How to Find the Top State Park Campgrounds in Ohio

Visit anywhere in Ohio and you will be just minutes away from a state park campground. The Buckeye state of Ohio has 74 state parks in 60 different counties and many of them have campgrounds. Whether you want to camp along the great Ohio River or enjoy some island camping at Lake Erie, Ohio’s state parks offer the widest assortment of campgrounds in the region.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Maps
• Wilderness guide
• Reservation
• Camera
• Insect Repellent
• Sunscreen
• Medical kit
• Water

1. Begin your Ohio state park camping journey by selecting the region of the state you would like to visit. You can camp in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the east, or the rolling highlands of southwest Ohio and anyplace in between. Ohio has some very striking state parks and wilderness areas.
2. Maumee Bay State Park in northwestern Ohio has incredible facilities as well as a unique natural surroundings. On the shores of Lake Erie, Maumee Bay State Park has hundreds of campsites, a resort lodge, golfing, a nature center, miles of trails, and some very scenic meadows, wetlands and sandy beaches. The park also is a prime bird watching location.
3. Explore the fantastic East Fork State Park which is only 25 miles from Cincinnati. The park has rocky terrain and gentle meadows. East Fork has nearly 400 campsites, all of which have electrical hookups. The park has 10 miles of hiking trails in addition to being circled by the 32-mile Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail. The birthplace of President Ulysses S. Grant is just down the road a few miles. Also, having Cincinnati so close to the park gives you the opportunity to enjoy some of the amazing activities in one of the region’s great cities.
4. Reserve your Ohio state park campsite online through Ohio Reserve World (see below). Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of your stay and up to one year in advance for cottages.
5. Print out a wide selection of maps and information from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, including: canal maps, park maps, campground maps, county road maps, and fishing locations.

Tips & Warnings

• Many Ohio State Parks are open in the winter, but may have a limited number of campsites available. There is a $2 fee reduction for winter camping. Check the Ohio DNR website for a list of winter camping facilities.
• Because the Emerald Ash Borer is found throughout Michigan and in parts of Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, taking firewood from Michigan, Indiana and Illinois into Ohio and out of Ohio is banned. Firewood is available either at the state park or in nearby towns.