10 Best State Parks in Ohio

Ohio is the perfect place for new homeowners who like friendly people, a thriving economy, affordable cities, and fabulous entertainment. As an extra special cherry on top, the state parks offer a fairy tale-inspired added sparkle. Whether you are a day hiker or simply planning a weekend getaway, Ohio is the ideal destination for all your adventures.

If you are considering a move to the Buckeye State, your decision will be made easy after viewing the region’s gorgeous green spaces. Here are the top 10 state parks in Ohio.

1. Maumee Bay State Park

Google Rating: 4.6

Maumee Bay State Park is uniquely composed of 1,336 acres on the shores of Lake Erie. The park includes a resort lodge, golf course, campgrounds, wet woods, and lush marshes. Visitors travel from all over to view over 300 species of birds that make their homes in the park every year. In the winter months, guests enjoy ice skating, cross-country skiing, and sledding down the perfect toboggan hill.

2. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

Google Rating: 4.8

One of Lake Erie’s most well-known and frequently photographed sights, the Marblehead Lighthouse is located just 51 miles from Toledo. As the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, the landmark has shone out over the rocky coast and guided many boaters to safety since its creation in 1822. Visitors may climb up the interior of the lighthouse during the summer months to soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding waters and distant islands. Pack a basket and enjoy lunch after a tour of the lighthouse in one of many picnic areas in the surrounding park.

3. East Harbor State Park

Google Rating: 4.6

This 1,831-acre park is located about 47 miles from Toledo and is uniquely situated on a peninsula that stretches out into Lake Erie. It lies on the edge of Ohio’s prairie marsh zone, making the area quite damp but attractive to many beautiful shorebirds and waterfowl. These wetlands once belonged to the Great Black Swamp, which covered an area 120 miles long and 30-40 miles wide long ago. The park boasts the largest campground in the Ohio State Park system and a variety of activities from boating to disc golf.

4. Portage Lakes State Park

Google Rating: 4.5

While it may be smaller than some of the other parks at 411 acres, Portage Lakes State Park is a true gem for visiting families and those who find thrill in recreational water sports. Boating, jet skiing, and waterskiing are extremely popular among visitors in the warmer months, making it the perfect weekend getaway.

5. Caesar Creek State Park

Google Rating: 4.6

Located 72 miles from Columbus, Caesar Creek State Park is home to some of the state’s most beautiful animal and plant life. Visitors often spend time on the large sprawling lake boating or fishing. Other popular activities include mountain biking, swimming, and horseback riding. The picnic areas are perfect for enjoying a snack and socializing after a thrilling round of archery or a meandering morning hike.

6. Hueston Woods State Park

Google Rating: 4.6

Hueston Woods State Park is known among many naturalists for a particular reason: the abundance of marine fossils beneath the limestone and shale bedrock. Collectors travel from all over to visit this park, located 46 miles outside Cincinnati. Other activities include boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and golf. There is a nature preserve to visit as well as a reminiscent covered bridge that is perfect for photos. Overnight guests may sleep in the lodge.

7. Indian Lake State Park

Google Rating: 4.5

Located 73 miles from Columbus, Indian Lake State Park is frequently visited for a variety of on-the-water recreational activities. Its historical significance earned it a nickname as the “Midwest’s Million Dollar Playground” at one time due to its proximity to both the steamline and railway transit. It was transformed into a resort park from its previous disposition as a shallow feeder lake for the Miami and Erie Canal in the 19th century and gained much popularity during the turn of the century. Now, visitors enjoy swimming, jet skiing, fishing, boating, and camping, as well as snowmobiling and ice fishing during the winter.

8. East Fork State Park

Google Rating: 4.5

Offering incredible recreation and natural history only 25 miles from Cincinnati, East Fork State Park is one of the largest of Ohio’s state parks. The 4,870-acre park includes Harsha Lake, a scenic campground, and a winding trail system for hiking, biking, backpacking, and horseback riding. The expansive lake also offers unlimited horsepower boating for any water recreation. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking all year round. The park also includes the Little Miami River Basin, which holds historical significance and evidence of human life dating as far back as 3,000 years. This park is definitely worth a family trip for recreation and a history lesson!

9. Buck Creek State Park

Google Rating: 4.5

Located 43 miles from Columbus, Buck Creek State Park is nestled among rich agricultural areas and fascinating history. The large reservoir allows unlimited horsepower boating for all on-the-water recreational activities. Visitors come from all over to fish in the reservoir and utilize the accessible pier for all abilities. Long, winding trails are perfect for hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. Picnicking and swimming options are ideal for any day trip, and a campsite includes reservable cabins in a wooded area for extending your visit.

10. Geneva-on-the-Lake State Park

Google Rating: 4.6

Just 49 miles from Cleveland, Geneva-on-the-Lake State Park captures the charm of Lake Erie with a gorgeous lake and a warm, sandy beach not far from diverse wildlife found in the park’s freshwater marshes and estuaries. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the huge lake, as well as trail running and hiking through the large woods. In the winter, vacationers can take advantage of the 4.5-mile snowmobiling trail and cross-country skiing opportunities. The park also offers a great variety of lodging options including family campgrounds, lodge rooms, cedar cabins, and cottages if you choose to stay overnight.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Google Rating: 4.8

Number of Visitors: 11,705

The only national park in Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, is located 19 miles from Cleveland in a carefully constructed network of protected lands to conserve incredible wildlife and natural wonders of the region. It has a wild history of impressive recreation efforts and models a turn back to the natural world. Its 33,000 acres have been subject to significant pollution in the 19th and 20th centuries as the Cuyahoga River even burned 13 times due to huge amounts of oil runoff. These events catalyzed the environmental movements of the 1960s and birthed landmark environmental legislation.

Now, after decades of immense efforts and wetlands cleanups, the park serves as a model for conservation and wildlife resurgence. The patchwork of protected lands allows for communities of people to live inside the park boundaries and contribute to the land on working farms that integrate sustainable growing practices. Visitors can buy fresh goods from in-park markets year-round. Spring, summer, and fall are excellent times to visit the park and view its gorgeous scenery and wildlife, but winter is a bit harsher given its proximity to Lake Erie and the unpredictable weather conditions.

The Buckeye State

Interested in moving to Ohio? Learn more about the region’s real estate opportunities by checking out some of our other articles, including the best places to live, the safest cities, and how to build a house in Ohio. When you’re ready to buy your dream home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.

All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.