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State Parks in Northwest Ohio

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byCindy

Northwest Ohio borders Lake Erie and Michigan to the north, and Indiana to the west. It has a diverse range of landscapes, including the Black Swamp region. Toledo, Findlay, and Lima are among the cities in the Northwest region. There are 15 State Parks in Northwest Ohio.

vertical image for Pinterest with a photo of Middle Bass Island State Park, Maumee Bay State Park, Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, and Lake Loramie State Park. A white box at the top contains the text State Parks in Northwest Ohio

Jump to the good parts!

Kelleys Island SP | Catawba Island SP | East Harbor SP | Marblehead Lighthouse SP | South Bass Island SP | Middle Bass Island SP | North Bass Island SP | Oak Point SP | Maumee Bay SP | Harrison Lake SP | Mary Jane Thurston SP | Independence Dam SP | Van Buren SP | Lake Loramie SP | Grand Lake St Marys SP 

About State Parks in Northwest Ohio

All state parks in Ohio are maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). They are also all free to enter, with no parking fees. Across the state, parks vary greatly in their landscape, facilities, and activities. The state parks in northwest Ohio include a range of landscapes, including the parks on the Lake Erie islands.

In this list, we are giving the addresses and contact details, the size of the park, and the facilities and activities available at each location. Please note that if you wish to fish or hunt, a license is usually required.

Map of State Parks in Northwest Ohio

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!

The nature of the landscape in Northwest Ohio means the state parks are almost all centered around water, whether that is Lake Erie, the Maumee River, or Grand Lake. This also means the wildlife and bird varieties found here can be quite different from the rest of the state.

  • Kelleys Island State Park
  • Catawba Island State Park
  • East Harbor State Park

Kelleys Island State Park

Situated on Kelleys Island, Erie County

Facilities

  • 677 acres
  • Near Lake Erie
  • Pollinator Project
  • 3 Hiking Trails (2 are multi-use)
  • Glacial Grooves State Memorial
  • Camping
    • Sherman Cabins
    • Yurts

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Ice Fishing
  • Cross-Country Skiing

Catawba Island State Park

Situated in Port Clinton, Ottawa County

Facilities

  • 10 acres
  • On Lake Erie
  • Non-Reservable Shelter

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Ice Skating
  • Ice Fishing

East Harbor State Park

Situated in Lakeside-Marblehead, Ottawa County

Facilities

  • 1,831 acres
  • On Lake Erie
  • Nature Center
  • 13 Hiking/Biking Trails
  • Playground
  • Camping

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Volleyball/Basketball
  • Ice Skating
  • Ice Fishing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
  • South Bass Island State Park
  • Middle Bass Island State Park

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

Situated in Marblehead, Ottawa County

Facilities

  • On Lake Erie
  • Replica Lifesaving Station
  • Gift Shop
  • US Coastguard Museum

Activities

  • Picnicking
  • Tours to the top

South Bass Island State Park

Situated on South Bass Island, Ottawa County

Facilities

  • 33 acres
  • On Lake Erie
  • Camping

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Picnicking

Middle Bass Island State Park

Situated on Middle Bass Island, Ottawa County

Facilities

  • Marina
  • Overnight Docks
  • Day Use Docks
  • Lonz Mansion & Winery
  • Paved Hiking Trail
  • Paved Biking Trails
  • Camping

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • North Bass Island State Park
  • Oak Point State Park
  • Maumee Bay State Park

North Bass Island State Park

Situated on North Bass Island, Ottawa County

North Bass Island is mainly undeveloped and is only accessible by private boat, charter, or aircraft. Boating, fishing, and hunting are available activities, and moors are available.

Camping is available, and there is the newly refurbished Lake House, a 4-bedroom rental for up to 12 guests.

The island is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and birders.

Oak Point State Park

Located on South Bass Island, Ottawa County

Facilities

  • 1.5 acres
  • On Lake Erie
  • Shelterhouse

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Maumee Bay State Park

Situated in Oregon, Lucas County

Facilities

  • 1,336 acres
  • On Lake Erie
  • Nature Center
  • Boat & Bike Rental
  • 5 Hiking Trails
  • 2 Biking Trails
  • Storybook Trail

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Disc Golf
  • Archery
  • Ice Skating
  • Sledding
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Harrison Lake State Park
  • Mary Jane Thurston State Park
  • Independence Dam State Park

Harrison Lake State Park

Situated in Fayette, Fulton County

Facilities

  • 142 acres
  • 95-acre Lake
  • 3.5 miles of Hiking Trails
  • Dog Swim Area
  • Camping
  • Reservable Shelters

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Disc Golf
  • Sledding
  • Ice Fishing
  • Cross-Country Skiing

Mary Jane Thurston State Park

Situated in McClure, Henry County

Facilities

  • 105 acres
  • On the Maumee River
  • 5 Hiking Trails
  • Storybook Trail
  • Camping
  • Day Lodge

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Sledding

Independence Dam State Park

Situated in Defiance, Defiance County

Facilities

  • 591 acres
  • On the Maumee River
  • 3-mile dirt Hiking Trail
  • Part of the Buckeye Trail
  • Reservable Shelters

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Van Buren State Park
  • Lake Loramie State Park
  • Grand Lake St Marys State Park

Van Buren State Park

Situated in Van Buren, Hancock County

Facilities

  • 296 acres
  • 45-acre Lake
  • 9 Hiking Trails
  • 2 Biking Trails
  • 4 Bridle Trails
  • Dog Park
  • Camping
  • Reservable Shelters

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Disc Golf
  • Sledding

Lake Loramie State Park

Situated in Minster, Auglaize County

Facilities

  • 407 acres
  • 1,655-acre Lake
  • Nature Center (Summer)
  • 6 Hiking Trails
  • 5 Fitness Stations
  • Dog Park
  • Camping

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Disc Golf
  • Ice Skating
  • Ice Fishing
  • Ice Boating
  • Snowmobiling
  • Sledding

Grand Lake St Marys State Park

Situated in St Marys, Auglaize County

Facilities

  • 52 miles of Grand Lake shoreline
  • Nature Center (hours vary)
  • 3 Hiking Trails
  • Dog Parks
  • Camping
  • Cabins
  • Reservable Shelters

Activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Snowmobiling
  • Ice Fishing
  • Cross-Country Skiing

Let’s Visit State Parks in Northwest Ohio!

Have you visited any of the 15 state parks in northwest Ohio? Which is your favorite? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experiences with us.

For more things to do in northwest Ohio, check out our lists of things to do in Lima, Findlay, Sandusky, Toledo, and Port Clinton.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected] and we can get it updated.

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Cindy Gordon, the owner of VisitOhioToday.com, is a passionate Ohioan with a deep love for her state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Her mission is to showcase Ohio's hidden gems and major tourist attractions through her website, offering visitors a comprehensive guide to all the wonders the Buckeye State has to offer. With a wealth of experience as a seasoned small business owner in the media industry, Cindy also manages four other websites in the food space, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with a wider audience. Through her dedication, Cindy has become a trusted source for anyone looking to explore Ohio's diverse and vibrant offerings.

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