Scenic Camping in Ohio
When it comes to scenic camping in Ohio, it doesn’t get any better than the picturesque views found in the state parks around Ohio. From caves and caverns to crystal clear lakes, you can find a bit of everything. Explore some of the best state parks for tent and RV camping around the Buckeye State.
Hocking Hills State Park
In Logan, Ohio, you can find the Hocking Hills State Park. Found just off Route 664, Hocking Hills State Park campground features modern and primitive camping. There are 156 electric sites with 20-50 amp electric and a dumping station. This state park offers seven different hiking trails for hikers, including cliffs, caves, and waterfalls. You can also find canoe rentals, horseback riding, and family fun conveniently located around the park. Explorers might also enjoy the Hocking Hills Gem Mine.
Mohican State Park
Ohio is a campers’ wonderland when it comes to waterfalls and hiking. And Mohican State Park keeps with that tradition. In addition to attractions like Clear Fork Gorge, Lyon’s Falls, and the Mohican State Scenic River, you can find bridle trails and fishing. Set up for campers of all sizes, Mohican State Park offers deluxe cabins, full-RV hookup sites, and primitive sites. You even have group camping options.
Maumee Bay State Park
Nestled snuggly on Lake Erie, Maumee Bay State Park is a whimsical wonderland of wildlife. From the wet woods to the lush marshes, visitors can find a plethora of majestic meadows and scenic views. You can also enjoy activities like boating, fishing, golfing, swimming, and archery. But that’s not all! Explore the wonders of the butterfly gazebo offered at the nearby Nature Center. The Maumee State Park Campground features spacious campsites in open meadows with full hookups for RV campers.
Alum Creek State Park
Do you love being on the water? Then you can’t miss out on the Alum Creek State Park. With multiple campsites right on the water, Alum Creek State Park is a boater’s and water enthusiast’s dream vacation. However, that’s not all this campground has to offer. Campers can also enjoy disc golf, fishing, horseback riding, and the Columbus Zoo only a quick drive away. Hikers can explore the mellow lakeside Storybrook Trail. Both tents and RVs are welcome at the Alum Creek State Park campground. Campsites offer 20-50 amp hookup options.
Van Buren State Park
When you’re looking for a quiet getaway, look no further than the Van Buren State Park. Located on Van Buren Lake, this state park features a plethora of fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. Additionally, campers can take part in the rich woods and agriculture of the area while enjoying a dog park, disc golf, horse riding trails, and hiking. With your peace and comfort in mind, the Van Buren Lake offers 50-amp electric campsites and non-electric sites in shady areas.
Delaware State Park
Are you ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure within the dense Ohio woodlands? Delaware State Park located in Delaware, OH, is going to be your kind of getaway. While the main attraction is the boat dock and marina for water lovers, Delaware State Park also features disc golf, swimming, hiking trails, and birdwatching. RVers and tenters alike can find a spot at the 200 modern sites available at this state park. You are also just a hop-skip-jump away from the antique mall, shooting range, and Gallant Farm Preserve.
Hueston Woods State Park
Nature lovers’ dreams are made at the Hueston Woods State Park. From birdwatching to hiking, you can find it all along the trails of this Ohio state park. Additionally, the shale rock makes it a perfect place for gathering fossils, and there’s even a nature center. Campers can also take part in archery, mountain biking, and golf. Hueston Woods State Park Campground has 20 full hookup sites along with 228 electric sites. They also have primitive sites available for those rustic campers.
Findley State Park
A former state forest, Findley State Park sits on 838-acres of woods, water, and fun. The setting of this state park makes it perfect for boating, disc golf, fishing, hiking, biking, and swimming, while the quiet waters and meadows provide the perfect resting spot for a family. Those exploring the state park can also find a museum and golf course to keep them occupied. At the campground, you have access to full hookups, electric, and non-electric sites along with cabins.
East Harbor State Park
Enjoy the landscape of the Lake Erie peninsula at the East Harbor State Park. Located near Port Clinton, Ohio, this state park gives campers access to swimming, fishing, disc golf, and boating. Check out the Nature Center to learn more about the wetlands and Great Black Swamp. A huge campground in the Ohio State Park line-up, East Harbor State Park Camping features over 350 electric sites with more than 50 full hookups. More primitive campers can find 168 non-electric sites as well.
Kelleys Island State Park
Looking for more Lake Erie views? Check out the impressive landscapes and shorelines at the Kelleys Island State Park. In addition to scenic cliffs, you can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking trails. Winter campers can even get in on cross-country skiing and ice fishing. You can also visit the Glacial Grooves State Memorial and Monarch butterfly migration along with several preserves. In addition to cabin rentals, the campground has a dump station, 35 full hook-up sites, and several non-electric sites. You can also enjoy the great outdoors in a few primitive sites.
Salt Fork State Park
At Salt Fork State Park, you can have a bit of golf and history all in one visit. After enjoying the ample boating opportunities, you can check out the Kennedy Historic House, archery, horse riding trails, swimming, and miles of hiking trails. The Salt Fork Nature Center also has an array of animals. Campers can find all the amenities at the campground from full hookup sites for RVs to non-electric campsites. Additionally, you can find an equestrian campground.
Strouds Run State Park
Located on Dow Lake near the Appalachian Highway, Strouds Run State Park features horseback riding trails, hiking trails, and mountain biking trails. Water lovers can enjoy boating and fishing on Dow Lake. Additionally, this campground is a short driving distance from Athens, OH, and Ohio University. Designed for primitive campers, Strouds Run State Park Campground offers various sites along the lake.
Punderson State Park
For summer and winter campers, Punderson State Park has it all. Not only can you check out the one-of-a-kind Tudor Manor, but you can bask in the sun on the lakeshore or fly down the sled hill in the winter. The hiking trails can also double as winter snowmobiling trails. While Punderson State Park Campground offers full hookup and tent sites, you can also find three group camping sites for up to 25 people.
Pymatuning State Park
Cuddled up to the Pennsylvania border, Pymatuning State Park is ready and waiting for the outdoor families. Fishermen can find an array of walleye and muskie in the Pymatuning Lake. If fishing isn’t your thing, just boat around the lake or spend your day at the Andover Public Golf Course. In addition to RV and tent sites at the campground, you can find various cabins to excite your adventurous side.
Lake Hope State Park
Take a time out from the high-speed, information superhighway called life and find a rustic retreat at Lake Hope State Park within the Zaleski State Forest. Located in McArthur, OH, this state park offers wooded campgrounds, lakeshores, and remnants of a mining past. With a location in the state forest, campers can enjoy miles of hiking and equestrian trails along with primitive backcountry camping. Modern campers and RV enthusiasts will enjoy the electric sites, cabins, and lodge.
Enjoying Ohio State Campgrounds
Ohio state parks have a little something to offer any type of camping enthusiast from lakes to rivers to waterfalls and cliffs. Just remember that many of these campsites need campers to make their reservations in advance. And you can find more Ohio state campgrounds by checking out the Ohio Department of National Resources.
