Great Campground Activities at Ohio State Parks

Hiking and Backpacking

Explore more than 1,000 miles of trails, with varying length and levels of difficulty. Every trail delivers amazing views and an incredible variety of terrain. A number of state park trails weave in and out of adjacent state forests or state nature preserves, while others connect with major trails systems, such as the Buckeye Trail or North Country Scenic Trail.

Check out the trails at Burr Oak, Caesar Creek, Shawnee and Tar Hollow State Parks.

Swimming

Whether you prefer to stay on the shores of Lake Erie with large sandy beaches or along the 3,000-foot inland beach of Alum Creek State Park, swimming is an option at most Ohio State Parks, and it’s free! Remember to obey park rules, keep an eye on the kids while swimming and keep your furry friends at home as pets aren’t allowed on park beaches.

Relax by the water at Alum Creek, Buck Creek, East Harbor, Kelleys Island and Lake Hope State Parks.

Nature Centers

Nature centers offer hands-on, close-up experiences with our natural world. At many nature centers you can view animals native to Ohio and see fascinating natural history displays. Visit a nature center to attend one of the great outdoor nature programs offered.

Visit the Nature Center at Beaver Creek, Findley, Hueston Woods and Maumee Bay State Parks.

Boating and Paddling

Ohio State Parks have lakes ranging in size from 13 acres to 14,000 acres, plus access to Lake Erie! Many lakes accommodate all types of boating and launch ramp use is free. Don't have a boat? Many park marinas offer boat rentals plus canoe, kayak and standup paddle board rentals.

Spend time on the water at Cowan Lake, Findley, Kiser Lake, Mosquito Lake and West Branch State Parks.

Biking

Ohio State Parks offer more than 250 miles of biking trails with many parks offering bicycle rentals. There’s no better way to experience the park than on two wheels. Looking to add a little adventure to your ride, try one of the great mountain bike trails!

Ride around at Barkcamp, Dillon and Mohican State Parks.

Disc Golf

What’s with all the disc golf hype? Spend the day at a disc golf course and you’ll understand. It’s just like regular golf but with discs or Frisbees. Many parks around the state offer courses for everyone from beginners to more advanced players. There is no cost to play and many parks also have rental equipment available.

Play a round at Deer Creek, Delaware, Paint Creek, Punderson and Van Buren State Parks.

Dog Parks

Bring along the four-legged members of your family for some quality time outside! Ohio State Parks offer fenced dog parks along with lake access area for pets at select parks. Pets are welcome to stay at state park campgrounds on designated sites as well as in select cabins throughout the state.

Let your pups run and swim at Grand Lake St Marys, Mosquito Lake and Salt Fork State Parks.

Wildlife Watching

Ohio State Parks provide rich and diverse habitats for resident wildlife as well as appealing rest stops for migratory birds and refuge for bald eagles. Networks of trails around lake shores and stream beds, traversing open fields and weaving through forests are great places to catch a glimpse of wildlife, from salamanders and frogs to birds and deer. Some parks offer decks or observation blinds on the trail to view wildlife.

Visit any Ohio State Park for great wildlife watching!

Reserve a campsite.