Posts with tag 'Delaware OH'

Pickleball is such a fun game for people of all ages. It gives you a great way to get out and be active with friends. Swinging the racket is much easier than in tennis, yet there's more movement involved than in ping pong. Whether you've been playing pickleball for years or are completely new to the game, there are several awesome indoor courts in Ohio. Here are some of the top ones we recommend visiting this winter.

North Ridge Racquet & Paddle

5475 Mills Creek Lane N, North Ridgeville, OH 44039

If you're in Northeast Ohio, then one of the best places to play indoor paddleball is North Ridge Racquet & Paddle. They offer several pickleball leagues for adults of all ages. A Tuesday Evening Beginner Pickleball League is perfect for those new to the sport. Or, if you have more experience, consider the Sunday Morning Advanced Pickleball League. 

You can see a complete schedule of league play times on the club's website. Or, you can visit during Open Play hours and hit the ball around with a few friends. Open play is just $8 per day, and it's $100 to join a league for six weeks.

Cleveland Racquet Club

29825 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44124

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The Cleveland Racquet Club is a great place to play indoor racquet sports all year. They have several indoor pickleball courts that are always clean and well-maintained. The club is open Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Contact the club to find out their latest open-court hours for pickleball.

The Cleveland Racquet Club has a lot to offer in addition to pickleball. If you become a member, you can work out in their fitness center, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or even lunch at the onsite restaurant, The Pub. Of course, there are also tennis and ping pong courts if you need a change of pace.

Mandel Jewish Community Center

26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122

The Mandel Jewish Community Center has two basketball courts set up into four pickleball courts during certain open play hours. They also have several pickleball classes and clinics for players of all abilities. Their Pickleball Skills and Drills Clinic is 90 minutes long and only $25 for community members. Visitors also enjoy their three-week Intro to Pickleball class.

If you're more serious, the JCC also has pickleball leagues you can join. They're divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Pickle & Chill

880 W. Henderson Rd., Columbus, OH 43214

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Do you want to play pickleball in a relaxed setting? Then Pickle & Chill is the place to go in Columbus. This indoor pickleball facility offers league play plus plenty of open play hours. There are even designated open play hours for those ages 60+. 

Pickle & Chill offers "Dink and Drink" open play night and College and Young Professionals nights. If you're new to the sport, consider signing up for their Learn to Play clinic.

Olympic Indoor Tennis

3480 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214

Olympic Indoor Tennis is a beautiful indoor facility that allows both members and non-members to use their pickleball courts for group play. The charge for members is just $7 per person, and non-members pay $10. Courts are available Monday - Friday between 7 and 9 a.m. and also between 1 and 3:15 p.m. 

If you plan on playing pickleball a lot, consider a pickleball-only membership, which is $75. Members can reserve courts privately at a discount. Members also get access to the pro shop, locker rooms, and lounge area. The lounge area is a lovely place to relax and meet other pickleball fans.

Pickle Shack

3218 US Route 42, Delaware, OH 43015

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Pickle Shack is one of the newest pickleball facilities in the Columbus area. Visitors like their relaxed approach and open concept. They make it easy to reserve courts online through their app, and with 10 courts, there is almost always one available.

Pickle Shack also offers lessons. You can purchase a five-week, five-lesson pack for $150 as a non-member. Learn basic techniques such as how to grip the racquet, how to dink, and how to serve. The final lesson even goes into drop-shot techniques.

Five Seasons Sports Club

11790 Snider Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249

Five Seasons Sports Club has 16 indoor pickleball courts open all year. They're also known for their Pickleball in Five classes, which teach the basics of pickleball in five lessons. Adults are welcome, but there are also specific programs for kids ages 7 to 15.

This innovative club offers free, one-day passes for those who want to check out their facilities and learn more. Their pickleball courts have hard floors, similar to those typically used for tennis courts. You can book courts in advance, and members get a substantial discount on fees. 

The Pickle Lodge

7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester Township, OH 45069

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If you're in the Cincinnati area, then pickleball is about to become even more exciting. The Pickle Lodge is slated to open in early 2023 at the former Court Yard Sportsplex site. This state-of-the-art facility will feature 17 stunning indoor courts, along with its own bar, restaurant, and group party space. The playing surface will even be cushioned to reduce the impact on your joints during gameplay.

The Pickle Lodge will be the second-largest pickleball facility in the U.S. when it's completed. The owners plan on hosting tournaments, teaching lessons, and bringing more attention to this growing, all-ages sport. 

Serving Up Fun

Playing pickleball is a great way to exercise, relax, and clear your mind. Which one of these indoor pickleball facilities will you visit first?

