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 places for Ohio state parks camping, and you will want to pay a visit to each and every one of them!

1. East Harbor State Park (Marblehead)

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 beachgoers to take to nearby islands and Marblehead Lighthouse. East Harbor State Park is one of the best state parks for camping.

2. Mohican State Park (Loudonville)

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.)

3. Hocking Hills State Park (Logan)

Looking for one of the "best state parks for camping near me?" 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.

Take a look at this video of Hocking Hills State Park by @OnlyInYourState:

4. Indian Lake State Park (Lakeview)

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. This is one if the best state park campgrounds in Ohio.

5. Alum Creek State Park (Delaware)

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.

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

What are some of your favorite spots for Ohio state parks camping? 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.

Need new camping gear? Take a look at the selection from our friends at REI!