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Do any Ohio State Parks allow pets in their cottages or lodges?
Yes, pets are welcome at select cottages at Burr Oak, Cowan Lake, Hueston Woods, Lake Hope, Maumee Bay, Pike Lake, Punderson, Pymatuning, Salt Fork, and Shawnee. Geneva Resort Lodge offers a number of pet-friendly rooms. With the exception of guide animals, pets are not permitted in other cottages or resort lodge rooms. Back to top
Will I be charged an entrance fee or parking fee to enjoy Ohio State Parks?
There are no parking fees to pay when you visit your favorite Ohio State Parks. Ohio remains one of the few states in the country that does not charge an entrance fee or parking fee at its 74 state parks. Back to top
How do I make reservations at a state park lodge or cottage?
- Call toll free 800-AT-A-PARK (1-800-282-7275) for the following resort lodges and cottages: Burr Oak, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Mohican (lodge only), Punderson, Salt Fork, and Shawnee
- For Deer Creek Lodge and cottages, call toll free: 877-678-DEER (1-877-678-3337)
- For The Lodge at Geneva State Park, call 800-801-9982 Back to top
How do I make reservations for camping?
Online reservations are now available. Read more...
Or go to the reservations Frequently Asked Questions. Back to top
How do I make reservations for other overnight accommodations?
Online reservations are now available. Read more...
Or go to the reservations Frequently Asked Questions Back to top
What are the park hours?
Day use areas are open from 6 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with the exception of John Bryan, Headlands Beach, Nelson Kennedy Ledges, Crane Creek, and Hocking Hills. The hours for the parks noted are one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. Swimming areas are open from daylight to dusk, where swimming is available. Campgrounds are open 24 hours daily, with visiting hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Back to top
Are Ohio's state parks open during the winter?
All of Ohios state parks are open for recreational activities during the winter. All , cottages and resort lodges are open during the winter. All campgrounds are open during the winter, however amenities may be limited. Please check with the individual park to determine the availability of specific amenities. Back to top
What methods of payment are accepted?
We accept cash, check with proper ID, major credit cards which include; Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover. Back to top
Can I bring my pet camping?
All state park campgrounds allow pets, and many have designated areas for pets. A maximum of two pets is permitted per campsite. Pets must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length and must be under control at all times. Proof of rabies shots and a physical description of the animals is required upon request. Back to top
Are alcoholic beverages allowed in the park?
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in public areas in every state park. The only exceptions are resort lodge restaurants and lounges, which provide complete beverage service. In addition, the golf course pro shops at Deer Creek, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Punderson, and Salt Fork offer limited beverage service. The State of Ohio legal age for possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21 years of age. Back to top
How can I reserve a picnic shelter?
Many state parks have shelter houses that may be reserved for a daily fee. Parks also offer shelters on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check with the park of your choice for options. Back to top
Do state parks offer any discounts in user fees for Golden Buckeye cardholders?
Golden Buckeye cardholders are given discounts as follows
- 50% discount on camping fees on Sunday through Thursday nights
- 10% discount on camping fees on Friday and Saturday nights;
- 10% discount on the total rate for Rent-A-Camp, Rent-A-RV, Rent-A-Tepee, Rent-A-Yurt, Camper Cabins, and Cedar Cabins
- 10% discount on all cottage and lodge reservations
The Golden Buckeye card is issued by the Ohio Department of Aging to Ohioans 60 years of age or older or to Ohioans 18 years or older who are totally and permanently disabled. The Golden Buckeye card must be presented when registering to obtain the discount. Click here for more information on the Golden Buckeye Card discounts at Ohio State Parks. Back to top
Do you accept the "Passport America" card?
During 2008, Passport America cardholders will receive a 50% discount off the camp site fee, Sunday through Wednesday only (excluding holidays), subject to availability, at the following parks:
10% discount off regular cottage rates, Sunday through Thursday at Buck Creek, Cowan Lake, and Dillon state parks.
For information regarding the Passport America program, visit www.passport-america.com or e-mail info@passport-america.com Back to top
What about Prisoners-of-War (POW) or disabled veterans?
Honorably discharged Ohio resident veterans with a disability that has been determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabling and who receive a VA pension or compensation are entitled to camp free of charge in Ohio's state parks. Ohio residents who are former prisoners-of-war are also exempt from camping fees. Proof of eligibility must be presented when registering to obtain discounts. Qualifying Ohio resident veterans may request a letter confirming their eligibility for free camping in Ohio State Parks by calling Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000. Back to top
Do I need a license to drive a boat?
There is no requirement for a license to drive a boat like there is for a license to drive a car. Ohio law DOES require persons born on or after January 1, 1982, to show proof of boater education if they operate a boat with greater than 10 horsepower. More details can be found on the ODNR Division of Watercraft Education website Back to top
Where can I get my boat registered?
Select state park administrative offices issue boat registrations along with other independent watercraft agents and ODNR Division of Watercraft offices. For more information on how and where to obtain a boat registration, visit the ODNR Division of Watercraft Registration website. Agents (including state parks) are listed by county. Call before you go to make sure you have everything you need. Back to top
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Ohio State Parks?