The weather is growing colder, and that means cross-country skiing season is almost here! Whether you're an experienced skier or looking to ski for the first time, Ohio has many beautiful trails to explore. You can zip through pine forests, alongside frozen ponds, or past stands of oak trees. Here are nine of the best places for cross-country skiing this winter.

Punderson State Park

11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065

Punderson State Park is one of the region's most scenic parks and a lovely one to visit in the winter. The Tudor-style lodge looks lovely against a backdrop of snow and pine trees. Visitors will find three cross-country skiing trails in the park. Huron Trail is a 1.3-mile trail with a moderate difficulty rating. Mohawk trail is 1.1 miles and moderate, and Cayuga is a 2-mile, easy trail.

Punderson is right in Ohio's snow belt, so conditions for skiing tend to be good. There are several picnic shelters, and if the weather is nice, you may want to enjoy lunch or some hot chocolate at one of them.

Chapin Forest Reservation

10381 Hobart Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094

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If you need to rent skis, Chapin Forest Reservation is one of your best options for cross-country skiing in Northeast Ohio. They rent classic and skate skis at their Pine Lodge Ski Center. Each rental includes skis, boots, and poles. Fees are $10 per hour for the first hour plus $5 for each additional hour. Or, for $30, you can rent the skis all day.

The forest reserve maintains several kilometers of groomed trails near the entrance. You can also ski in the ungroomed areas if you are looking for a challenge. There's some elevation change within the reserve, but also plenty of flat terrain.

Swine Creek Reservation

16004 Hayes Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062

Swine Creek Reservation is a 400+ acre park situated among rolling hills and sugarbush farms. There are miles of trails weaving through the park, and several are groomed for cross-country skiing. 

Meadowlark Trail is a great choice for beginners. It's a 0.4-mile grass trail with very little elevation change. For a bit more of a challenge, try the 1.2-mile Gray Fox Trail, which offers many wildlife sightings. Or, try the Squaw Root Trail, a 0.6-mile, primitive trail that is mostly single-track.

Great Seal State Park

4908 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601

Great Seal State Park is a spacious 1,800-plus-acre state park with patches of dense forest, rolling hills, and open fields. If you prefer to cross-country ski in more open spaces, there are many opportunities here. You can download a map of the park's trails on their website.

Spring Run Trail is a favorite for cross-country skiing at Great Seal State Park. It's 1.9 miles long and studded with training stations you can use for a more balanced workout.

Delaware State Park

5202 U.S. Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015

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If you're in the Columbus area, then Delaware State Park is a good place to go cross-country skiing. The park offers more than 1,300 acres of gorgeous natural land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on any of the hiking trails, weather permitting.

Big Foot Trail is a good choice for beginners. It's about 1.5 miles of easy terrain and offers lovely views of wetlands and meadows. You might even see a beaver.

John Bryan State Park

3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

John Bryan State Park is centered around a huge gorge cut into the limestone. Most trails offer views of this gorge and the surrounding forested land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on the hiking trails, weather permitting.

If you're cross-country skiing with kids, consider taking the Poplar Trail. It's only 0.1 miles long but offers some nice views. Storybook Trail is another short one. For a real challenge, take the 2.7-mile rim trail.

Stonelick State Park

2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain, OH 45162

Stonelick State Park is another large park nestled in the hills outside Cincinnati. The park's trails wind through woodlands and pass over large, grassy hills. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the Red Fox Trail, rated easy. Visitors also love the moderate, 1.6-mile Beechtree Trail and the 0.35-mile Southwoods Trail.

In addition to cross-country skiing, Stonelick State Park offers ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating. If you visit earlier in the winter, you can still see birds among the trees. 

East Fork State Park

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106

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East Fork State Park is located just outside Cincinnati and is a lovely place for cross-country skiing on more open terrain. You can catch great views of Harsha Lake, its shore, and a winding river.

In addition to cross-country skiing, East Fork State Park offers ice skating and fishing in the winter as weather permits. The Storybook Trail presents a children's storybook one part at a time and is perfect for youngsters.

Cowan Lake State Park

1750 Osborn Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177

Cowan Lake State Park is centered around a water reservoir. The reservoir levels are lowered in the winter, creating a unique opportunity to look deep into the reservoir. There are several densely wooded areas throughout the park. Birds of prey, including eagles, reside here.

Cowan Lake State Park has 8 miles of hiking trails, and cross-country skiing is permitted on all of them as weather allows. The Lakeview Trail is a pretty choice and convenient as it's a loop. Oldfield is another 0.8-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. For something easier, try the 0.5-mile Beechnut Trail.

