With more than 70 state parks, we’ve got plenty of beautiful places to explore here in the Buckeye State. From stunning overlooks and state forests to hidden wetlands and stunning lakeshores, there’s always something photo-worthy you’ll find in an Ohio state park. The following are 11 of our favorite state parks to visit in Ohio. There listed in no particular order, and we think these parks just don’t get enough attention! Check out these state parks in Ohio, and make a plan to visit each and every one of them soon!

  1. Lake Hope State Park (McArthur)

Erica Cherup/Flickr Surrounded by the Zaleski State Forest and centered on Lake Hope is this gorgeous 2,983-acre state park. (Legend has it, its historic Hope Furnace is haunted.) You’ll find this serene state park at 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH, 45651. Lake Hope State Park, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA

  1. Salt Fork State Park (Lore City)

Salt Fork State Park/Facebook A gorgeous place to camp, this stunning state park features 14 hiking trails, fishing, swimming, miniature golf and more. There’s so much to do here, we named it as the single best state park in Ohio! Salt Fork State Park is located at 14755 Cadiz Rd., Lore City, OH, 43755. Salt Fork State Park, 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755, USA

  1. Indian Lake State Park (Lakeview)

Mwietro/Trip Advisor In addition to lake access for boating, swimming and fishing, several picnic spots, hiking trails, epic campsites, and playgrounds abound at this 800-acre state park. You’ll find it at 12774 OH-235, Lakeview, OH, 43331. Indian Lake State Park, 13156 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA

  1. Tinkers Creek State Park (Steetsboro)

Tim Evanson/Flickr With a stunning gorge overlook, peaceful swamps and unexpected wetlands, this northeast Ohio park is well-worth a visit. You’ll find it at 10303 Aurora Hudson Rd., Streetsboro, OH, 44241. Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora Hudson Rd, Streetsboro, OH 44241, USA

  1. Quail Hollow State Park (Hartville)

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr In addition to multiple hiking trails, this beautiful state park in Ohio features herb gardens and the Carriage House Nature Preserve. Quail Hollow State Park is located at 13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville, OH 44632. Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave NE, Hartville, OH 44632, USA

  1. Shawnee State Park (West Portsmouth)

Alvin Feng/Flickr Nestled near the banks of the Ohio River you’ll find six hiking trails that simply don’t get enough attention. (This park – Ohio’s first state park, in fact – is especially stunning in the fall.) You’ll find it at 4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH, 45663. Shawnee State Park, 4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663, USA

  1. Deer Creek State Park (Mt. Sterling)

Deer Creek State Park/Facebook In addition to an impressive lodge and conference center, you’ll find gorgeous scenery and boating opportunities at Deer Creek State Park. It’s located at 22300 State Park RD., 20, Mt Sterling, OH, 43143. Deer Creek State Park, 20635 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA

  1. Beaver Creek State Park (East Liverpool)

Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook Tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll find this scenic Ohio park that’s an ideal camping and hiking destination. Aside from its natural beauty, the park is special for its history. A portion of the park was once part of a canal system from the early 1800s and some locks remain in the park to this day. Beaver Creek State Park is located at 12021 Echo Dell Rd., East Liverpool, OH, 43920. Beaver Creek State Park, 12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, USA

  1. Dillon State Park (Nashport)

bunhauler/Trip Advisor Ideal for camping, hiking and kayaking, this little-known state park is must-visit when you’re looking for a new place to explore. Dillon State Park is located at 5265 Dillon Hills Dr., Nashport, OH, 43830. Dillon State Park Campground, 4405 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA

  1. Paint Creek State Park (Bainbridge)

Zeff Moreno/Google Local In addition to the usual outdoor activities, this 5,652-acre park features an amphitheater and even mini golf. Paint Creek State Park is located at 280 Taylor Rd., Bainbridge, OH, 45612 Paint Creek State Park, 280 Taylor Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612, USA

  1. Mosquito Lake State Park (Cortland)

MissMessie/Flickr You’ll find more than 2,000 acres to explore, a stunning lake and peaceful marshes here. (Trust us; this park doesn’t feature more mosquitoes than the average park, in spite of its name.) Mosquito Lake State Park is located at 1439 Wilson Sharpsville Rd., Cortland, OH, 44410. Mosquito Lake State Park, 1439 Wilson Sharpsville Rd, Cortland, OH 44410, USA

Have you paid a visit to any of these state parks in Ohio before? What is your favorite state park to visit in Ohio? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Erica Cherup/Flickr

Surrounded by the Zaleski State Forest and centered on Lake Hope is this gorgeous 2,983-acre state park. (Legend has it, its historic Hope Furnace is haunted.) You’ll find this serene state park at 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH, 45651.

