Posted in Ohio
July 03, 2019
These Are The Top 5 State Parks For Camping In Ohio And You’ll Want To Visit Each One
Here in Ohio, we’re fortunate to have so many gorgeous campgrounds and state parks to explore. With more than 70 to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The following are the 5 best state parks for camping in Ohio, according to 2018 occupancy rates recorded from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
See how many of these parks you’ve camped to before and which ones you need to add to your bucket list:
With gorgeous beaches nearby and 2 miles of easy, cleared trails to explore, you'll love exploring the Wetland Trails at this gem of a state park. This Lake Erie beach also features a large inflatable water slide and is close to ferries for beach goers to take to nearby islands and Marblehead Lighthouse. East Harbor State Park was the most visited state park in 2018 with 46,621 nights. Address: 1169 North Buck Road, Marblehead, OH, 43440
Surrounded by the 4,525-acre Mohican-Memorial State Forest, this beautiful state park sits just outside of the quiet, small town of Loudonville. A hike to Big Lyons Falls, snapping a picture of the covered bridge and a visit to the park's lodge are all must-do activities here. (With floor to ceiling windows, Bromfield’s Dining Room within the lodge features stunning views of the surrounding forest and Pleasant Hill Lake you won't want to miss.) This gorgeous state park was the second most visited park in 2018 with 31,358 nights. Address: 3116 State Route 3, Loudonville, OH, 44842
Hocking Hills State Park is arguably one of Ohio’s most beloved state parks, where waterfalls, caves, unique rock formations and hiking trails abound. The park features several things to do (including zip-lining), beautiful cabins to stay in and what is quite possibly the best hiking spot in the state: Old Man’s Cave. (You'll also want to check out the Rock House while you're here.) Pitch a tent, bring your camper or book a cabin for an unforgettable weekend. In 2018, Hocking Hills had 37,026 nights. Address: 19852 State Route 664 South, Logan, OH, 43138
At Indian Lake State Park, the campground is nestled right along the water. In addition to easy lake access for boating, swimming and fishing, several picnic spots, hiking trails, and playgrounds abound at this 800-acre state park. The occupancy rate for 2018 was 37,026 nights. Address: 12774 State Route 235, Lakeview, OH, 43331
This 3,387-acre reservoir and 4,630-acres of fields and woodlands offer both a secluded getaway for the quiet camper looking to connect with nature, and a popular beach destination for the family looking for some fun in the sun. In addition to Ohio's largest inland beach, Alum Creek features boating, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, disc golf, hunting and winter sports. In 2018, it had 29,169 nights. Address: 3615 South Old State Road, Delaware, OH, 43015
Have you camped at any of these state parks before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
For more awesome places to camp in Ohio, check out our previous article: 9 Glorious Campgrounds In Ohio Where No Reservation Is Required.