Ski Away

Which of these cross-country skiing areas will you visit this winter? Enjoy the views, and treat yourself to hot chocolate when you're done.

Few things can conjure up the joy and wonderment of the season like the dazzling holiday light displays that transform some of your favorite Columbus destinations into magical, enchanted places. These events feature fun for all ages, with many light displays offering exciting extras like ice skating, photos with Santa, great shopping, delicious treats, and a wide variety of fun activities geared toward the youngest members of the family. Start planning with our guide to eight amazing places to enjoy the holiday lights around Columbus.

Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show

160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Looking for a fun, free light show you can enjoy during a holiday night out around Columbus? Then be sure to stop at the Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show featuring more than 400,000 LED lights spread around the 6-acre park with a prime location near some of the city's best dining and shopping destinations. On Festive Friday nights in December, you can enjoy extras like carousel rides, holiday refreshments, and live music. The display is open every evening from November 18, 2022, to January 1, 2023, starting at dusk and ending at 11 p.m.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights

4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065

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An annual favorite for families around the Columbus area, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights display regularly ranks as one of the most impressive in all of Ohio. With an incredible 3 million lights on display, this beloved family attraction is truly transformed for the holiday season. And that's just the start! There are tons of other activities for the kids to enjoy, including photos with Santa, ice skating, carousel rides, stations for making delicious s'mores, and even camel rides. This event can be enjoyed most evenings from November 18, 2022, through January 1, 2023.

Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

3311 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

A locally owned and operated holiday light show that also raises money for a variety of local non-profits, Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights has been delighting families in the Columbus area for nearly 25 years. The display is a short drive from downtown Columbus at Alum Creek State Park Campground and is more than worth the trip. Start by exploring the dazzling drive-through light display taking you through the whole campground, then be sure to leave time to visit Santa's house at the end for photos, gifts, and holiday treats. Purchase your tickets online, then enjoy the show any evening between November 18, 2022, and January 2023.

Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

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Do you prefer your holiday lights with a side of horticulture? The Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens event offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and holiday cheer. Your favorite gardens will be bathed in lights, with special displays for seasonal plants like poinsettias and evergreens. There will be live entertainment on select evenings, and you'll also get a sneak peek at some of the best entries from the Gingerbread Competition. Reserve your tickets online for this event, which takes place nightly between November 19, 2022, and January 8, 2023.

Holiday Lights at Easton Town Center

160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219

Easton Town Center is an excellent place to check items off your holiday shopping list, enjoy a delicious meal, and see some seasonal sights along the way. The shopping center will be lit with more than 2 million lights, including on the towering 50-foot Christmas tree in the town square. There will also be exciting extras like holiday carriage rides and photos with Santa. The lights can be enjoyed every night through January 2, 2023.

Lights at the Scioto Mile

233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215

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With eight riverfront parks spread over 175 connected acres, the Scioto Mile is one of the most scenic places in the city at any time of year. It's especially beautiful during the Lights at the Scioto Mile display, which can be enjoyed for free every night between November 23, 2022, and January 2, 2023. The Scioto Mile is located around the corner from the Columbus Commons, making it easy to enjoy both displays in one night.

German Village Holiday Lights

German Village Neighborhood, Columbus, OH 43206

Sure, parks, shopping centers, and drive-through displays all offer fantastic ways to see the lights, but what about when you want to see a whole neighborhood decorated for the holidays? All you have to do is head for the German Village neighborhood in Columbus, where countless homes, businesses, and public places get in on the holiday fun. Starting on December 4, 2022, with the annual Village Lights kickoff event, you can see the whole neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and festive décor before you head to the Christmas Market for some shopping. After the kickoff event, the lights and decorations will be on display for the rest of the holiday season.

Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio

14028 Fairgrounds Rd., Hartford, OH 43013

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While visiting Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio will require about a 30-minute drive from Columbus, it's more than worth the trip. This drive-through light display features more than a million holiday lights, all synchronized to some of your favorite classic and contemporary holiday tunes. This is one of the most popular displays in Central Ohio, so reservations are strongly recommended. You can enjoy the display on evenings from November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Where will you and your family find your own holiday magic this year?

Is heading to the Christmas tree farm or lot with the family to pick a perfect tree one of your favorite holiday traditions? Ohio offers so many great Christmas tree farms to choose from, whether you're from Columbus, live in Cincinnati, or are celebrating the holidays in Northeast Ohio. Start your search for the perfect tree with our guide to nine Christmas tree farms around Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

The Farms at Pine Tree Barn

4338 Shreve Rd., Wooster, OH 44691

One of Ohio's oldest and largest Christmas tree farms, The Farms at Pine Tree Barn is an excellent place to shop if you want to maximize your selection. There are more than 75,000 Christmas trees to choose from on this 150-acre farm, along with wreaths, boughs, roping, and swags. After you pick out your tree, be sure to check out the other activities, like rides on the Pine Tree Express, family holiday photo sessions, horse-drawn carriage rides, sledding, and dining at the Village Cafe.

