by Thom W. Conroy

Created on: March 04, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The state park system in Ohio is easily one of the better run park agencies in the United States, overseeing more than 70 state parks scattered across the state of Ohio. Every year, millions of Ohio citizens and visitors are afforded the opportunity to view nature up close and in safety, and there are a considerable number of outdoor activities available for visitors to Ohio Parks to engage in year round. While the majority of Ohio State Parks are within close proximity of heavily populated areas in Northeastern and Southwestern Ohio, there are many other Ohio State Parks within a 30 minute drive to most Ohio Counties.

A visitor to one of Ohio's State Parks may think Summer is the only time with plentiful activities, however this would be an incorrect assumption. While most Ohio State Parks offer hiking, biking, boating, fishing golfing and many other warm weather activities, Winter activities in Ohio State Parks are just as diverse and numerous. There are 40 Ohio State Parks that offer sledding, 12 Ohio State Parks that offer snowmobiling, 33 that offer cross-country skiing, 7 Ohio State Parks offer ice skating and 57 Ohio State Parks that offer ice fishing.

56 Ohio State Parks have campground facilities, 9 Ohio State Parks have resort lodges, and 15 Ohio State Parks have 2 bedroom cottages for rent. Ohio also offers "getaway rentals" that allows campers to rent a recreational vehicle, a camp, a tepee, or a yurt. Reservations for camping and getaway rentals can be made up to 6 months in advance, by telephone or online. Reservations for cottages and lodges can be made up to 12 months in advance by telephone or online. In any case, there is an Ohio State Park accommodation to fit within most family budgets.

To fish in Ohio State Parks an Ohio Fishing License is required. There is no license requirement to operate a boat under 10 horsepower. Metal detectors are usually allowed on most shores of lakes within Ohio State Parks, but use in other areas may require special permission. Cutting or gathering firewood is prohibited, and it is strongly recommended that firewood be brought with a camper in Ohio State Parks. Children and pets should be closely supervised at all times while visiting Ohio State Parks. Dogs are allowed in Ohio State Parks, but only two dogs per camp site and they must be leashed at all times on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length.

The Ohio State Parks Website is a wealth of useful information, the address is http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks

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