When it comes to natural beauty, Ohio has endless options for adventure-seekers of all ages. The state is full of hidden gems that are well worth a visit, and some of the best-kept secrets can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’re seeking outdoor recreation near Cleveland, campsites that aren’t too far from Dayton, or a relaxing time with friends and family on the Great Lakes, these are the 16 best state parks in Ohio for any occasion.
Ohio is home to 75 state parks, each offering something unique! Among these parks, however, a few are the most popular, and it’s easy to see why. Here are three of the most beloved state parks in Ohio.
Wow Factor: Stunning waterfalls, natural rock formations, caves
Need To Know: The park displays some of the most scenic areas in the entire state
Hocking Hills State Park offers incredible sights, including rugged cliffs, beautiful trees, and picturesque waterfalls. The hiking trails here are some of the best in the state, which is what makes this park one of the most popular! Featuring natural caves throughout the park, visitors of all ages can appreciate the views. This spot is the perfect place for anyone looking to make memories and enjoy Ohio’s natural beauty.
Need To Know: Known As One Of The Best Parks For Enjoy Natural Beauty
Ohio’s beautiful Mohican State Park offers some of the most diverse landscapes in the region, which is one of the reasons visitors continue to enjoy this spot. The park boasts some incredible features, including rivers, lakes, lush trees, vegetarian, and hiking trails. It’s a wonderful place for people to experience outdoor recreation, and there is definitely something for everyone! There is also the opportunity for fishing, birdwatching, photography, and more.
One of the coolest things about Maumee Bay State Park is that it’s located right on the waters of Lake Erie! The location here is spectacular- the beach and the hiking trails are pretty hard to beat, which is why this park is frequented often. Aside from endless options for recreational activity, there is also the opportunity to explore the park’s wetlands. Not to mention that Maumee Bay State Park also features a lodge, campground, and golf course- whatever it is you are looking for, this state park has it.
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Best State Parks In Ohio To Camp
Finding a great place to camp can feel intimidating when there are so many great options- Ohio has a plethora of amazing campgrounds. These three, however, are definitely standouts. Aside from being a great place to pitch a tent and stay overnight, the location and activities are hard to beat. Here are the best state parks in Ohio for camping.
Need To Know: Both Campground And Cabins Available
With endless opportunities for outdoor fun and scenic beauty, Findley Park is known as one of the best spots in Ohio for camping. The state park offers some of the best hiking trails, taking visitors through some of the region’s most picturesque sights. Aside from camping, guests can also explore biking, horseback riding, and fishing. When it comes to staying overnight, there are plenty of places to pitch your tent, but you can also stay in one of the cabins on site.
Need To Know: Multiple Options For Outdoor Recreation
Located in McArthur,Lake Hope State Park is well-known for its incredible natural beauty and variety of fun activities available to visitors. The hiking, fishing, and mountain biking experiences are truly some of the best in this part of the U.S. Its location in the Zaleski State Forest makes it a standout, offering a bit of natural history such as gorges and ancient caves. When it comes to lodging, visitors can enjoy camping outside or staying in rustic cabins around Lake Hope.
6. Grand Lake St Mary’s State Park, Saint Mary's Township
Wow Factor:One Of The Largest Inland Lakes In Ohio
Need To Know:Known For Water Activities
Grand Lake St. Mary's State Park is home to one of the most picturesque lakes in Ohio, and is surrounded by an incredibly beautiful setting. The lake is one of the largest inland lakes in the state, which makes it the perfect destination for all kinds of water activities. Aside from things like fishing, boating, and water sports, visitors enjoy picnics and walks along the beach. There are also opportunities to see a diverse variety of wildlife, which is another reason why this state park is one of the best places to camp overnight!
Best State Parks In Ohio To RV
If you enjoy traveling around the U.S. by RV, you won’t be disappointed if you decide to visit the state of Ohio. Whether you’re passing through on a longer road trip or local to the state, there are some truly amazing spots to hook up your home-away-from-home. Plus, with companies like RVShare that allow you to rent a camper, there are more opportunities than ever before to experience camping in an RV. Here are three of the best RV camping options in Ohio.
Located near Yellow Springs, John Bryan State Park is one of the best spots to park your RV for the night in the state of Ohio. Famous for the stunning limestone gorge created by the Little Miami River, this park offers everything you could want in an outdoor getaway: hiking, biking, birdwatching, and more. This park is unique due to its geological formations, such as Clifton Gorge, and visitors enjoy seeing the cliffs and waterfalls throughout the park. For an immersive RV getaway in Ohio, this state park is a solid option.
Need To Know: Options For Active And Relaxed Activities
In the Southeastern region of Ohio, RV campers will enjoy the amazing Burr Oak State Park in Glouster. Its location around the lake offers incredible opportunities for water activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and more. The surrounding woods are home to some lovely hiking trails, where guests of all ages and interests can find a path that works for them. One of the best features is the areas to sit and enjoy the views of the lake- the perfect spot for a picnic or to take photos! This is one of the best spots for nature lovers to get away, but it's even better with the RV experience.