Sugar Pines Farm

9500 Mulberry Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

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With both cut-your-own and pre-cut Christmas trees available, Sugar Pines Farm makes it easy to fit tree shopping into your busy schedule. Of course, you might want to leave some time to enjoy the other activities available during the holidays on this 100-acre farm. Take a ride around the scenic farm on the hay wagon, or settle in by the warm comfort of the fire with kettle corn, hot chocolate, and all sorts of other holiday treats. Santa will also be making appearances at Sugar Pines Farm on December 3 and 10 from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m.

Galehouse Tree Farm

11762 Coal Bank Rd., Doylestown, OH 44230

Whether you want a pre-cut tree, a cut-your-own-tree experience, or even wholesale-cut Christmas trees, the team at Galehouse Tree Farm has you covered. They're open every day from November 1 through December 23, with tons of ready-cut trees to browse at the Tree House Gift Shop for a convenient shopping experience. The Tree House is more than just a place to find your next tree. It's a shop filled with little holiday wonders to decorate your home, from ornaments to lights, figurines, and lovely, rustic country décor.

Cackler Family Farms

4971 Cackler Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

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Since 1989, Cackler Family Farms has been helping families in the Cincinnati area celebrate their favorite holiday traditions. The combination of an extensive selection, friendly, personalized service, and reasonable prices keeps many families coming back here year after year. If you're planning to shop here, be aware that reservations are required for the 2022 holiday season, and you can easily make your reservation on the Cackler Family Farms website.

HTH Christmas Tree Lot

2340 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Linworth, OH 43235

In addition to choosing from a wide selection of Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, and Douglas Fir trees of all sizes, shopping at the HTH Christmas Tree Lot is also a way to support a good cause during the holiday season. The non-profit Hope Thru Housing organization operates this lot, and all proceeds are donated to the cause. While you're there, be sure to check out the selection of wreaths, garland, tree stands, and other items to help decorate your home.

Timbuk Farms Christmas Tree Farm

2030 Timbuk Rd., Granville, OH 43023

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For a full family tree shopping experience, it's tough to top what you'll find at the Timbuk Farms Christmas Tree Farm. Shop from a huge selection of locally grown trees, then check out fun holiday activities like Santas Sleigh, the photo fun park, an antique car collection, and a giant haystack for the kids to climb. Stop by the Timbuk Lodge to warm up by a crackling fire, shop for holiday gifts, and enjoy some delicious seasonal refreshments on the weekends.

John T. Nieman Nursery & Landscaping

3215 Hamilton New London Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

For stress-free, professional service while Christmas tree shopping, the team at John T. Nieman Nursery & Landscaping has you covered. They've been in business for over 75 years, with over 60,000 trees currently growing on the 125-acre farm. Head to the fields to pick the perfect tree, then the team will help you cut, shake, haul, and secure your tree to your vehicle. The Christmas Barn is where you can shop for all of your other holiday decorating needs while enjoying complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

Corsi Tree Farm

1651 Bolender Rd., Hamersville, OH 45130

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A convenient, hassle-free experience is what you can expect when you visit Corsi Tree Farm, where every tree, no matter the size, is priced at $75. Stop by on a chilly fall day to cut your own tree, then head to the Broken Stone lodge to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a bowl of authentic Italian chili. There's also a free petting zoo for the kids and live music on the weekends.

Tom Mitts Christmas Trees

625 Monmouth St., Newport, KY 41071

Serving Newport, KY, and the greater Cincinnati area for more than 50 years, Tom Mitts Christmas Trees offers an outstanding selection of trees from its convenient location in the heart of Newport. The shop is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. while supplies last, with trees ranging in size from 3 feet to over 14 feet. You can also pick up handy supplies like tree stands, nets, garland, and wreaths, along with free candy canes for the kids.

Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

With so many great farms to choose from, where will you pick your own tree this year?

There's no "off-season" for outdoor adventures in Ohio. In fact, once the weather cools off, and the autumn colors inch past their peak in late fall, many of our parks and trails become less crowded, making this an amazing time of year to experience solitude in nature. Be sure to check out these great campgrounds for a late fall adventure in the Buckeye State!

