We are in the dog days of summer, and you may be looking for a fun summer activity to deal with the hot weather. How about visiting Ohio’s state parks, which are totally free?
You read that right. Ohio is one of 10 states to have completely free admission to its state parks, according to America’s State Parks. Here are some of Ohio’s best to visit for your next hiking trip.
Ohio is one of 10 states with free state park admission
Only 10 states in the U.S. have free state park admission, according to American State Parks. So do neighboring Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virgina. That is only a fifth of the country with free state parks.
These states include:
Several states charge per vehicle, per person, or require an annual pass. The most expensive annual state park pass in the nation is in Arizona, priced at $200.
Some of the best Ohio state parks to visit
A hiking trip in July sounds like an awesome idea when the latest heat wave passes. The best part is that admission is free.
Ohio is home to 76 state parks and has one of the best state park systems in the U.S. Here are a few special ones to visit, according to Midwest Living (listed in no particular order).
1. Hocking Hills State Park among the best state parks in the U.S.
If you’re an Ohioan, you may know Hocking Hills is a must-see in the Buckeye State. Hocking Hills is a beautiful, panoramic 2,356-acre park with hiking trails, scenic drives and, as of 2027, a mountain roller coaster.
In June 2026, Hocking Hills was one of two Ohio state parks named on USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 for Best State Park, taking the No. 4 among best state parks.
In 2025, it was named No. 9 on USA TODAY’s Best Destination for Fall Colors, painting beautiful hues of nature’s metamorphic art.
2. Alum Creek State Park offers watersports, birdwatching
Columbus locals, Alum Creek State Park is a decent drive up north and worth a nice day trip for summer activities.
At this 3,387-acre reservoir, you can kayak, paddleboard, Jet Ski, tube, wakeboard, or take a scenic walk around Alum Creek State Park. Birdwatching is also a fun activity at this park, featuring herons, belted kingfishers, bald eagles, ospreys, and more.
3. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park home to a 200-year old marvel
Near Sandusky, the historically significant 50-foot-tall Marblehead Lighthouse has been overlooking Lake Erie since 1822. Across almost 14 acres of grass, Marblehead Lighthouse State Park has an observation desk that is open for viewing in the summer.
4. Lake Hope State Park features scenic river as centerpiece
If you’re looking for a place to kayak, canoe, swim, or do stand-up paddleboarding, Lake Hope State Park is a hidden gem in Ohio.
This 2,983-acre park includes Lake Hope, which was officially designated a State Scenic River in 2024. Along with many water and land activities available at the park, there’s also a deep coal mining history — on your walk along the 10-mile Moonville Rail Trail, you may want to look for the well-preserved Hope Furnace and abandoned company towns.
5. Mohican State Park a standout state park in U.S.
Another Ohio favorite is the Mohican State Park, located in Ashland County.
Known as Ohio’s canoe capital because of the high number of registered canoes and other vessels in the area, summer is the best time to grab your paddle and traverse along the Mohican River.
Additionally, In June 2026, Mohican State Park was one of two Ohio state parks named on USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 for Best State Park alongside Hocking Hills, taking the No. 2 among best state parks.
6. South Bass Island State Park a family friendly spot
South Bass Island State Park is the only state park in Ohio that can be reached only by ferry. Straight out of a book, yes.
On this island that is 3.7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, there are family-friendly attractions such as Put-in-Bay, with many restaurants, ice cream shops, and activities for parents and kids.
Additionally, the best way to view a pebble beach and white limestone cliffs is by kayaking around the island.
7. Maumee Bay State Park abounds with bird species
Known as the “Warbler Capital of the World, ” Maumee Bay State Park is near Lake Erie and Toledo.
In its diverse habitats with forests, beaches, meadows, and wetlands, the park welcomes over 300 different species of birds. To get a glimpse of this wildlife, you can explore the area via hiking trails through marshland or the accessible two-mile boardwalk starting at the Trautman Nature Center.
Maumee Bay is also a frequent stop during The Biggest Week in American Birding, a major birding event held each May.
8. Caesar Creek State Park lets you walk through history — literally
Between Cincinnati and Dayton lies Caesar Creek State Park, a fossil wonderland with exposed layers of fossil-rich bedrock that emerged after a dam was built in 1977.
Visitors may come across fossils featuring ancient marine life like coral, shells, and sea lilies. But you can’t take too many home — you must obtain a permit from the vistor center and take home only as much as what fits in your palm.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Are Ohio state parks free? The best to check out this summer
Reporting by Mariyam Muhammad, USA TODAY NETWORK / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mariyam Muhammad, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
