Statewide Staycations
Are you looking for that perfect spot to enjoy an unforgettable vacation, weekend getaway or family gathering? Consider visiting Ohio’s state parks — some of the best (and most stunning) in the nation.
From the cavernous wonderland known as Hocking Hills to the boundless acres encompassing Salt Fork State Park, akronlife takes you through a handful of the best parks and lodges that our great state has to offer.
Geneva State Park
50 minutes east of Cleveland
The Geneva State Park presents activities and services for visitors of all ages. From camping and boating to swimming and hiking, the park offers a majestic environment along the Lake Erie shoreline.
There are 12 deluxe cedar cabins on the lake that sleep four adults or a family of six, with a private bedroom and a sleeping loft. For those who like to “rough it”, the park has seven non-electric camp sites, four full hook-up sites and 89 electric sites. The camp office loans games and sporting equipment to registered campers, and a fish cleaning house is also provided.
Adjacent to Geneva State Park, The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers breathtaking views of Lake Erie. Surrounding The Lodge, visitors will find charming Ashtabula County which includes 18 historic covered bridges, numerous parks and beaches and nearly two dozen wineries. A wine shuttle is also available for guests who want to make the rounds for a night on the town.
A spacious, glass-enclosed indoor pool and hot tub complement The Lodge’s outdoor pool, hot tub and children’s splash area, which give visitors a year-round Lake Erie experience.
An outdoor playground, volleyball nets and horseshoe courts make for essential warm-weather fun, while cold-weather activities include snowshoeing, cross country skiing and simple relaxation by the lobby fireplace.
Hocking Hills State Park
Southeastern Ohio
One of Ohio’s most cherished and discussed getaways is the picturesque Hocking Hills State Park. Characterized by massive sandstone, gorges and lusciously beautiful waterfalls, Hocking Hills is one place you won’t want to miss.
At any given time, visitors may spot wildlife like white-tailed deer, barred owls, ruffed grouse and an occasional bobcat making their way through the wooded ravines and ridge tops they call home.
While the park contains several noteworthy views, the most popular one is Old Man’s Cave. Located on State Route 664 and divided into five sections along the valley of Old Man’s Creek, the cave and its trail unveils the jaw-dropping gorge that cuts through 150-foot-thick Blackhand Sandstone. If you love photography, this is an ideal place to snap beautiful shots.
Also extraordinarily picturesque is the Cedar Falls, which is considered the greatest waterfall in the Hocking Hills Region in terms of volume. Here, Queer Creek runs over the sandstone, capturing the water’s force.
Ash Cave is the largest, most impressive recess cave in Ohio. The horseshoe-shaped cave measures 700 feet from end to end and 100 feet deep, with a rim that rises approximately 90 feet high.
Maumee Bay State Park Lodge
10 miles east of Toledo
Resting among the vast 1,850-acre state park on the shores of Lake Erie, Maumee Bay Lodge gives visitors a diverse experience surrounded by a stunning coastal setting.
When planning your trip to Maumee Bay State Park, you first have to decide between a hotel-style room or a traditional cottage. The lodge’s two- and four-bedroom cottages are fully furnished and offer all the amenities that combine to create a pleasant stay.
If you’d rather spend a few hours playing 18 holes, the Maumee Bay Golf Course rests on acres upon acres of protected wetlands inside Maumee Bay State Park. This Par-72 course challenges golfers of all skill levels and is a favorite among locals. It’s even garnered national acclaim from several publications as one of the country’s best golf values.
After hitting the links, you can grab a pint or two of some local craft beer at the Maumee Bay Brewing Company. Established in 1995, the Maumee Bay Brewing Company brews and operates out of the historic Oliver House, the oldest working commercial building in Toledo.
If you’d rather hit the trails, Maumee Bay State Park is home to several miles of hiking trails that will take you through swamp and marsh wetlands, open meadows, ponds and beaches.
Boating enthusiasts can also cruise or sail into Maumee Bay Lodge. The Lodge Marina offers 24 overnight slips with electric and water, as well as seven transient slips for day-use of the park.
Mohican State Park
20 miles southeast of Mansfield, Ohio, near Loudonville
Stretching over 1,000 acres, Ohio’s Mohican State Park offers plenty of opportunities to let loose and explore the great outdoors.
The park offers 13 miles of hiking trails and an additional 32 miles can be found in the adjacent Mohican Memorial State Forest. These trails are also perfect for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing during the winter.
Mohican Lodge and Conference Center is surrounded by 6,000 acres of Mohican State Forest and borders Pleasant Hill Lake. The marina rents boats, fishing equipment and canoes.
Each of the lodge’s 96 recently renovated rooms has a private balcony, which provides stunning views of the Mohican Memorial State Park.
And, if you can’t bear to leave your four-legged friend at home, the lodge has pet-friendly accommodations for $15 per pet, per night.
Salt Fork State Park Lodge
Southeastern Ohio
Tucked away in Ohio’s largest state park is the Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center. The lush, wooded surroundings boast miles of recreational trails, wildlife and impressive views of the sparkling lake.
While staying in Salt Fork, guests can enjoy their morning coffee while watching the sun rise over the sparkling waters or take in the hillside splendor — both of which make this spot a perfect family vacation or romantic getaway.
If you truly want to experience life outdoors, take a horseback ride through one of the park’s 20-plus miles of bridle trails as well as a horseman’s campground to host both horse and rider.
For thrill-seekers who are 12 and older, you can gather a group of friends or family and take on a new adventure with a game of paintball. Salt Fork has two heavily wooded paintball fields with natural bunkers.