COLUMBUS, OH - Governor Bob Taft has designated April as "Go Camping, Ohio!" month, urging camping enthusiasts to take advantage of the first warm days of the year to enjoy Ohio's great outdoors.
Ohio State Parks and the Ohio Campground Owners Association (OCOA) encourage both novice and experienced campers to shake off the winter doldrums with a weekend or week-long camping trip to one of the state's many public or private campgrounds.
Camping is a great tradition in Ohio, said Dan West, Ohio State Parks chief. It brings families together for fun and relaxation and offers endless opportunities to see and enjoy the state's natural wonders.
Last year, almost 2.8 million people camped in the 57 Ohio State Parks campgrounds. Many more enjoyed Ohio's beautiful scenery and wildlife while camping in the approximately 500 private campground facilities throughout the state. Camping is an important part of Ohio's $26 billion tourism industry and "Go Camping, Ohio!" month marks an important partnership between the state's public and private campgrounds.
There are more than 150 privately-owned campgrounds in Ohio, said Daryll Bacus, OCOA president. They are located in some of the most desirable recreational areas and offer a range of services for camping enthusiasts. We are proud of the contributions OCOA members make to local and statewide economies.
Ohio State Parks encourages campers to join the Cardinal Camper Club and enjoy year-round discounts on campsite fees. A $25 membership is good for one year from time of purchase and entitles members to a 15 percent discount on campsite fees between April and October and a 20 percent discount between November and March.
Participating members of OCOA are also offering special camping discounts during the month of April.
Ohio State Parks campgrounds and OCOA members offer a wide array of camping opportunities from primitive tent campsites to full-service hook-ups for recreational vehicles and trailers. Horsemen's camping is offered in 21 state parks and 13 state forests, as well as in some OCOA campgrounds. Family campgrounds in the state parks as well as most OCOA members provide, at a minimum, drinking water, restroom facilities, pads for parking a car or trailer, picnic tables and fire rings.
Campers can plan their summer camping vacations now by visiting the ODNR web site at Ohiodnr.com or the OCOA web site at www.ohiocamper.com .