School is almost out, the sun is shining and the kids arent the only ones needing a vacation.
The great Ohio outdoors, offering canoe trips down relaxing streams, endless hiking trails and hidden fishing holes waiting discovery its no wonder almost three million people camped at Ohio State Parks campgrounds last year!
A lack of experience or camping equipment is no excuse for staying at home, thanks to a variety of camping options available at Ohio State Parks and their 57 camgrounds. Camping options range from the classic canvas tent to fully loaded recreational vehicles.
Rent-A-Camp and Camper Cabins, Rent-A-RV, Rent-A-Tepee, Rent-A-Yurt and Cedar Cabins provide the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in experiencing the adventure of camping without the expense or hassle of bringing equipment.
Novice and veteran campers alike will find our camping options an excellent alternative to the traditional camping getaway, said Dan West, Ohio State Parks chief. Camping is a great way to explore Ohio and spend quality time with family and friends.
Camping doesnt get much easier when taking advantage of one of these options:
Rent-A-Camp units come with a four-person tent fully erected on a wooden platform, a sheltered picnic table, two cots, sleeping pads, a cooler, cook stove, camp light, fire extinguisher, broom and dustpan. Camper cabins are rustic wooden structures featuring built-in benches or cots, along with much of the same basic equipment as Rent-A-Camps. Some camper cabins offer deluxe amenities including convertible futon beds, a mini refrigerator, microwave or grill, ceiling fan and a front porch. Twenty state parks offer Rent-A-Camp and 13 offer camper cabins.
If your idea of roughing-it includes air-conditioning and color TV, then try a Rent-A-RV. These 29-foot travel trailers are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, stove, color TV and AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Each trailer comfortably sleeps four adults or a family of six and features a private bath with shower, heater, air conditioner and electrical outlets. Linens, cookware, dishes and utensils are not provided. Rent-A-RV is offered in northeast Ohio at Geneva State Park (Ashtabula County) and at Punderson State Park (Geauga County); in northwest Ohio at East Harbor State Park (Ottawa County); in southwest Ohio at East Fork State Park (Clermont County) and Caesar Creek State Park (Warren and Clinton counties); and central Ohio at Alum Creek State Park (Delaware County).
Rent-A-Tepee is a truly unique adventure, offering a spacious and weather-resistant canvas tepee anchored to a wooden platform. A cooler, foam sleeping pad, cots, a lantern, broom and dustpan are included. Most rentals also include a canoe and lifejackets. Rent-A-Tepee is offered in northeast Ohio at Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County) and at Mohican State Park (Ashland County); northwest Ohio at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park (Auglaize and Mercer counties); in southeast Ohio at Jackson Lake State Park (Jackson County) and Lake Hope State Park (Vinton County); and in west central Ohio at Indian Lake State Park (Logan County).
Rent-A-Yurt program is featured in northeast Ohio at Pymatuning State Park (Ashtabula County); in northwest Ohio at Harrison Lake State Park (Fulton County) and Maumee Bay State Park (Lucas County); and in central Ohio at Delaware State Park (Delaware County). A yurt is a unique round structure combining the airiness and mobility of a canvas tent with the sturdy framework of a cabin. Each yurt is erected on a wooden deck, and includes a skylight, ceiling fan, internal electrical outlet, convertible futon beds, a cooler or mini refrigerator, and gas grill.
Cedar Cabins offer a cozy retreat close to the campground conveniences. The 12x32 cedar-sided travel trailers sleep eight with a private bedroom, sleeping loft or bunk beds along with a convertible sleeper sofa in the living area. All cabins are fully air-conditioned and feature a private bath with shower and tub, full kitchen with dining area and front porch. Cedar Cabins are featured at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park (Auglaize and Mercer counties) and in southwest Ohio at East Fork State Park (Clermont County).
Families planning a Lake Erie vacation may want to consider a waterfront Island Yurt at Kelleys Island. South Bass Island offers four Cabents (units with the walls of a cabin and canvas roof of a tent) and the Rustic Cottage. The cottage, which sleeps eight, has a screened porch and sun deck with a view of Lake Erie.
Reservations and a deposit are required for all camping options. Contact the state park of your choice today for availability and reservations. Fees vary from park to park. Some camping options are wheelchair accessible. For complete information of all Ohio State Parks visit the ODNR Web page at www.dnr.state.oh.us or call 1-800-BUCKEYE.
Complementing Ohios 73 state parks are a large number of privately owned campgrounds offering a wide array of camping opportunities across the Buckeye State, from primitive campsites to full-service hook-ups for recreational vehicles and trailers.
So, what are you waiting for? Turn off the television, grab the kids and start your next Ohio outdoor adventure!