For many active and nature-minded people, camping is a way to enjoy healthy activities while getting in touch with nature. Family campgrounds are available at 56 Ohio state parks, and several state forests offer camping as well. Pitch your tent and check out Ohio's wilderness by camping in a state park or forest managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Types
The Ohio DNR offers different types of camping throughout the state forests and parks. Family campgrounds are designed like a camping community, with sites relatively close together. Most family campgrounds at state parks offer ice and firewood for purchase along with electric and non-electric sites. Many also have camp stores with convenient items, food and souvenirs; and hot showers and laundry services in addition to restrooms and running water. There are also family campgrounds at Fernwood and Harrison state forests. Park and Pack campsites--for backpackers--are located in Mohican-Memorial State Forest.
Primitive equestrian camps and sites--also known as horse camps--are located at Hocking, Zaleski, Tar Hollow and a few other state forests and several state parks as well. Most of the time, these camps are located near bridle trails in remote areas of the park or forest, while some state parks, such as Barkcamp and Hueston Woods, offer equestrian areas within or near family campgrounds with electric sites.
Campground Activities
Many family campgrounds within the state parks offer several activities for children and families. For adults and children alike, many parks offer basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, miniature golf and more for a quick cardio workout during your visit. Playgrounds for children are also available in several campgrounds. For a fun, family-themed activity, most parks offer themed campouts, where you can participate in different activities and enjoy entertainment and food with your neighboring campers. West Branch and other state parks offer sporting equipment and games at the camp office.
Trail Activities
Trails throughout the state parks and forests offer you the opportunity to hike and see the flora and fauna of the parks. Trails range from easy to rugged, allowing you to choose one based on your fitness and activity levels, as well as your personal desires. East Harbor State Park, for example, offers 11 hiking trails designated as easy or moderate and several that run through or are located in the campground. Camping in the winter--which is permitted at most of the campgrounds--offers additional trail activities such as cross-country skiing or even snowmobile trails.
Other Park Activities
Several state parks offer activities in addition to those located within campgrounds or on trails. Shawnee State Park, for example, offers two lakes for water fun. Shawnee rents out rowboats, pedal boats and canoes and also has a marina facility on the Ohio River with 85 docks. Indian Lake State Park has two public swimming beaches on the 5,800-acre lake, which is home to a bounty of fish species including walleye, crappie, perch and catfish. Picnicking is available as well, with several parks offering more than one picnic area. Pack a healthy lunch and hike your way through the park to a picnic area.
Considerations
State park and forest campgrounds may have their own rules and regulations. For example, some campgrounds allow pets at every site, while others may only allow them at designated sites. Contact your chosen campground or review their website for rules and regulations. Make reservations to guarantee a preferred site if you have one; otherwise, all state park campgrounds reserve 10 to 15 percent of their sites for walk-in campers. Ohio is also home to three venomous snakes, all of which are pit vipers: two rattlesnakes and the northern copperhead.
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