With summer winding down, it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors one more time before the kids go back to school and autumn begins to settle in. Fortunately, Ohio is FULL of undeniably beautiful camping spots. The following are just 10 of what we consider to be the best Ohio has to offer in terms of campsites.
- Hocking Hills State Park (Laurelville)
kinggrl/Flickr One of Ohio’s favorite state parks inevitably offers the ideal camping experience. Close to beautiful hiking trails, caves and waterfalls, the Hocking Hills campgrounds and cabins provide an inspirational getaway for the whole family or the couple looking to get away for a romantic weekend away in the beauty of nature. Be sure to explore Old Man’s Cave, the Rock House and other popular destinations at this well known state park. (And if you’re craving even more adventure, you’ll be pleased to know zip lining is another fun amenity offered here.)
- Tappan Lake (Uhrichsville)
Brian Rawson/Wikimedia Commons Near a restored Indian village at Shoenbrunn State Park and the outdoor historical drama, “Trumpet in the Land,” Tappan Lake serves as another popular Oho camping destination. While you’re here, be sure to check out the Moravian Trail Scenic Byway in addition to the usual camping activities available here such as boating, swimming and hiking.
- Lake Erie Islands State Park (Clinton)
Virginia Hill/Flickr In addition to a Great Lake, these five state parks are near historic wineries, crystal caverns and limestone cliffs to explore. The usual camping activities of boating, swimming and fishing are also available here, making these campgrounds both a unique and traditional camping experience. (Pictured is Kelleys Island State Park Beach.)
- John Bryan State Park (Yellow Springs)
THX0477/Flickr What is arguably the most scenic park in western Ohio is also popular for its array of camping amenities. In addition to traditional camping, this park features a day lodge, hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, disc golf, rock climbing, sledding, cross country skiing and nature programs. The limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River is one of the park’s most beautiful attractions.
- Alum Creek State Park (Delaware)
Andrew Blight/Flickr 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 features boating, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, disc golf, hunting and winter sports.
- Mohican State Park (Loudonville)
Todd Petrie/Flickr If traditional camping isn’t exactly your scene but you still want to be close to the scenic Mohican River and Clear Fork Gorge, check out the park’s overnight lodge, (which offers 96 air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and television,) cottage rentals and tree houses. (Yes, tree houses–complete with running water and electricity too!)
- Indian Lake State Park (Lakeview)
jamieotterbein/Flickr This family favorite camping destination features the traditional camping options as well as an array of other amenities such as cabins, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross country skiing, ice fishing, ice boating, hunting and a nature center.
- Portage Lakes State Park (Akron)
Ed Chadwick/Flickr The array of wetlands at Portage Lakes State Parks attracts unique wildlife to the area. If traditional camping isn’t your style, the park also offers cabin rentals. Activities available include boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, hunting, ice skating, ice boating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and volleyball.
- William H. Harsha Lake (Batavia)
Keith Robinson/Flickr Formerly known as East Fork Lake and the site of two abandoned gold mines, this lake is well known for its beautiful falls and Ordovician fossil beds. Camping activities include hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, boating and swimming.
- Shawnee State Park (Portsmouth)
George Barner/Flickr Nestled in the Appalachian foothills close to the banks of the Ohio River, what was once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians is now a picturesque campground. Cottages and cabins are available to rent here, and other camping amenities include boating, fishing, hiking, bridle trails, swimming, golfing, picnicking, a nature center, hunting, ice fishing, volleyball, playgrounds and tennis courts.
Where is your favorite place to camp in Ohio? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below!
kinggrl/Flickr
One of Ohio’s favorite state parks inevitably offers the ideal camping experience. Close to beautiful hiking trails, caves and waterfalls, the Hocking Hills campgrounds and cabins provide an inspirational getaway for the whole family or the couple looking to get away for a romantic weekend away in the beauty of nature. Be sure to explore Old Man’s Cave, the Rock House and other popular destinations at this well known state park. (And if you’re craving even more adventure, you’ll be pleased to know zip lining is another fun amenity offered here.)
Brian Rawson/Wikimedia Commons
Near a restored Indian village at Shoenbrunn State Park and the outdoor historical drama, “Trumpet in the Land,” Tappan Lake serves as another popular Oho camping destination. While you’re here, be sure to check out the Moravian Trail Scenic Byway in addition to the usual camping activities available here such as boating, swimming and hiking.
Virginia Hill/Flickr
In addition to a Great Lake, these five state parks are near historic wineries, crystal caverns and limestone cliffs to explore. The usual camping activities of boating, swimming and fishing are also available here, making these campgrounds both a unique and traditional camping experience. (Pictured is Kelleys Island State Park Beach.)
THX0477/Flickr
What is arguably the most scenic park in western Ohio is also popular for its array of camping amenities. In addition to traditional camping, this park features a day lodge, hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, disc golf, rock climbing, sledding, cross country skiing and nature programs. The limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River is one of the park’s most beautiful attractions.
Andrew Blight/Flickr
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 features boating, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, disc golf, hunting and winter sports.
Todd Petrie/Flickr
If traditional camping isn’t exactly your scene but you still want to be close to the scenic Mohican River and Clear Fork Gorge, check out the park’s overnight lodge, (which offers 96 air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and television,) cottage rentals and tree houses. (Yes, tree houses–complete with running water and electricity too!)
jamieotterbein/Flickr
This family favorite camping destination features the traditional camping options as well as an array of other amenities such as cabins, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross country skiing, ice fishing, ice boating, hunting and a nature center.
Ed Chadwick/Flickr
The array of wetlands at Portage Lakes State Parks attracts unique wildlife to the area. If traditional camping isn’t your style, the park also offers cabin rentals. Activities available include boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, hunting, ice skating, ice boating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and volleyball.
Keith Robinson/Flickr
Formerly known as East Fork Lake and the site of two abandoned gold mines, this lake is well known for its beautiful falls and Ordovician fossil beds. Camping activities include hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, boating and swimming.
George Barner/Flickr
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills close to the banks of the Ohio River, what was once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians is now a picturesque campground. Cottages and cabins are available to rent here, and other camping amenities include boating, fishing, hiking, bridle trails, swimming, golfing, picnicking, a nature center, hunting, ice fishing, volleyball, playgrounds and tennis courts.
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