to the quarry, and events are sometimes scheduled — including a Halloween Dive, Treasure Dives, and Scavenger Hunts.

Law enforcement and Fire & Rescue dive teams from the Tri-State area also do their training and practices here. Group rates available — call the office for details.

Festival Name

Festival blurb loads here.

Camping for the full weekend is included with every ticket. The quarry is open for swimming during daytime festival hours. Gates open Thursday or Friday depending on the event — exact times are listed on the Tixco ticket page.

Become a part of our events.

For over fifty years, NLQP has been home to Northeast Ohio's most memorable music weekends. If you want to bring your band, DJ set, or performance to one of our stages, our booking manager wants to hear from you.

Contact our booking manager with a short pitch, a few links or samples, and the festivals you're interested in. We respond to everyone.

A beautiful paradise landscape of 250+ acres.

The scenic Nelson Ledges Quarry Park is a great place to camp, swim, hike, sunbathe, attend music festivals, or just plain hang out. The park is a beautiful landscape made up of 250 acres of forest, meadows, streams, rock ledges, fishing lakes, and of course the quarry itself.

There are more than 400 campsites, some deep in the woods, some along the quarry, and others in secluded meadows. The park is a unique and special place that is cherished by many.

Over the last 50 years, thousands have claimed that their greatest memories were made at the quarry. Due to their interactions with friends and the landscape as a whole, the park leads to experiences that can be compared with no other.

A history dating back to the Ice Age.

The Ice Age and the shifting of Earth's tectonic plates are to thank for the scenic Nelson Ledges. The spectacular rock formations are its well-known trademarks. The beautiful quartz and sandstone cliffs resulted from erosion that wore away the softer rock layers to form the Ledges.

The Ledges lie near one of the highest points in the state, which creates the watershed divide between the Ohio River and Lake Erie. This area was therefore of vital importance to Native American tribes — mostly the Delaware. Several Indian footpaths and canoe routes passed through the vicinity, making the area an important trade center.

Many arrowheads have been found throughout the state and quarry parks, and we are very proud and respectful of these timeless footprints.

The day the quarry filled itself.

In the late 1940s and 50s, what's now Nelson Ledges Quarry Park was an operating rock quarry. It employed many people in the surrounding area, mining both quartz and sand.

As the story goes, one day in the late 1950s the machinery hit one of the many springs, and the 30-acre quarry filled within days, leaving peninsulas, rock shelves, and an island in the middle. The company abandoned the site.

The Kelley era.

In 1995, Evan Kelley, a previous lifeguard and manager throughout the '80s and '90s, was given the opportunity to both purchase and improve the park. It was his dream to keep the quarry alive.

Evan expanded upon ideas and made many renovations — more children's activities, better facilities — without altering the natural beauty or spirit of the park. He also hired a wonderful staff that we consider to be our park family.

Together, we run the quarry with love and appreciation for what it provides us and everyone who comes here.

Read Evan and Kristina's letter about their daughter Jessica Rae Kelley — the quarry's return home, and the heart behind everything we do.

Welcome to Shakedown Street.

For many guests, the vendor village is part of the tradition. It's where art is discovered, handmade pieces find new homes, and longtime favorites reconnect year after year. Nelson Ledges Quarry Park proudly hosts a diverse mix of food, merchandise, and specialty vendors — including several who have been with us for over a decade and are truly part of the NLQP family.

We curate Shakedown Street intentionally to maintain quality, variety, and flow. Each vendor plays a role in creating the experience.

Where we are.