Hueston Woods State Park

6301 Park Office Road, College Corner, OH 45003

Less than an hour from Cincinnati near the Indiana state line, Hueston Woods State Park is known as one of the best parks for fall foliage in Ohio. It's also a great place to camp, with over 250 campsites, including primitive tent sites as well as RV sites with electrical hookups. The campground is open year-round, making it a perfect spot for a late fall trip. Hueston Woods State Park also includes a charming covered bridge, popular fossil hunting beds, access to Acton Lake, and more than 12 miles of hiking trails.

Alum Creek State Park

3305 South Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015

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Alum Creek Lake is a major destination for summer recreation in the Columbus area, but the fun isn't over when the swimming and boating season ends. In fact, fall is a great time to visit the lovely Alum Creek State Park if you want to beat the crowds. Camping options here include more than 300 electric campsites, as well as camper cabins and a group camp. Late fall is a great time to hike in the park or paddle a canoe along the shoreline and enjoy the last days of fall. Alum Creek lake also offers some excellent fall fishing opportunities for bass, saugeye, crappie, and catfish.

Lake Erie Bluffs

3301 Lane Road, Painesville, OH 44077

Located less than 45 minutes from Cleveland in Northeast Ohio, Lake Erie Bluffs offers spectacular lake views that can take your breath away in any season. Operated by Lake Metroparks, Lake Erie Bluffs offers two rustic tent camping sites that can each accommodate groups of up to eight people. The sites are located atop the 40-foot lakeside bluffs and are available by reservation from May 3 to November 30. In addition to an incredible view of Lake Erie from your campsite, you can also spot up to 90 bird species as they migrate south along a major flyway. Bald eagle sightings are common.

John Bryan State Park

3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

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A short drive from both Cincinnati and Dayton, John Bryan State Park has been called the most scenic park in Southwest Ohio. It spans 752 acres and is most famous for the rugged limestone gorge along the Little Miami River. Hiking trails both above and below the cliffs provide outstanding fall scenery, and a launch site just outside the park provides allows paddling access to the river. John Bryan State Park includes a cozy family campground with 16 electric and 40 non-electric sites. It's open year-round, but water isn't available during the off-season, so plan accordingly.

Deer Creek State Park

20635 State Park Road 20, Mt. Sterling, OH 43143

A beautiful park in any season, Deer Creek State Park provides a unique blend of the modern and the rustic. In addition to 200 electric campsites and a remote primitive camping area, the park also offers luxurious accommodations at the Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center. Either way, you'll find brilliant fall foliage, more than 20 miles of trails, and abundant fishing and boating access to 1,277-acre Deer Creek Lake. This park is often bustling with activity in summer, but late fall is a great time to enjoy it in peace and quiet.

Mohican State Park

3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842

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Autumn is a great time to explore Mohican State Park, a beautiful Northeast Ohio Park that spans over 1,000 wooded acres. Located about halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, Mohican State Park sits at the intersection of the Clear Fork and Black Fork rivers, which join to form the Mohican River. There's amazing scenery long after the fall foliage has peaked, and the rivers offer excellent paddling and fishing. This park also includes a vast network of hiking trails and a thrilling 25-mile mountain biking trail. The campground in the park is shady and secluded, with over 150 sites ranging from primitive to full-hookup. 

Winton Woods

651 Lakeview Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45231

Noted for its fall foliage and just a 20-minute drive from Downtown Cincinnati, Winton Woods is a great option for Hamilton County residents looking for camping opportunities close to home. This 2,555-acre park offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, from hiking and horseback riding trails to picnic areas and an 18-hole golf course. Campsites and rustic cabins are open until November 26 for late fall camping, with amenities ranging from electric-only to full-hookup. Water will remain turned on, weather permitting, as long as the campground is open.

Hocking Hills State Park

19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138

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The Hocking Hills area of Southeastern Ohio is one of the most celebrated landscapes in the state. There are few better places to experience it than Hocking Hills State Park, which is less than an hour away from Columbus. This unique place features distinctive landforms like cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and rock formations along the Allegheny Plateau, with over 25 miles of hiking trails. Few people visit the park in late fall, making it easy to reserve a campsite at short notice. Electric and full-hookup family campsites are available, as well as primitive hike-in sites.

Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites

Ottawa Point Driveway, Brecksville, OH 44141

Surprisingly, there are no camping opportunities in Northeast Ohio's spectacular Cuyahoga Valley National Park. But there are some great options nearby, including the Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites. These rustic, secluded campsites are accessible a short hike in from the Ottawa Point Picnic Area in Brecksville and are located along the Buckeye Trail, making them popular among backpackers. Each of the three campsites can accommodate up to four people, and the minimal amenities offer a great opportunity to "rough it" for the night. 

Into the Wild

Where will you go camping in Ohio this fall?