State Parks in Central Ohio
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Central Ohio is alternatively known as the Columbus Metropolitan Area, and by definition is dominated by the state capital, Columbus. There are 12 counties in Central Ohio, and six of them have at least one state park.

Jump to the good parts!
Buckeye Lake SP | A.W. Marion SP | Madison Lake SP | Deer Creek SP | Alum Creek SP | Delaware SP | Mt. Gilead SP | Indian Lake SP
About State Parks in Central 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 central Ohio are often found in urban areas.
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 Central Ohio
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!
The state parks and open spaces are a great way to retreat from fast-paced city life. These parks offer peace and relaxation or adventure and sport, depending on your needs. It’s good to know that our urban cities value nature!
- Buckeye Lake State Park
- A W Marion State Park
- Madison Lake State Park
Buckeye Lake State Park
Situated in Millersport, Fairfield County
Facilities
- 35 miles of shoreline
- 20 islands
- 3,100-acre Lake
- 4-mile paved multi-use path
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Ice Skating
- Ice Fishing
- Ice Boating
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Address: 2871 Liebs Island Rd, Millersport, Ohio 43046
- Phone: 740-527-4218 | Website | Facebook
A.W. Marion State Park
Situated in Circleville, Pickaway County
Facilities
- 310 acres
- 145-acre Lake
- 2 Hiking Trails
- 1 Multi-use Trail
- Camping
- Dog Swim Area
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Ice Skating
- Ice Fishing
- Sledding
- Address: 7317 Warner-Huffer Rd, Circleville, Ohio 43113
- Phone: 740-869-3124 | Website | Facebook
Madison Lake State Park
Situated in London, Madison County
Facilities
- 76 acres
- 106-acre Lake
- 1-mile loop trail
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Address: 4860 E Park Dr, London, Ohio 43140
- Phone: 740-869-3124 | Website
- Deer Creek State Park
- Alum Creek State Park
- Delaware State Park
Deer Creek State Park
Situated in Mt Sterling, Madison County
Facilities
- 2,337 acres (resort)
- 1,277-acre reservoir
- Nature Center
- 6 Hiking Trails
- Storybook Trail
- 17 miles of Bridle Trails
- Lodge & Cabins
- Camping
- Non-Reservable Shelters
- Dog Park
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Golf
- Disc Golf
- Ice Skating
- Ice Fishing
- Sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Address: 20635 State Park Rd 20, Mt Sterling, Ohio 43143-9501
- Phone: 740-869-3124 | Website | Facebook
Alum Creek State Park
Situated in Delaware
Facilities
- 4,630 acres
- 3,387-acre reservoir
- Beach
- 3 Hiking Trails
- 1 Multi-Use Trail
- Storybook Trail
- 38 miles of bridle trails
- 14 miles of biking trails
- Camping
- Reservable Shelters
- Dog Park/Dog Swim Area
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Disc Golf
- Ice Skating
- Sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Ice Fishing
- Ice Boating
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Address: 3615 S Old State Rd, Delaware, Ohio 43015
- Phone: 740-548-4631 | Website | Facebook
Delaware State Park
Situated in Delaware
Facilities
- 1,686 acres
- 1.300-acre Reservoir
- 6 Hiking Trails
- Camping
- Reservable Shelters
- Dog Park
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Disc Golf
- Sledding
- Ice Fishing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Address: 5202 US Highway 23 N, Delaware, Ohio 43015-9714
- Phone: 740-363-4561 | Website | Facebook
- Mt. Gilead State Park
- Indian Lake State Park
Mt. Gilead State Park
Situated in Mt. Gilead, Morrow County
Facilities
- 181 acres
- 13.5-acre Lake
- 5 Hiking Trails
- 1.5-mile Bridle Trail
- Camping
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Disc Golf
- Ice Skating
- Ice Fishing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Address: 4353 State Route 95, Mt Gilead, Ohio 43338
- Phone: 419-946-1961 | Website | Facebook
- Check out our article about Mt Gilead State Park!
Indian Lake State Park
Situated in Lakeview, Logan County
Facilities
- 800 acres
- 5,100-acre Lake
- Nature Center
- 2 Hiking Trails
- 3.5-mile Multi-Use Trail
- Camping
- Reservable Shelters
- Dog Park
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Archery
- Disc Golf
- Ice Skating
- Ice Fishing
- Ice Boating
- Snowmobiling
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Address: 13156 State Route 235 N, Lakeview, Ohio 43331
- Phone: 937-843-2717 | Website | Facebook
Let’s Visit State Parks in Central Ohio!
Have you visited any of the 8 state parks in northeast Ohio? Which is your favorite? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experiences with us.
Although central Ohio is quite urbanized, there are many places to lose yourself and step out of the city for a short time. We recommend Hayden Falls in Dublin, Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk in Reynoldsburg, Highbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center, and Slate Run Metro Park in Canal Winchester.
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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