The trail is rather busy on nice weekends, and even busier on weekends like the one coming up. Having said this, you are only looking at it being busy only a few miles in either direction from Peninsula, otherwise, it is not too bad. As far as the train goes, check the schedule closely, as they are always moving times around (it seems to me) and I have never actually actually ridden with my bike. As far as riding out and back, I prefer to start in Cleveland and head south, then come back, but that's mostly because the river (and trail) runs downhill, until you reach Akron, then things seem to go the other way. I've never camped along the trail, but I'm sure there are some places to do so.