Are you looking for the best camping sites in Ohio? Look no further! Ohio offers a wide variety of camping sites for all types of campers, from primitive backcountry campsites to lakeside campgrounds. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best camping sites in Ohio and provide details on the amenities available, the best time of year to visit, and what gear you’ll need.
Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 Logan, OH 43138
Located in Southeast Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is famous for its stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The campground is right next to the Old Man’s Cave. The park has six different campgrounds with over 200 campsites, including primitive campsites for those who want a more rustic experience. It is also home to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. The park has various amenities available such as bathrooms, showers, fire pits, picnic tables and electric hookups. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful. You will need hiking boots, water shoes for creek crossings, a warm sleeping bag, a good tent, and plenty of layers for chilly nights.
Mohican State Park
3116 State Route 3 Loudonville, OH 44842
Mohican State Park is located in North-Central Ohio and is known for its dense forests, winding rivers, and rugged terrain. The park has over 1,100 acres of camping grounds, with electric and non-electric sites. There are camper cabins and Sherman cabins for guests who want a camping experience. Apart from activities like canoeing, fishing, and hiking, the park has an archery range, trails, and historic grist mill. The fall is the best time to visit Mohican State Park, as the foliage is breathtaking and the temperatures are mild. Bring a sturdy tent, warm sleeping bags, hiking boots, and plenty of layers for chilly nights.
Alum Creek State Park
2911 S. Old State Rd. Delaware, OH 43015
Located in Delaware County, Alum Creek State Park is a popular destination for camping, fishing, and boating. The park has full hookup and electric sites (all pet-friendly) in both sunny and shady areas including some premium sites overlooking the lake. Park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including jet ski rides, canoeing or just spending the day on the largest inland beach in Ohio. The best time of year to visit is in summer when the weather is warm and the water is perfect for swimming. Get swimwear, hiking boots, sunscreen, and plenty of water and enjoy your day on the beach.
Lake Hope State Park
27331 State Route 278 McArthur, OH 45651
Lake Hope State Park is located in Southeast Ohio and is known for its beautiful lake, dense forests, and miles of hiking trails. The entire 2,983-acre park lies within the Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run. The park has over 190 campsites, including both primitive and RV campsites in scenic, shady and wooded areas. The park also offers a variety of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and boating. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Lake Hope State Park, as the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful.
Gear to carry include hiking boots, swimwear, a warm sleeping bag, a good tent, and plenty of layers for chilly nights.
Maumee Bay State Park
1400 State Park Road Oregon, OH 43616
Maumee Bay State Park is located in Northwest Ohio and is known for its stunning views of Lake Erie. The park has a resort lodge, cabins, golf course along with campgrounds, inland lake, nature center, accessible boardwalk trail, and the Storybook Trail. There are lots of activities such as archery, golf, boating, fishing, hiking and more available. Maumee Bay Park has several miles of trails winding through swamp and marsh wetlands, open meadows, ponds and beaches. Summer is the best time to visit Maumee Bay State Park, as the weather is warm and the water is perfect for swimming. Get swimwear, hiking boots, sunscreen, and plenty of water to fully enjoy the park.
Burr Oak State Park
4170 Beach Road Glouster, OH 45732
Located in Southeast Ohio, Burr Oak State Park is known for its beautiful lake and miles of hiking trails. The park offers a rustic full-service lodge with family suites and a cozy campground with easy access to the lake. The park has over 500 campsites, including both electric and non-electric campsites while some are tent-only sites. Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center offers guest rooms and cabins along with full amenities like gift shop, restaurant. The lodge also includes boat launch, tennis court, basketball court, miniature golf, playground, exercise room, and indoor swimming pool. Spring and Fall is the best time to visit Burr Oak State Park, as the entire park displays spectacular fall colors as leaves turn to deep reds, brilliant yellows, and burnt oranges as well as Spring woodland flowers.
Salt Fork State Park
14755 Cadiz Road Lore City, OH 43755
Located in Eastern Ohio, Salt Fork State Park is Ohio’s largest state park, covering over 17,000 acres of land and about 2900 acres of water. The park features an 18-hole golf course, 2,500-foot swimming beach, two marinas and eight boat launching ramps. Facilities like hunting, picnicking, trails for hiking, snowmobiling, and equestrian use, miniature golf, nature center, and an archery range. It is also home to the historic Kennedy Stone House. Fall is the best time to visit Salt Fork State Park, as the foliage is breathtaking and the temperatures are mild.
In conclusion, Ohio is home to some of the best camping sites in the country. From the stunning rock formations of Hocking Hills State Park to the expansive views of Lake Erie at Maumee Bay State Park, there’s something for everyone in Ohio. When planning your camping trip, be sure to consider the amenities available, the best time of year to visit, and the gear you’ll need to bring. With a little bit of preparation, you can have an unforgettable camping experience in Ohio’s great outdoors. Happy camping!
