COLUMBUS, OH -- Overnight visitors to Ohio State Park campgrounds can now reserve a campsite up to six months in advance by logging onto the Internet at ohiodnr.com or ohiostateparks.org, or by calling toll-free 1-866-OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727).
"This new reservation system makes it easier than ever for Ohioans and out-of-state visitors to enjoy our wonderful state park system," said Governor Bob Taft, who has challenged state government to make more services available through the Internet. "Thanks to technology, campers are just a keystroke away from planning their next outdoor adventure at an Ohio State Park."
Via the Internet, individuals can make reservations 24 hours a day, seven days a week for Ohio's 57 state park family campgrounds and getaway rentals. Phone reservations can be made between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.
The new service, which allows campers to reserve a campsite, will include a non-refundable $8 reservation fee. In the past, many campers felt compelled to rent campground sites days in advance of their stay to ensure they could acquire a site. Ten to 15 percent of campsites in each state park campground will remain open for walk-in visitors, as will any unreserved campsites. Walk-in campers will not be charged a reservation fee.
Also starting December 15, campers may reserve Ohio State Park getaway rentals, which include rent-a-camp, rent-a-RV, yurts, tepees, camper cabins, cedar cabins and cabents. Campsite and getaway rental reservations require a deposit in the full amount of the length of stay, with a two-day minimum required on weekends. Cardinal Camper Club, Golden Buckeye and Passport America discounts remain valid under the new reservation system.
Beginning February 16, reservations can also be made up to a year in advance through the new system for cottages at Buck Creek State Park in Clark County, Cowan Lake State Park in Clinton County, Dillon State Park in Muskingum County, Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County, Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County, Mohican State Park in Ashland County, Pike Lake State Park in Pike County and Pymatuning State Park in Ashtabula County.
Cottage reservations will require a deposit in the amount of the first night's stay. Payment can be made via MasterCard, Visa, Discover Card and American Express credit cards, or debit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logo.
Reservations for resort lodges at Shawnee State Park in Scioto County, Burr Oak State Park in Morgan County, Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County, Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County, Mohican State Park, Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County and Punderson State Park in Geauga County remain available through 1-800-AT-A-PARK. The same phone number should be used for reserving cottages at Burr Oak, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Punderson, Salt Fork and Shawnee state parks.
Reservations for the resort lodge at Deer Creek State Park in Pickaway County can be made by calling 1-877-678-DEER. Reservations for the soon-to-be-completed resort lodge at Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County are available now by calling 1-800-801-9982.
Each year, 2.7 million people camp in Ohio State Parks, which have more than 9,000 campsites in 57 locations. Amenities range from fully developed sites with water and electric hookups, showers and camp stores to primitive walk-in sites.