COLUMBUS, OH - State park campgrounds are predicted to be busy during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, as special holiday activities are planned in some areas. Prospective campers are urged to consult the Ohiodnr.com web site for campsite availability before heading out.
"With more than 9,000 campsites in 57 campgrounds, our state parks offer a variety of choices for campers," said Dan West, Ohio State Parks chief. "And the Ohiodnr.com web site provides the latest campsite availability information."
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), campers can also call the 1-800-BUCKEYE, the travel and tourism hotline, for the most up-to-date camping information.
Labor Day traditionally marks the end of the summer camping season in Ohio. And several parks have scheduled special events to mark the three-day weekend.
Dillon State Park in Muskingum County will hold its annual "Labor Day Family Fest" at the beach on Saturday, August 31. Sporting events, entertainment and demonstrations are scheduled, followed by evening fireworks. Regular camping fees apply. Call 740-453-4377 for information.
Pike Lake State Park in Pike County will hold its "Last Blast of Summer" from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on August 31 at the beach. Visitors can cruise into the park for some late summer fun, including oldies tunes, root beer floats, games and face painting. Call 740-493-2212 for information.
Cleveland Lakefront State Park in downtown Cleveland is sponsoring a "Summer Farewell Bonfire Beach Party," 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 31, at Edgewater Park. Visitors are encouraged to come and enjoy the spectacular Lake Erie sunset while listening to ballads of the Great Lakes and joining in campfire activities. For information, call 216-881-8141, ext. 3001.
Ohio State Parks campgrounds are open year round. Autumn abounds with fun, including potlucks, fall color hikes, festivals, Halloween campouts and other special events. Cooler temperatures, colorful woodlands and less crowding make fall one of the most pleasant times to camp in Ohio.
Ohio State Parks feature a variety of campground amenities from primitive to full service. For campers who do not own equipment or prefer to rent equipment, camping options programs are available through October at a number of parks. Campers can rent a complete campsite with tent (already erected), cots, cooler and lantern or a full-equipped recreational vehicle already parked on a campsite. Other camping options allow campers to rent teepees, yurts, rustic camper cabins or deluxe cedar cabins. Information on camping options programs is available on Ohiodnr.com web site. Reservations can also be made through the individual parks.