Need To Know: Well-Maintained Facilities For RV Campers
Cowan Lake State Park is a beautiful location that caters to guests traveling with an RV - the campground is well-equipped with hookups and facilities. The setting on Cowan Lake is ideal for water lovers- guests can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, and more. The hiking trails here are also wonderful, and guests can catch glimpses of wildlife throughout. Cowan Lake State Park is one of the best places to visit in Ohio for an outdoor adventure, but RV camping here takes it to another level.
Best State Parks In Ohio To Hike
Hiking is a wonderful way to appreciate the natural beauty of the outdoors. Ohio offers some incredible options for hiking at the state parks- visitors of all ages and levels can find something that suits them! Here are three state parks that provide amazing trails and stunning views- check out this packing list for hikers if you’re planning a trip!
If you’re interested in experiencing the beauty of the iconic Appalachian foothills, Shawnee State Park is a must-see. Located near West Portsmouth, visitors enjoy the hills, forests, and stunning scenery of Turkey Creek Lake. This state park has something for everyone, all year round: enjoy water activities in the summer months, and winter fun when temperatures drop. With its incredible, hilly location, it’s easy to see why this state park is not only one of the best but also a great place for hiking.
Need To Know: Lake Setting Offers Multitude of Activities
Situated in Lore City, Ohio, Salt Fork State Park is a large natural paradise that boasts diverse beauty and excellent hiking. Its location on the lake makes it the ideal place for outdoor fun in the warmer months, but it’s also a great place to explore in the winter. The reason hikers love this state park is for the countless amazing features you can enjoy- including spotting wildlife and enjoying the incredible scenery. The hiking trail network here is one of the best in the state, but the destination caters to visitors of all kinds of interests!
Located near Springfield, Buck Creek State Park is home to some of the very best outdoor recreational activities in the state- this is especially true during the summer. The lake offers endless opportunities for fun in the water, but the fishing and swimming are especially great. Families enjoy the picture-perfect beach setting in the summer, while hikers love to explore the gorgeous natural setting that encompasses the park. Buck Creek State Park offers a plethora of activities, making it one of the best places to come to hike.
Little-Known State Parks In Ohio
In some ways, most of Ohio’s state parks tend to fly under the radar, as there are so many that are so special. The following four options, however, seem especially unique, and we recommend you check them out if you haven’t! here are three of the best little-known state parks in Ohio.
With a prime location right on Lake Erie, Geneva On The Lake is a gem. Although it’s not quite as popular as some of the other state parks on this list, it offers just as many opportunities for outdoor recreation- perhaps even more so. This is a great spot to visit if you’re looking for an experience that’s a little more low-key- the atmosphere is peaceful, but there is plenty to do. With the village of Geneva on The Lake also nearby, this park is a must-see.
Malabar Farm State Park is easily one of the most unique destinations on this list, and it’s a must-see if you’re in the area. Not only is it a lovely place to visit in terms of outdoor beauty, but it’s a historical setting that guests of all ages can appreciate. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, who once lived here, turned the state park into a wonderful farm that is still thriving today. Hollywood stars of the past used to visit to “escape city life”- there is so much to learn about and enjoy when you arrive. Beautiful landscapes meet historical significance at this one-of-a-kind state park in Ohio.
Headlands Beach State Park is undoubtedly one of the coolest spots in Ohio- the location feels timeless and absolutely breathtaking. During the summer months, the sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and walking along the shore. It’s great for families year-round, as there are many activities that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages, but nature enthusiasts can explore the park’s wildlife and natural beauty as well This is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a mixture of beachfront relaxation and outdoor adventure.
16. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, Garrettsville
Last but not least, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is another one-of-a-kind state park that’s home to some of the best hiking in Ohio. Known for its gorgeous rock formations and natural beauty, this park tends to fly a little under the radar, seeing as there are over 70 spectacular state parks in Ohio. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of activities and beautiful views to enjoy throughout the park- this is a great place to enjoy rock climbing or photography on the same day. If you’re looking for a quieter experience with all the great features of the most popular spots, this tranquil destination will not disappoint.
And that concludes our list of the 16 best state parks in the great state of Ohio! The state has so much to offer- its excellent location, proximity to lakes, and mountains, and year-round beauty make it the perfect place for a one-of-a-kind getaway. Ohio is home to incredible mountain bike trails, nature preserves, state park campgrounds with opportunities for canoeing and fishing, and more. Whether you’re in Michigan, Minnesota, or somewhere else nearby, this region of the USA is such a great place to experience natural beauty. Ohio has incredible state parks and national parks that are well worth the visit. Be sure to explore more of the natural attractions that the Buckeye State has to offer!
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