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. The camping here truly is some of the best in the Midwest, too. With more than 70 to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The following are the five best state parks for camping in Ohio, and you will want to pay a visit to each and every one of them!
1. East Harbor State Park (Marblehead)
East Harbor State Park, 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
With gorgeous beaches nearby and two 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. Visit the Ohio State Parks website to learn more.
2. Mohican State Park (Loudonville)
Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
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. Visit the Ohio State Parks website to learn more.
3. Hocking Hills State Park (Logan)
Hocking Hills State Park, 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA
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. Visit the Ohio State Parks website to learn more.
4. Indian Lake State Park (Lakeview)
Indian Lake State Park, 13156 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
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. Visit the Ohio State Parks website to learn more.
5. Alum Creek State Park (Delaware)
Alum Creek State Park Campground, 3305 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
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. Visit the Ohio State Parks website to learn more.
Have you camped at any of these state parks before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
Address: East Harbor State Park, 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
Address: Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Address: Hocking Hills State Park, 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Address: Indian Lake State Park, 13156 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
Address: Alum Creek State Park Campground, 3305 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State parks to visit in Ohio
January 16, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some must-visit state parks in Ohio?
While we adore all of the state parks in Ohio, there is definitely something extra special about Hocking Hills State Park. Why? Because in addition to being absolutely, drop-dead gorgeous, Ohio’s Hocking Hills region is a treasure trove of outdoor recreation! From caves to waterfalls, rolling hills, and dense forests, this picture-perfect region is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. And we’re not the only ones who think so; according to a recent publication by Conde Nast Traveler, Hocking Hills State Park is considered to be the most beautiful place in Ohio. Within this bucket-list-worthy park, visitors will discover 25 miles of hiking trails, otherworldly rock formations, recess caves, and waterfalls. And perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the park is that it’s truly phenomenal in each season. Spring and summer are the most popular times to visit; however, winter and fall hold their own allure. When was the last time you visited this superlative state park in Ohio?
What are some unique campgrounds at Ohio’s state parks?
When you’ve tired of the tried-and-true camping favorites in Ohio, why not try something a little different, like yurt camping? Mosquito Lake State Park in Cortland, Ohio features some waterfront yurts right on the lake you can stay overnight in. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature, but also stay well sheltered from the elements. Situated right on the lake, this underrated state park features a pair of yurts that are picture perfect for a summer camping adventure! A little home away from home, this lakeside oasis offers similar comforts that a camper cabin would—but at a lower cost. Typically, you can rent a yurt for $40 to $50, making this unique camping experience in Ohio extremely affordable, too.
Address: East Harbor State Park, 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
Address: Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Address: Hocking Hills State Park, 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Address: Indian Lake State Park, 13156 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
Address: Alum Creek State Park Campground, 3305 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
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April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
