Some people dismiss Ohio as flyover country, but the Buckeye State has a lot to offer. Between three big cities, miles of shoreline on Lake Erie, and the quiet, peaceful countryside, there is plenty to see and do here in the heart of America. If you find yourself traveling through this gorgeous part of the Midwest, check out some of these state parks for the best tent and RV camping.
1. Hocking Hills State Park, Logan
Like stepping into Middle Earth, Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio is completely surreal. The park has miles of hiking trails around caves, waterfalls, cliffs and gorges. Plus, there’s camping of all varieties for those looking to stay the night. There are sites for tents and RVs with full hookups, others with just electric hookups, and 38 cozy cabins. Read more on RV Park Reviews.
2. Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon (Ohio)
On the shores of Lake Erie in northwest Ohio, Maumee Bay is just the place to go if you’re dreaming of a quiet waterside retreat. There are campsites for both tents and RVs (with 30-amp electric hookups), as well as three hiking trails, including a 2-mile interpretative boardwalk. The park’s also home to a family fun lodge with cozy rooms, cabins, a restaurant, and an 18-hole golf course. Read more about camping here.
3. Findley State Park, Wellington
If you want to get lost in the woods, stay a few nights in Findley State Park. Among tall pines, hardwoods, and a serene lake, this park has miles of hiking/biking trails, as well as campsites with electric hookups.
From here, it’s just a short drive to Lorain County Fair in Wellington. And if you love to fish, you’re in luck. The lake’s full of bass, crappie, and bluegills. Canoe rentals are available here, as well as cabins if you’re not bringing an RV. More info here.
4. Hueston Woods State Park, College Corner
Photo by Charles B. on Flickr
Near the Indiana border, Hueston Woods surrounds Acton Lake with a little something for everyone. The park has hiking trails, campsites for tents and RVs, boat rentals, horseback riding, a lodge with an excellent restaurant, and even opportunities to go fossil-hunting. Get more details here.
5. Delaware State Park, Delaware (Ohio)
Photo via TripAdvisor
Hiking and camping are the main draws at this park, but water activities from boating to swimming can be enjoyed here as well. It’s in a prime location surrounding Delaware Lake, about forty minutes north of Columbus. Read more about this park.
6. East Harbor State Park, Lakeside-Marblehead
East Harbor State Park, located about an hour east of Maumee Bay (#2 above), is another paradise where you can enjoy the sandy shores of Lake Erie. The campground has scenic full hookup sites, hiking trails, and picnic tables with views of the lake and surrounding marshlands. More info.
7. Rocky Fork State Park, Hillsboro
Surrounding Rocky Fork Lake, this park is a waterside oasis. There are boat rentals available, and on most days, the lake is great for catching bass and walleye. While you’re here, check out the 18-hole disc golf course in the South Beach area.
They have rental equipment available and there’s no fee to play. On top of that, the park has six picnic areas overlooking the lake, two public beaches, and hiking trails that are short and relatively easy. Get more details here.
8. Punderson State Park, Newbury
Photo by TripAdvisor
A forty-minute drive east of Cleveland, Punderson offers scenic countryside camping by a well-stocked fishing lake. Sites are available for tents and RVs, but there’s also lodging available at a lovely old 29-room mansion overlooking the lake. The lodge has an excellent restaurant, hillside cabins, and an 18-hole golf course. Read more here.
9. Indian Lake State Park, Lakeview
Photo via TripAdvisor
As the name suggests, this park surrounds Indian Lake with lots of opportunities to get out on the water. The campground has sites along the lake with full hookups, and others in a more private wooded area.
Six picnic areas are dotted across the park, as well as two beaches, walking paths, and a paved bikeway. There’s also a really nice camp store at this park. In addition to just firewood and ice, they sell scoops of local Velvet ice cream. Read more about this park here.
10. Mohican State Park, Loudonville
Photo by Todd Petrie on Flickr
About half-way between Columbus and Cleveland, this 1,110-acre park lies next to the 4,525-acre Mohican-Memorial State Forest. This allows for great camping in the woods, and along the Mohican River, which snakes through the park.
The campground includes tent sites, RV sites with full hook-ups, others with electric-only, and camper cabins. During the day, you can get out and enjoy everything from hiking to canoeing and fishing. Read more about camping at Mohican State Park.
Have you been to any of these state parks? Where do you love to go camping in Ohio?
While you’re in the Midwest, check out these incredibly scenic places.
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