Ohio State Parks & Watercraft

Discover West Branch State Park! Explore peaceful trails on foot, bike, or horseback, boat on the lake w/launch ramps, dock rentals & boat‑swim areas. It has a dog park & disc golf too! Love it so much you want to spend the night? Book a stay at ReserveOhio.com. @ohiodnr

🎉 @ohiodnr has earned a national Communication Award for Community Impact! 🚣‍♀️ The award honors our work w/the @ohiostatefair to bring visitors hands-on paddling instruction at the popular kayak pond. Experience the award-winning clinic at this year’s State Fair, July 29–Aug 9!

Recycle Right: Summer Essentials Heading to a state park? Learn how to handle fishing line, propane canisters, bottles, cans, & more so you can explore while keeping our wild places clean & safe. Here are simple steps to recycle right (or pack it home!) on your next adventure.

Discover Jackson Lake State Park! Fish, boat, paddle & explore this scenic backcountry hideaway. Dive into local history at the Jefferson Iron Furnace, active from the Civil War era until 1916. Stay overnight at the 34-site campground (50-amp service): ReserveOhio.com

Have you fallen off your paddleboard and can't get back up? Learn from our friends at @OHStateParks about how to safely get back up! Remember: wearing your lifejacket is a great first step to a great day on the water 🌞 #ohiodnr

Big congrats to Erin Shaw at Caesar Creek State Park — named Ohio’s Boating Educator of the Year by @NASBLA! For nearly 2 decades, Erin has helped many safely enjoy Ohio’s waterways. Her passion, expertise & dedication make this honor well‑deserved. @ohiodnr @ohheartofitall

@OHStateParks @kymliveshere Geneva was a nice surprise.

It’s #ThruYourLensThursday! Today's pics are from a recent trip to Mosquito Lake State Park by @kymliveshere. We love seeing what you capture in our parks! Visited a state park recently? Share your favorite photo! Planning your next trip? Tell us which park is on your list!

Step back in time at Great Council State Park, found on the site of the historic Shawnee village of Old Chillicothe. Explore a stunning longhouse‑inspired interpretive center with hands‑on exhibits, film, and more. Open Wed–Sun, 10–5. Make it a summer must‑see! 🌿🏞️ @ohiodnr

Ready for a career w/purpose, adventure & impact? @ohiodnr is recruiting a new class of Natural Resources Officers! Protect state parks, forests, preserves, & waterways & help visitors explore Ohio's outdoors safely. For more info & to apply by Aug. 9: ohiodnr.gov/nrojobs

Celebrate America 250 at Lake Milton State Park! 🎉 Fri, July 31: • 5:15 PM – Plaque presentation w/Honor Guard • 6–10 PM – RDNA concert ($10 cash only) + food & drink trucks Sat, Aug 1: • 10 AM – Boat parade • 12 PM – Time capsule ceremony We hope you'll join us! @ohiodnr

Sustainable Camping Starts with You! Heading out to a state park this summer? Swap single-use plastics for reusables, tread lightly on the trails, & take the ConServe Ohio Camper Pledge to help keep our campgrounds clean, wild, & beautiful. Learn more: ohiodnr.gov/conserveohio.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday today, we hope you find fun wherever the day takes you — from backyard hangs to exploring our beautiful state parks. Whether it's a peaceful walk, a cozy picnic, or watching fireworks, we wish you a safe & enjoyable holiday. @ohiodnr

Looking for a getaway w/a story? North Bass Island State Park is now booking its newly renovated historic homes on one of Lake Erie’s most remote, history-rich islands. Stays available through Oct. 31. Call (419) 609-4124 or visit ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan… @ohiodnr @ohheartofitall

It’s Thru Your Lens Thursday! We love the stunning photos you capture in Ohio’s state parks — now take them to the national stage. Enter @stateparksUSA's photo contest: stateparksphotocontest.org/americasstatep… Submit by July 15 so your shot can shine nationwide! @ohiodnr @ohheartofitall

Looking for a last‑minute July 4th escape? ⛺🎆 There’s still camping availability at several Ohio State Parks! Check ReserveOhio.com. Parks w/openings include: Forked Run, Lake Hope, Hueston Woods & Findley. @ohiodnr @ohheartofitall

Operation Dry Water is July 3–5. @ohiodnr will join agencies nationwide w/increased patrols to prevent impaired boating & keep Ohio’s waterways safe. • Designate a sober operator • Wear a life jacket • Stay alert • Know the rules Learn more: operationdrywater.org

The Ohio Women's Outdoor Adventure returns Sept 25–27 at Salt Fork w/hands-on outdoor sessions for women 16+ & registration is almost here. 1st-time attendees: register July 8 at 10 a.m. Returning participants: July 15 at 10 a.m. Learn more at ohiodnr.gov/owoa @ohiodnr

Sustainability Spotlight: Waves, Wildlife & Waste Less Summer Days July is almost here & it's a month for clean parks, beautiful beaches, & less plastic. Join us for Plastic Free July & Clean Beaches Week by making small choices that make a big impact. @ohiodnr @ohheartofitall

@OHStateParks' Strouds Run, located outside the city of Athens, is a popular destination for hot summer days. With hiking trails, a beachfront and rentals from @StroudsRunBH, there is no shortage of ways to interact with nature. thepostathens.com/article/2026/0…