COLUMBUS, OH -- Family camping trips can make lasting happy memories for both parents and children. And while all of Ohio State Parks 57 family campgrounds make ideal family getaways, some are especially suited to families with pre-school and elementary-age children, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
These campgrounds range from scenic wooded retreats to busy lakeside villages. All offer drinking water, restrooms, parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings. And many also provide "Class A" amenities such as flush toilets, heated shower houses, laundry facilities and electrical hookups.
Most campgrounds also feature basketball and volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. Games and other recreational gear are available free of charge to registered campers in most instances. The ODNR Division of Wildlife provides fishing poles and tackle to campers in many state park campgrounds.
Campgrounds especially suited to young families include Tar Hollow State Park in Ross County, Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County, Delaware State Park in Delaware County, Cowan Lake State Park in Clinton County, Barkcamp State Park in Belmont County and Harrison Lake State Park in Fulton County.
The campground at Tar Hollow State Park is secluded with little motor vehicle traffic. A small, sandy swimming beach is just a short walk from the campground. There are extensive hiking trails and a 2.5-mile mountain bike trail for older children.
The old-fashioned general store is a hub of activity and offers miniature golf, as well as bike and boat rentals. Campers can also take advantage of an extensive set of hiking and bridle trails.
Lake Hope State Park campground is a quiet alternative to its famous neighbor, Hocking Hills State Park. The campground is rolling and wooded with portions overlooking the quiet lake. Camping families may opt to leave the gear at home and rent a camper cabin, tepee or tent already erected on a campsite.
The park itself offers lessons in nature as well as Ohio history, having once been the heart of the state's iron furnace industry. The ruins of the historic Hope Furnace and the Hope Schoolhouse Interpretive Center are nearby. Hiking is popular, given the park's 17 miles of nature trails. Mountain bike trails, a sandy swimming beach and a boat rental concession are also available. The Lake Hope Dining Lodge serves lunch and dinner daily in the summer.
Delaware State Park, north of Columbus, is home to a "Class A" campground quieter than that of its busy neighbor, Alum Creek State Park. Yurts, spacious, tent-like structures, are available to rent for families looking for a convenient and unique camping experience.
Delaware also offers a full-service marina that rents watercraft of all types. A nature center, seven miles of hiking trails and a swimming beach with a newly equipped playground provide fun.
A bright, new playground, commissary/game room and separate beach in the "Class A" campground at Cowan Lake State Park make it a lure for young families. The park features five miles of nature trails and a challenging one-mile mountain bike trail. Bike and boat rentals are available.
Barkcamp State Park's wilderness appeal is similar to that of nearby Salt Fork State Park, with a quieter atmosphere and fewer visitors in the campground. Camper cabins and tents are available for rent.
The park's antique barn and paved trail through the pioneer village are the focal points for naturalist programs. The beach is lightly used and close to the campground.
The "Class A" campground at Harrison Lake State Park is popular for its new playground. The beach is convenient and paddleboats can be rented for tours of the placid lake. Additional park amenities include bike rental, a nature center and rental yurts.
For additional information on Ohio State Parks, including camping fees, the Camping Options rental program and campground availability, call 1-800-BUCKEYE or visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com .