Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: (Map It) Just off State Route 2, about 20 miles east of Toledo
Phone: 419-836-7758 

Located on the scenic shore of Lake Erie, Crane Creek State Park offers a vast freshwater marsh and spacious sandy beach for enjoyment. This coastal environment is home to more than 300 species of birds. Herons, waterfowl, warblers, gulls and the magnificent bald eagle make this park one of the best birdwatching areas in the country. A spacious 3,500-foot, sandy beach graces the shore of Lake Erie. Latrines and changing booths are provided. A one-half-mile boardwalk trail provides access to the many different habitats in the park. The wheelchair accessible boardwalk skirts several small ponds, winds through woodlots and borders open marshlands. Birdwatchers delight in the numerous avian species sighted along the trail.
 

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: (Map It) On State Route 125, just northwest of Bethel, Ohio
Phone: 513-734-4323 

One of Ohio's largest state parks, East Fork offers a great diversity of recreational opportunities and natural history only 25 miles from Cincinnati. The park's terrain includes both rugged hills and open meadows, setting the stage for a wonderful getaway. A 1,200-foot swimming beach features change boots with showers, restrooms and a vending area. East Fork has one of the largest camping areas in the state with 399 sites, all of which have electrical hookups. Seven full-service sites also have sewer and water hookups. The campground offers showers, flush toilets, drinking water, a camper's beach, and boat ramp. Spacious Cedar Cabins with all the amenities of a fully-equipped RV are available for daily or weekly rental. Four camper cabins may also be rented spring through fall. For the hiker and backpacker, the Backpack Trail traverses approximately 10 miles of scenic park areas, offering a 20-mile round trip. In addition, the 32-mile Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail circles the park and is available for hikers, backpackers, and horsemen. Four primitive campsites are located along these trails. Permits for their use are available through the park office. For those less adventuresome, shorter trails are easily accessible. A 5-mile mountain bike trail begins just west of the park entrance on S.R. 125. Those who enjoy water sports will find East Fork Lake very accommodating. There are 2,160 acres of water and unlimited horsepower boating with access available at six launch ramps.
 

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: (Map It) On State Route 44, just west of Fairport Harbor, Ohio
Phone: 216-881-8141 

The trademark of Headlands Beach State Park is its mile-long natural sand beach, the largest in the state. In addition to its popularity during the summer season with picnickers and swimmers, the area is home to many plant species typically found only along the Atlantic Coast. As the largest natural sand beach in Ohio, Headlands offers recreation for swimmers and sunbathers. Change booths, concession areas and restrooms are provided. Hiking trails are available in the adjacent state nature preserve. A children's playground is available in the picnic area. The sand beach is ideal for beach volleyball games. A federal breakwall is located at the east end of the park offering fishing opportunities for smallmouth, largemouth and rock bass, yellow perch, bluegill, walleye, coho salmon and carp. In addition, crappie, steelhead trout, sucker, catfish and bullhead are common catches.
 

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: (Map It) On State Route 278, northeast of McArthur, Ohio
Phone: 740-596-4938

A natural paradise, Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run. It is a rugged, heavily forested region traversed by steep gorges and narrow ridges. Remnants of abandoned mining and iron producing industries amid the beautiful scenery provide interest and pleasure for hikers, photographers, nature lovers and historians alike at one of Ohio's most historic and scenic state parks. A fine swimming beach is located near the dam. Facilities include a beach house with sun deck, restrooms, and a concession building where food and beverages can be purchased. Lake Hope offers Wildlife, Iron Furnace, and Forest cottages for overnight visitors year round. All cottages have linens, towels and complete kitchens with microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, and outdoor grills and fire rings. The Iron Furnace and Forest cottages are finished in native hardwood and have wood burning fireplaces. Groups may reserve Laurel Lodge, a rustic structure with a beautiful stone fireplace, which sleeps 22 persons, provides kitchen facilities and is open year round. A beautiful 219-site campground is suitable for tents or trailers. The campground includes heated shower houses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables and fire rings. Forty-six sites have electric hookups. Three Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cook stove and other equipment, and one camper-cabin along with one Rent-A-Tepee can be rented during the summer months.
 

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: (Map It) On State Route 5, east of Ravenna, Ohio
Phone: 330-296-3239 

West Branch State Park's large lake with its many forks and coves is extremely popular with fishermen, boaters and swimmers. The park's meadows and woodlots provide an excellent backdrop for camping, hiking and horseback riding. The park's 700-foot sand beach includes a showerhouse, change booth and snack bar. A boat swimming area is located in Silver Creek Bay, southwest of the beach. The newly renovated family campground offers 29 full service sites, 155 sites with 50-amp electric hook-ups, and 14 non-electric sites. The campground also features heated showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities and a trailer dump station. Some lakeside sites offer boating access. A group camp is available for organizations of up to 50 people. More than twelve miles of hiking trails provide access to the natural world. A portion of the state's Buckeye Trail passes through the park and is linked to the campground by a two-mile spur trail. The park offers extensive snowmobile trails when conditions permit. Trail starts at the west boat ramp. Mountain biking is permitted on trails in the snowmobile area. After leaving the parking area and riding up to cable line road there are 6 loops (some connected, some not) that provide approximately 8 miles of single and double-track. Twenty miles of bridle trails traverse woodlands and meadows. Riders must provide their own horses. A horse camp is open by permit only. 
 

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