Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Visiting Ohio’s State Parks by RV
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in the woods, a family-friendly waterfall hike, or a scenic paddling route, Ohio’s public lands deliver. Here are some of the best state parks in Ohio to visit with your RV, complete with nearby campground suggestions to make your stay comfortable and convenient.
Overview
Ohio is full of hidden outdoor gems, from sandstone caves to rolling hills and riverside gorges. With dozens of state parks, nature preserves, and scenic byways, the Buckeye State offers a variety of landscapes perfect for RV travel. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in the woods, a family-friendly waterfall hike, or a scenic paddling route, Ohio’s public lands deliver.
For RVers, the experience is even better when you can camp near these destinations. Fortunately, there are plenty of private and public campgrounds across the state that offer full hookups, great amenities, and close access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Here are some of the best state parks in Ohio to visit with your RV, complete with nearby campground suggestions to make your stay comfortable and convenient.
1
Hocking Hills State Park
Perhaps the most famous park in Ohio, Hocking Hills offers a rich landscape of towering cliffs, hemlock groves, waterfalls, and hidden caves. It’s a must-visit for hikers and nature photographers.
1. Old Man’s Cave: With waterfalls, stone bridges, and narrow rock corridors, this is the most iconic site in the park.
2. Ash Cave: Ohio’s largest recessed cave, with a massive overhang and seasonal waterfall.
3. Cedar Falls: A quieter trail with the most volume of water of any Hocking Hills waterfall.
4. Rock House: A true tunnel-like cave with natural “windows” and unique sandstone formations.
5. Cantwell Cliffs: Remote and rugged, with steep steps and scenic gorge views.
6. Conkle’s Hollow: A state nature preserve with towering cliffs and a gentle gorge trail.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campbell Cove RV Resort & Campground (Logan, OH): Offers full hookup RV sites, a peaceful setting, and quick access to all major trailheads in Hocking Hills.
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Hocking Hills (Nelsonville, OH): A family-focused campground with themed activities, mini-golf, and playgrounds—perfect for kids and first-time campers.
2
Salt Fork State Park
As Ohio’s largest state park, Salt Fork encompasses over 17,000 acres and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. It's a haven for RVers who love water recreation, wildlife viewing, and large-scale camping spaces.
Highlights include:
–A 2,500-acre lake with two public beaches and several boat ramps
–14 hiking trails totaling over 20 miles
–Hunting areas, an 18-hole golf course, and a nature center
–The Kennedy Stone House historic site
–Wintertime sledding and snowmobiling
Nearby Campground:
Salt Fork State Park Campground (Lore City, OH): Offers over 200 RV sites with electric hookups, modern restrooms, and access to hiking trails and the marina. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer.
3
Mohican State Park
Nestled in north-central Ohio near Loudonville, Mohican State Park is a rugged and scenic destination ideal for outdoor adventurers.
Park features:
–The Clear Fork Gorge, a 300-foot-deep scenic canyon carved by the Clear Fork River
–Hiking trails through mature forests, including the Lyons Falls and Hemlock Gorge trails
–Mountain biking trails and the 24-mile Mohican Mountain Bike Loop
–Canoeing and kayaking on the Clear Fork and Mohican Rivers
Nearby Campgrounds:
Mohican Adventures Campground & Cabins (Loudonville, OH): Offers full hookup sites, canoe rentals, an aerial adventure park, and family-friendly amenities.
Wally World Riverside Resort (Loudonville, OH): Located right on the river with RV sites, fishing access, and river tubing options.
4
Maumee Bay State Park
Located on the shores of Lake Erie near Toledo, Maumee Bay State Park is a beautiful blend of land and water. It’s a bird-watcher’s paradise and a family favorite for summer getaways.
Park highlights:
–A sandy beach on Lake Erie and an inland lake for swimming
–Boardwalk trails through wetland preserves
–Golf course, nature center, and paved biking paths
–Kayaking, boating, and fishing in the bay and lake
Nearby Campground:
Maumee Bay State Park Campground (Oregon, OH): This well-maintained park campground offers full hookup RV sites, electric-only options, and modern amenities. It’s walkable to the beach and nature trails.
5
John Bryan State Park & Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Located in southwestern Ohio near Yellow Springs, John Bryan State Park features dramatic limestone gorges carved by the Little Miami River. It's known for scenic hiking and picnicking, and it borders the beautiful Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.
Highlights include:
–Several miles of moderate hiking trails with gorge and river views
–Rock climbing and rappelling areas
–Proximity to Glen Helen Nature Preserve and the charming village of Yellow Springs
–Access to the Little Miami Scenic River, popular for paddling
Nearby Campground:
John Bryan State Park Campground (Yellow Springs, OH): Offers a peaceful, forested setting with electric and non-electric sites. Primitive but serene, it’s ideal for nature lovers.
Plan Your RV Trip Through Ohio
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Hocking Hills, paddling through Mohican, or bird watching along Lake Erie, Ohio’s diverse state parks offer something for every kind of RVer. And with a wide range of privately owned and public campgrounds nearby, you can find a comfortable place to stay—whether you want full hookups and activities for the kids or a quiet, wooded retreat.
As always, plan ahead, make reservations early (especially during peak seasons), and check park websites for trail conditions and seasonal updates.
