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 campgrounds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The following are the five best Ohio state park campgrounds, and you will want to pay a visit to each and every one of them!

1. East Harbor State Park (Marblehead)
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East Harbor State Park, E Harbor State Park, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
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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.
2. Mohican State Park (Loudonville)
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Mohican State Park, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
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Surrounded by the 4,525-acre Mohican-Memorial State Forest, Mohican 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.
3. Hocking Hills State Park (Logan)
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Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH, USA
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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.

Check out this incredible video of the Hocking Hills in breathtaking 4K:
4. Indian Lake State Park (Lakeview)
Indian Lake State Park, 13156 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
Mwietro/TripAdvisor
Karyn H/Trip Advisor
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.
5. Alum Creek State Park (Delaware)
Polka Dots & Pixie Dust/TripAdvisor
Alum Creek State Park Beach, 3400 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035, USA
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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 State Park features boating, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, disc golf, hunting and winter sports. In 2018, it had 29,169 nights.

Get a birds-eye view of this stunning blue lake in Ohio:

Have you camped at any of these state parks before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

For more awesome state parks to visit in Ohio for epic camping, be sure to check out our previous article: nine glorious campgrounds in Ohio where no reservation is required.

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Best Ohio State Park Campgrounds

Sarah M. | January 16, 2022

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.

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