Yes, a valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone ages 16 - 66 years. Non-residents may opt for a tourist license rather than buying a license for the full year. For more information on how and where to purchase an Ohio fishing license, visit the ODNR Division of Wildlife's website. Back to top
Where can I ride my All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) in Ohio?
The Ohio Division of Forestry has four state forests that have designated areas for ATV's (motorcycles, quad runners and etc.) but no areas for jeeps, trucks and 4WD cars or buses. Their trail system is limited to ATV's 48" wide or less and not more than 40 horsepower. The Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio also has an ATV area designated with similar restrictions. For more information on the ATV areas on your state forests, visit the Division of Forestry website.
For information on riding your ATV in Wayne National Forest, visit their website. Back to top
Are state park facilities accessible for persons using wheelchairs?
The state park resort lodges, along with newer state park facilities and older facilities that have been renovated, offer a variety of accessible features. In several state parks, various outdoor recreation facilities, such as fishing piers, launch ramps, trails, picnic sites and campsites are accessible. For information on accessible facilities, please contact the park of interest. Click here for general information on accessible facilities. Back to top
Can I hold a wedding at a state park?
Special events are permitted at state parks upon approval of the park manager. Please check with the park of your choice for special details. Back to top
Can I collect firewood in a state park?
Collection of firewood and use of chainsaws is prohibited in state parks. Most state parks offer firewood for sale. Back to top
Can I bring my own firewood to a state park?
We recommend you don't bring your own firewood. Ohio's Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture are trying to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer which is an insect that kills ash trees.
Because this pest is extensively found in Michigan and in parts of Indiana and Ohio, the movement of firewood from Michigan into Ohio and out of quaratined counties in Indiana and Ohio has been banned. You may access a map of the current quarantine zones (.pdf format) here.
Campers are warned not to risk steep fines if caught bringing firewood from these quarantine zones into uninfested regions of the state. Firewood is offered for sale at most Ohio State Parks or otherwise available from local private vendors near each park. Back to top
Can I use a metal detector?
Use of metal detectors is allowed on the sandy portion of the beach area at any of our state park beaches. Written permission must be obtained from the park manager at the park of your choice to use a metal detector in any other park area. Back to top
Is hunting permitted in state parks?
Many state parks allow hunting for upland game, as well as trapping and waterfowl hunting in designated hunting areas during the legal hunting seasons. Many parks are adjacent to state forests or state wildlife areas, which also allow hunting. A valid Ohio hunting license, along with any relevant permits or stamps, is required. For more information on hunting regulations, seasons and license requirements, visit the Division of Wildlife's website. Back to top
How do I find out about activities at state parks?
Click here to see our Calendar of Events. If you receive the Ohio State Parks Magazine, our Calendar of Events is included in each issue. Back to top
How can I be added to the Ohio State Parks magazine mailing list?
You can sign up now or write to us at: ODNR, Division of Parks and Recreation; Magazine Mailing List; 2045 Morse Road, C-3, Columbus, OH 43224-1386. Back to top
How can I obtain a gift card?
Gift cards can be obtained from any state park office, or by contacting the Central Office at 2045 Morse Road, Bldg. C, Columbus, OH 43224, (614) 265-6513. Back to top
How do I become involved in the Volunteers-In-Parks program?
To find out more about volunteer opportunities in Ohio State Parks, contact your local state park office or click here for additional information You can apply online here. Back to top
How do I apply for summer job at a state park?
Many seasonal jobs are available. Contact the park of your choice or check ODNR's site for information. Applications can be obtained through the park offices. The best time to apply is in March or April. The duration of employment varies from park to park. Back to top
How do I apply for employment at the Ohio State Parks?
Job postings for job opportunities can be obtained online here or at any state park administrative office. Back to top
How can I become a park officer?
Seasonal and part-time park officers are employed at many parks throughout the state and help to supplement the full-time staff particularly during the summer months. Most full-time park officer positions are filled from the less than full time ranks. Minimum requirements for park officer employment include: Current Ohio peace officer certificate; 21 years of age or older; valid Ohio drivers license; qualification with a division-issued weapon; successfully pass a thorough background investigation. Back to top
More information on law enforcement positions
How can I obtain other ODNR publications such as fishing maps for Ohios lakes?
ODNR's Public Information Center is the clearinghouse for publications by ODNR divisions. The Public Information Center also offers a variety of souvenir apparel and merchandise. For a list of brochures available and information on how to place an order, visit them on the web at http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/publications/ Back to top
Are there any national parks in Ohio?
Ohio has six national parks. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, north of Akron, offers camping and a variety of outdoor recreational activities on 33,000 acres in Summit and Cuyahoga counties. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is located at Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island. The James A. Garfield National Historic Site is in Mentor. The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is located near Chillicothe. The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park includes three landmarks around town. The William Howard Taft National Historic Site is located in Cincinnati. For more information on these parks, visit the National Park Service website. Back to top
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