Summer will be in full swing soon and that means only one thing: lifelong campers are raring to enjoy some quality time with Mother Nature. The good news is that camping is one of the best things to do in Ohio given its many state parks. Take a look at our top picks:
Cleveland Metroparks
Cuyahoga County
Residents of Cleveland won’t have to travel far to enjoy an awesome camping adventure, thanks to Cleveland Metroparks. For a truly rustic experience, set up camp at Ottawa Overlook Backcountry’s three primitive campsites. While you’re at it, take the time to explore the park’s 100 trails which stretch over 1,400 miles. There are also 18 different reservations to explore, where you can do everything from kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, birdwatching, and even golfing.
Mohican State Park
Ashland County
Visitors of Mohican State Park enjoy a triple treat of stunning sights: the lush hemlock forests, the majestic Mohican River, and the breathtaking Clearfork Gorge. There are 13 miles of hiking trails to explore in this state park, as well as an 8.5-mile bike path that will surely test your handling skills. It’s also home to a plethora of wildlife, which includes white-tailed deer, red foxes, and nesting warblers, among others. The park has 153 campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and electricity hookups.
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking County
Hocking Hills State Park is an avid hiker’s paradise as it boasts no less than seven different trails to explore. Many of them pass through the park’s most iconic attractions, such as Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Cantwell Cliffs. There’s also a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy here, including canoeing, horseback riding, and even golfing! You can stay at the park’s electric-powered campsites or pitch a tent on primitive campgrounds instead. Visitors can also rent camper cabins if they want to enjoy more creature comforts.
Dillon State Park
Muskingum County
Located right on the edge of Dillon Lake, this state park’s waterfront views, wooded hills, and beautiful valleys are sure to please longtime campers. Hikers have six trails to choose from which stretch from just under a mile to over six miles long. If you’d rather unwind, take a dip in the lake’s tranquil waters or cast your fishing line to catch some largemouth bass or catfish. Dillon State Park offers 195 campsites and 29 cabins, a handful of which are pet-friendly.
Hueston Woods State Park
Butler/Preble Counties
With over 3,000 acres of natural beauty to explore, Hueston Woods State Park has endless options for outdoor adventures. The heart of this park is the 625-acre Acton Lake where you can enjoy a multitude of water activities. Another highlight is the primeval timber forest that gives you a glimpse into the area’s ancient past. Whether you’re hiking forest trails, putting at the golf course, or hunting for fossils, your stay here will surely be memorable. There are 255 campsites with power outlets here, but you can also choose from 236 non-electric sites.
Alum Creek State Park
Delaware County
Just 22 miles from Columbus, the state capital, Alum Creek State Park is a welcome respite from the bustle of urban life. This state park is home to a reservoir that provides visitors with an excellent venue for swimming, boating, and fishing. The area’s fertile soil breeds life to a verdant beech-maple forest, as well as a plethora of plant species and wildflowers. Among the amenities you’ll find here are a large campground, a dog park, a boat launch, and a children’s playground.
And the best part? All of these campgrounds are just a few hours’ drive away from Cleveland. If you’d like to purchase Cleveland real estate that has easy access to nature, just call me, Michelle McQuade, at 440.247.8900 or simply send me a message here.