The 10 Best State Parks in Ohio, United States

November 20, 2021 Mikaela Didonna

If you are looking for an active place to stay with world-class attractions, Ohio’s major cities can satisfy any vacation desire. Each offers its own distinct flavor of fun, from professional sports – Bengals (Cincinnati), Cavaliers (Cleveland) and Indians (Cleveland again) – to museums, outdoor activities and more. One of the most famous is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. If football is your thing, don’t miss the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. For the science-minded, visit the meat eaters at the Carnivore Conservation Center in the Wilds near Cambridge, dedicated to the breeding and scientific study of endangered mid-sized carnivores. Kids will also love Planet Snoopy in Sandusky or the Columbus Zoo’s Zoombezi Bay Waterpark and Jack’s Landing rides.
Restaurants in Ohio

1. Pike State Forest

+1 740-493-2441
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

All terrain vehicles, start your engines! Pike State Forest has 15 miles of trail for motorcycles and off-road vehicles – and of course beaten roads for amblers and lots of ground for campers.

2. Middle Bass Island State Park

1719 Fox Road, Middle Bass, OH 43446
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Middle Bass Island State Park

3. Hocking Hills State Park

19852 State Route 664 S, OH 43138-9537 +1 614-641-6403 http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,447 reviews

Hocking Hills State Park

Reviewed By HappyCamper512

I know it is already popular and I grew up here, but just cannot get enough of the Hills. Whenever I travel throughout the State of Ohio all of the tourist pamphlets read, “Head to the Beautiful Hocking Hills!” So beautiful and awe inspiring. Something for everyone! God’s creation ! Absolutely untouched beauty. Come for a retreat, a family campout, picnic, climb, or wonderful refreshing hike. Rain, snow or shine it is magnificent.

4. Scioto Trail State Park

144 Lake Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601-9478 +1 740-663-2125
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Scioto Trail State Park

Take a quiet trail into the thickness of oaks and hickories. The Scioto Trail State Park in the Appalachian foothills makes for a pleasant hike.

5. Maumee Bay State Park

1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616-5632 +1 419-836-7758 http://www.maumeebaystateparklodge.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 314 reviews

Maumee Bay State Park

Reviewed By lzuga - Columbus, United States

Years ago on our first visit to Maumee Bay State Park Camp ground we found a camp ground of largely open meadows and small scrubby bushes around the sites rather short on privacy. Now with those bushes and trees grown the obvious efforts of the camp’s designers to create a venue with more private sites for the rapidly growing RV camping crowd have proven successful. The sites are adequately spaced, the terrain is flat and the paved roads and RV parking pads are wide enough to easily accommodate big rig RVers but also allow for the tent camper to have the sought after privacy and relative seclusion. Though the park was designed predominately for the RVer, tent campers can feel comfortable, especially when making use of the modern and well maintained restrooms. However, those restrooms are quite a hike from some of the more remote sites so choose your site carefully if not equipped with your own RV toilet. A cold or rainy hike in the in the wee hours may be in the offing, and being on the lake nights are often quite chilly. Among Ohio’s parks Maumee Bay is one of the system’s gems. A beautiful camping area close to the numerous activities of Toledo and nearby the famous Tony Packo’s restaurant (reference Klinger’s M.A.S.H. recollections) and the new Museum of The Great Lakes.

6. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601-8694 +1 740-774-1125 http://www.nps.gov/hocu
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 209 reviews

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

The main draw of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is the Mound City Group, a collection of large reconstructed mounds commemorating the Hopewell tribe.

Reviewed By pk1363 - Lemont, United States

This National Park focuses on the many Native American burial mounds in the area and the miracle of their conservation . The movie about this place was very educational. We have been to other burial mound sites in this country and others. This park is well documented and worth a short visit. There is a hiking path through the trees between the visitor center and the river and the mounds themselves are close to the Visitor Center and easily accessible. No admission charge for this park.

7. West Branch State Park

5708 Esworthy Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266-9617 +1 330-296-3239 http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/westbrnch/tabid/795/Default.aspx
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

West Branch State Park

Reviewed By coachcoffy

This was our first stay here and found it amazing. It's actually a place people go to camp with their families nit to party. The entire park is woods and lake. A beach in the campground and on the other side of the lake is a large beach,very clean, The entire campground,restrooms and showers are very well kept. There's even a place in the shower house to do laundry. The traffic is well maintained so kids and adults can walk and ride bikes safely without worry. The firewood sold in the campground is the worst,sorry only negative thing to say. But right outside the campground to the north 1/2 mile from the entrance is the best firewood I've ever used for campfires. Very cheap.dry burns great very nice older man has it. E Z in & out too ! Then we found the Marina to rent boats, wave runners, pontoons everything, fishing too ! And if you get tired of cooking over the fire there's great places 4 miles west in Ravenna to eat. right in town across from the court house is the best Italian food you will eat. and right down the street 2 blocks is a Creamery to satisfy your sweet tooth. I definitely recommend this place, not just as a nice place to camp out. You can make a whole vacation right here.With in an hour your in Cleveland to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Museums, hour and a half to Cedar Point,Lake Erie and more. So close to lots to do, but campground is back to nature and so far away from the noise and hustle of the cities , Try it out,but you have to make reservations or at least check to be sure there's a campsite available.

8. Geneva State Park

4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva on the Lake, OH 44041-8172 +1 440-466-8400 http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/geneva/tabid/736/Default.aspx
Excellent
57%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 339 reviews

Geneva State Park

Reviewed By 26timothyb - Apple Creek, United States

One of the best places we have found to camp at. Very clean and quiet. Large camping spots. Friendly office staff. Many things to do in the area. Very nice beach on lake Erie. Most camping spots are very level and paved. Can only make reservations 6 months or less prior to visit.Going back soon.

9. Beaver Creek State Park

12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920-8786 +1 330-385-3091 http://www.friendsofbeavercreekstatepark.com
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Beaver Creek State Park

Reviewed By Cincyboymom - Liberty Township, United States

We took a little break from visiting family to explore Beaver Creek State Park and do a little hiking. Enjoyed hiking with the family and taking some nice pics as well. There is also a nice playground, places for horse trail rides, picnicking and some primitive camping.

10. Mohican State Park

3116 State Route 3, Loudonville, OH 44842-9526 +1 419-994-5125 ext. 10 [email protected] http://www.mohicanstatepark.org/
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 247 reviews

Mohican State Park

Reviewed By allisonnorden - Port Clinton, United States

It was a great day hiking with my dog. We did the Lyons Falls Trail and checked out the covered bridge. Such a beautiful park!

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