Lake Hope State Park, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA

Salt Fork State Park/Facebook

A gorgeous place to camp, this stunning state park features 14 hiking trails, fishing, swimming, miniature golf and more. There’s so much to do here, we named it as the single best state park in Ohio! Salt Fork State Park is located at 14755 Cadiz Rd., Lore City, OH, 43755.

Salt Fork State Park, 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755, USA

Mwietro/Trip Advisor

In addition to lake access for boating, swimming and fishing, several picnic spots, hiking trails, epic campsites, and playgrounds abound at this 800-acre state park. You’ll find it at 12774 OH-235, Lakeview, OH, 43331.

Indian Lake State Park, 13156 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA

Tim Evanson/Flickr

With a stunning gorge overlook, peaceful swamps and unexpected wetlands, this northeast Ohio park is well-worth a visit. You’ll find it at 10303 Aurora Hudson Rd., Streetsboro, OH, 44241.

Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora Hudson Rd, Streetsboro, OH 44241, USA

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

In addition to multiple hiking trails, this beautiful state park in Ohio features herb gardens and the Carriage House Nature Preserve. Quail Hollow State Park is located at 13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville, OH 44632.

Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave NE, Hartville, OH 44632, USA

Alvin Feng/Flickr

Nestled near the banks of the Ohio River you’ll find six hiking trails that simply don’t get enough attention. (This park – Ohio’s first state park, in fact – is especially stunning in the fall.) You’ll find it at 4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH, 45663.

Shawnee State Park, 4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663, USA

Deer Creek State Park/Facebook

In addition to an impressive lodge and conference center, you’ll find gorgeous scenery and boating opportunities at Deer Creek State Park. It’s located at 22300 State Park RD., 20, Mt Sterling, OH, 43143.

Deer Creek State Park, 20635 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA

Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook

Tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll find this scenic Ohio park that’s an ideal camping and hiking destination. Aside from its natural beauty, the park is special for its history. A portion of the park was once part of a canal system from the early 1800s and some locks remain in the park to this day. Beaver Creek State Park is located at 12021 Echo Dell Rd., East Liverpool, OH, 43920.

Beaver Creek State Park, 12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, USA

bunhauler/Trip Advisor

Ideal for camping, hiking and kayaking, this little-known state park is must-visit when you’re looking for a new place to explore. Dillon State Park is located at 5265 Dillon Hills Dr., Nashport, OH, 43830.

Dillon State Park Campground, 4405 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA

Zeff Moreno/Google Local

In addition to the usual outdoor activities, this 5,652-acre park features an amphitheater and even mini golf. Paint Creek State Park is located at 280 Taylor Rd., Bainbridge, OH, 45612

Paint Creek State Park, 280 Taylor Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612, USA

MissMessie/Flickr

You’ll find more than 2,000 acres to explore, a stunning lake and peaceful marshes here. (Trust us; this park doesn’t feature more mosquitoes than the average park, in spite of its name.) Mosquito Lake State Park is located at 1439 Wilson Sharpsville Rd., Cortland, OH, 44410.

Mosquito Lake State Park, 1439 Wilson Sharpsville Rd, Cortland, OH 44410, USA

For more superlative state parks in Ohio, check out these spots that double as next-level camping sites, too!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

