The state of Ohio is incredibly rich in state parks, and for residents of Columbus, beautiful scenery and convenient campgrounds are just a quick drive away. At these state parks, you can enjoy lots of fun activities depending on the time of year you visit, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, disc golfing, and, of course, learning about Ohio’s rich wildlife and natural history. Here are nine state parks to visit near Columbus that are all within an hour’s drive of the Buckeye State capitol. Add them to your Buckeye State bucket list and get ready to fall head-over-heels for the beauty of central Ohio!

1. Alum Creek State Park
Alum Creek State Park Campground, 3305 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
Mark Cameron/Flickr
This oasis for water lovers is a great state park right here in Columbus. At Alum Creek you can enjoy camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and so much more. There are trails to walk and a great fenced dog park for your four-legged pals.

Alum Creek State Park is located at 3305 S. Old State Road, Delaware, OH, 43015, and you can read more about this park on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.
2. A.W. Marion State Park
A.W. Marion State Park Campground, 8498 Township Hwy 77, Circleville, OH 43113, USA
Thomas M Parsons/Flickr
A.W. Marion is a small, quiet, and serene state park. During the summer, this is a great place to camp and enjoy picnic areas, fishing, and trail walking. During the winter, the park is also open for sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing.

A.W. Marion State Park is located at 7317 Warner Huffer Road, Circleville, OH, 43113, and you can learn more about this Ohio State Park here.
3. Flint Ridge State Park
Flint Ridge State Memorial, 15300 Flint Ridge Rd, Heath, OH 43056, USA
Paula R. Liverly/Flickr
Over 10,000 years ago, Native Americans quarried the area that is now the Flint Ridge State Park for flint, which was used to make tools like knives and spear points. There is a great museum where you can learn about this fascinating history. In addition to providing a great educational opportunity, the park also provides beautiful trails and an calming outdoor experience.

Flint Ridge State Park is located at 15300 Flint Ridge Road, Glenford, OH, 43739, and you can learn more about this historic Ohio State Park here.
4. Delaware State Park
Delaware State Park, 75 Downing Rd, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
Jamie Grove/Flickr
The dense woodlands and meadows that cover this park were once the lands of the Delaware Indians. You can enjoy this park with a unique accommodation - a yurt. Three furnished yurt units are available to rent May through October.

Delaware State Park is located at 5202 U.S. Highway 23 N, Delaware, OH, 43015, and you can learn more about this Ohio State Park here.
5. Dillon State Park
Dillon State Park Campground, 4405 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA
Michael Cramer/Flickr
This park, set in hilly valleys of the Dillon area, has room for all your favorite activities. There is a disc golf course, a bridle trail, mountain biking and hiking trails to enjoy the scenery.

You can learn more about this Ohio State Park here.
6. Buck Creek State Park
Buck Creek State Park, Buck Creek Ln, Springfield, OH, USA
emma.kate/Flickr
A mix of forest, meadows, and prairies make Buck Creek State Park a beautiful nature retreat. Equipped with a beach for summer fun, cross-country skiing trails for the winter, and a disc golf course for all seasons, this park is an exciting visit any time of the year!

Buck Creek State Park is located at 1976 Buck Creek Ln., Springfield, OH, 45502, and you can learn more about this beautiful Ohio State Park here.
7. Deer Creek State Park
Deer Creek State Park, 20635 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA
Sam Howzit/Flickr
Deer Creek State Park is located within Ohio's rich agricultural lands, giving way to incredible flora and wildlife. Enjoy an 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole disc golf course as you take in the beautiful nature.

Deer Creek State Park is located at 20635 State Park Road 20, Mt. Sterling, OH, 43143.
8. Buckeye Lake State Park
Buckeye Lake State Park, 2905 Leibs Island Rd NE, Millersport, OH 43046, USA
Jm0371/Wikimedia Commons
The perfect place for water sport enthusiasts, Buckeye Lake State Park has long been a favorite weekend destination for Columbusites. White Buckeye Lake does not have its own campground, you can reserve a shelter house to serve as your base while you enjoy a day on the water.

Buckeye Lake State Park is located at 2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH, 43046.
9. Madison Lake State Park
Madison Lake State Park, 4860 E Park Dr, London, OH 43140, USA
Clarat1221/TripAdvisor
The 106-acre lake at Madison Lake State Park is a great place to enjoy sailing, rowing, or canoeing. Enjoy a one-mile hiking trail through woodlands and along the lake, then stop at the fully equipped picnic area for a snack!

Madison Lake State Park is located at 4860 E Park Dr., London, OH, 43140.

There are so many relaxing parks and so many activities to enjoy, and all just an hour or less outside of the city! If you want to learn more about the parks and their amenities, make sure you visit the Ohio State Parks website.

Which Ohio State Park is your favorite to visit when you’re near Columbus? Let us know in the comments below!

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state parks to visit near Columbus

Sarah M. | January 31, 2022

What's the best state park to visit in Ohio?

With a total of 75 state parks, it’s difficult to determine which one is the single best state park in Ohio. But since you're asking, we're going to go ahead and name Salt Fork State Park. This Ohio State Park in Cambridge is one of the absolute best in the Buckeye State, and with gorgeous scenery, preserved history, and so many things to do, it's well-worth exploring any season of the year! In addition to the usual state park amenities and beautiful scenery, this park is known for its history preservation. History buffs will want to explore the Kennedy Stone House. And avid (or casual) hikers? Well, with a total of 14 hiking trails and several bridle trails, there's plenty to explore at this massive state park.

What are some beautiful places to visit near Columbus?

We absolutely adore the Franklin Park Conservatory, and think it's one of the state's most beautiful hidden gems! One of the crown jewels of Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory is a landmark that everyone should experience at least once per year -- or, you know, in each and every season! You'll find a true menagerie of topiaries tucked away in both the indoor biomes and outdoor gardens. And for kids, this place is nothing short of magical -- like walking into Oz from Kansas -- everything is so bright and colorful. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden is a discovery garden and nature playscape rolled into one: the Canopy Walk is a big treehouse complete with a large, trampoline-style net, the Nature Play Zone features large, Lincoln-Log style building sticks and the Sunrise Lawn is an open space for rolling, running and blowing off steam.  

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