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May 23, 2007
CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY CLOSE TO NATURE, CLOSE TO HOME
Ohio State Parks offer affordable fun that’s just a short drive away
COLUMBUS, OH - The approaching Memorial Day weekend kicks off the state’s camping and recreational travel season, and Ohioans are reminded that high gas prices don’t have to dampen summer holidays and vacations.
“With 74 state parks and 57 state park campgrounds, Ohioans don’t have to travel far to enjoy relaxing getaways and outdoor adventures,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. “We’re rolling out the red carpet and showcasing new offerings and park improvements to give even greater value to our affordable family fun.”
Recent improvements at state park campgrounds include newly updated electrical service at Deer Creek in Fayette and Pickaway counties. Electrical hookups are now offered at 10 campsites at Kiser Lake in Champaign County; and electrical hookups will be available in June at Findley in Lorain County.
For campers who want to stay connected to their e-mail while enjoying the outdoors, several state park campgrounds now offer free wireless Internet access, including Alum Creek (Delaware County), East Harbor (Ottawa County), Grand Lake St. Marys (Auglaize and Mercer counties), Hueston Woods (Preble and Butler counties), Jackson Lake (Jackson County), and Rocky Fork (Highland County). Some additional parks will offer Wi-Fi later this summer.
Many state parks offer recreational pursuits for campers, like miniature golf courses, volleyball and basketball courts, bike and boat rentals. A handful of parks also have archery ranges and disc golf courses in day-use areas available to all park guests. Some of the newest offerings are archery ranges at Hocking Hills and Punderson state parks; shuffleboard courts at Delaware, Lake Alma and Mt. Gilead state parks; and disc golf at Findley and Pike Lake state parks.
Reservations are encouraged, but are not necessary in Ohio State Parks campgrounds. Internet reservations can be made at www.ohiostateparks.org. Campers without Internet access can call toll free 1-866-OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727) for reservations.
Many reservable campsites are already booked for the Memorial Day weekend, but there are still walk-in campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers without reservations for the holiday are encouraged to view the campground availability page for updates.
Ohio State Parks offers more than 9,000 campsites in 57 family campgrounds. Amenities run the gamut from fully developed sites with electrical hookups, showers and camp stores to primitive walk-in areas.
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