state parks to visit in Ohio January 22, 2022 Sarah M. What are some state parks in Ohio that allow camping? Here in Ohio, we’re fortunate to have so many gorgeous campgrounds and state parks to explore. The camping here truly is some of the best in the Midwest, too. With more than 70 to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are the five best state parks for camping in Ohio, and you will want to pay a visit to each and every one of them! Some notable parks on the list include East Harbor State Park in Marblehead, Mohican State Park over in Loudonville, and Indian Lake State Park up in Lakeview! What are some of the best state parks in Ohio for a day trip? Hocking Hills is a wonderful place for a day trip – and it’s super affordable, too! While people like to visit this state park in Ohio during the autumn months (and admittedly, the fall foliage here is gorgeous), Hocking Hills State Park is an amazing year-round destination in the Buckeye State! Hocking Hills State Park features seven hiking areas, as well as mountain biking trails and a plethora of other amusements and amenities. If you’re into caves, this state park has some amazing caverns (and even waterfalls!) that are both accessible and easy to reach. For those who prefer to get around on two wheels instead of two legs, Hocking Hills features two mountain biking trails, both two miles long. The purple loop is of moderate difficulty, while the orange loop is more suited to experienced bikers. Campers will find lots of amazing places to pitch a tent for the night, while those into more of a glamping kind of experience will be blown away by the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls. What are some kid-friendly state parks to visit in Ohio? While all of the Ohio State Parks are accessible for families, the Storybook Trail at John Bryan State Park is especially kid friendly. Each trail features a whimsical story with a focus on nature and a free little library. Along the way, posted signs tell the story, asking questions and presenting challenges to keep little explorers engaged with the surrounding area. It’s the perfect way to get the kids outside and enjoy some fresh air – especially if your kids are into reading!

The OIYS Visitor Center

state parks to visit in Ohio

January 22, 2022

Sarah M.

What are some state parks in Ohio that allow camping? Here in Ohio, we’re fortunate to have so many gorgeous campgrounds and state parks to explore. The camping here truly is some of the best in the Midwest, too. With more than 70 to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are the five best state parks for camping in Ohio, and you will want to pay a visit to each and every one of them! Some notable parks on the list include East Harbor State Park in Marblehead, Mohican State Park over in Loudonville, and Indian Lake State Park up in Lakeview! What are some of the best state parks in Ohio for a day trip? Hocking Hills is a wonderful place for a day trip – and it’s super affordable, too! While people like to visit this state park in Ohio during the autumn months (and admittedly, the fall foliage here is gorgeous), Hocking Hills State Park is an amazing year-round destination in the Buckeye State! Hocking Hills State Park features seven hiking areas, as well as mountain biking trails and a plethora of other amusements and amenities. If you’re into caves, this state park has some amazing caverns (and even waterfalls!) that are both accessible and easy to reach. For those who prefer to get around on two wheels instead of two legs, Hocking Hills features two mountain biking trails, both two miles long. The purple loop is of moderate difficulty, while the orange loop is more suited to experienced bikers. Campers will find lots of amazing places to pitch a tent for the night, while those into more of a glamping kind of experience will be blown away by the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls. What are some kid-friendly state parks to visit in Ohio? While all of the Ohio State Parks are accessible for families, the Storybook Trail at John Bryan State Park is especially kid friendly. Each trail features a whimsical story with a focus on nature and a free little library. Along the way, posted signs tell the story, asking questions and presenting challenges to keep little explorers engaged with the surrounding area. It’s the perfect way to get the kids outside and enjoy some fresh air – especially if your kids are into reading!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Here in Ohio, we’re fortunate to have so many gorgeous campgrounds and state parks to explore. The camping here truly is some of the best in the Midwest, too. With more than 70 to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are the five best state parks for camping in Ohio, and you will want to pay a visit to each and every one of them! Some notable parks on the list include East Harbor State Park in Marblehead, Mohican State Park over in Loudonville, and Indian Lake State Park up in Lakeview!

What are some of the best state parks in Ohio for a day trip?

Hocking Hills is a wonderful place for a day trip – and it’s super affordable, too! While people like to visit this state park in Ohio during the autumn months (and admittedly, the fall foliage here is gorgeous), Hocking Hills State Park is an amazing year-round destination in the Buckeye State! Hocking Hills State Park features seven hiking areas, as well as mountain biking trails and a plethora of other amusements and amenities. If you’re into caves, this state park has some amazing caverns (and even waterfalls!) that are both accessible and easy to reach. For those who prefer to get around on two wheels instead of two legs, Hocking Hills features two mountain biking trails, both two miles long. The purple loop is of moderate difficulty, while the orange loop is more suited to experienced bikers. Campers will find lots of amazing places to pitch a tent for the night, while those into more of a glamping kind of experience will be blown away by the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls.

What are some kid-friendly state parks to visit in Ohio?

While all of the Ohio State Parks are accessible for families, the Storybook Trail at John Bryan State Park is especially kid friendly. Each trail features a whimsical story with a focus on nature and a free little library. Along the way, posted signs tell the story, asking questions and presenting challenges to keep little explorers engaged with the surrounding area. It’s the perfect way to get the kids outside and enjoy some fresh air – especially if your kids are into reading!