The Best Places to Grill and camp in Ohio

Looking for camping spots close to home, or planning a visit to the Buckeye State? Here are some grilling locations for a true “made in Ohio” experience.

Ohio is underrated — yep, we said it. From the rolling hills in the southwest to the Appalachian foothills and right up to the Lake Erie shoreline, Ohio has everything you need – with parks and trails connecting all 88 counties of this state.

Ready? Get some time blocked off on that family calendar, throw the fam in the car, and make tracks to some beautiful places to grill out right here in Ohio.

Hocking Hills

Attribution: DrGBB | CC BY 2.0 

From Old Man's Cave to 19-mile kayaking trips—Hocking Hills feels like a hidden gem right in Ohio's backyard. If you're thinking Hocking is all caves and cliffs, you're just scratching the surface. This place is a hot spot for anyone looking to grill outdoors and it’s a great place to escape for a weekend. At every trailhead are picnic areas decked out with public grills, as well as cabins and campsites abound.

Mohican State Park

Attribution: Aaron Zhu | CC BY 2.0 

From Clear Fork Gorge to the Mohican River - this park (the perfect commute from Cleveland or Columbus) has everything - hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing – and great camping/cabins and public parks. Nestled in Ashland County, Mohican State Park offers an escape from the daily grind without requiring a full-scale road trip. From scaling the treetops in the aerial ropes courses that are just as fun for adults as they are for kids, to hiking through glacier-carved valleys, Mohican is more than just a walk in the park. There are plenty of campsites, each featuring fire rings and grills.

Salt Fork State Park

Attribution: OhioDNR.gov (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Heading Southeast near Cambridge, Salt Fork State Park holds the title of Ohio's largest state park, sprawling across more than 17,000 acres. Picture rugged hills, open meadows, forested valleys, and let's not forget about that gorgeous lake! If you're into golf, you'll want to tee off at Salt Fork State Park Golf Course. Salt Fork has plenty of campsites to choose from, each having its own fire ring. For a more "upscale" experience, there are cabins available with a bit more in the comfort department—think A/C and heating (if you’re into that sort of thing). 

The Emerald Necklace Trail

Attribution: Glenn Ford, CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’re in the Cleveland area (or you just break from the asphalt and concrete) Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace Trails connect several key park reservations – Rocky River, Mill Stream Run, North Chagrin, South Chagrin and Brecksville. One of the most popular is the Rocky River Reservation in Berea. Not only is this a great location for catching steelhead, it has scenic overlooks, kayaking and dozens of open picnic areas with stand up grills and parks for the kids [more about Emerald Necklace Trail). Just be sure to book your spots ahead of time!

Towpath Trail

Attribution: Stark Parks (StarkParks.com)

If you're in Northeast Ohio visiting the Hall of Fame Village, don't overlook the Towpath Trail. This 87-mile stretch offers a mix of history and nature. With scenic trailheads and picnic areas equipped with grills – the tow path is beautiful, accessible and a great way to get outdoors any day of the week. Along the way, you'll find local gems like Ernie's Bike Shop and Cherry Street Creamery. The trail carves its way through Ohio’s northeast counties, showcasing diverse settings from historic locks to dense woodland. Simply put, the Towpath Trail delivers a quintessential Ohio experience right in Starter King’s backyard.

Five Rivers Metroparks

Attribution: MetroParks.org (Five Rivers)

Situated near Dayton and surrounding towns, Five Rivers Metroparks is a prime location that perfectly marries convenience with natural beauty. It has 23 tent camping sites across four of its parks, offering an array of options for a memorable experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or contemplating a first-time family camping adventure, this place has got you covered. To make planning even easier, they offer a great reservation site to secure your spot in advance. Each campsite is well-appointed with fire pits, and if you're looking to make the experience more adventurous, canoeing/kayaking can break up the day.

Alum Creek State Park

Attribution: Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)

Just a stone's throw from Columbus, Alum Creek State Park is a full-blown boating and camping paradise. Jet ski across thousands of acres, discover a secluded cove for fishing, or paddle around for a peaceful retreat (then hit up a Blue Jackets game that night) . And there’s a huge campground with a local camp store, boating access, and even a nature center to break up the day if you’re out with kids.

And if you need a selling point at home – don’t overlook the beach, which holds the title of being the largest inland beach in the entire Ohio park system. Alum Creek offers plenty of campsites decked out with fire rings and grills, making it an ideal destination for a grilling weekend (or even a day trip if you live in the Columbus area).

Buckeye Lake

Attribution: WikiCommons - Dan Keck (WikiCommons)

Buckeye Lake State Park is another great spot for a picnic or grill-out. While it might not have the sprawling acres of some other parks, what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. Picnic sites are particularly well maintained (perfect for a family meal out in the open air). Set up your portable grill and let the kids run around—this is the place to make some memories. Plus, the lake itself provides an opportunity for some light fishing or a scenic paddle in a kayak. Definitely worth the trip.

Wayne National Forest

Attribution: Frank Ceravalo (fs.usda.gov)

Okay, this is the real deal. Wayne National Forest covers 244,000 acres of Appalachian foothills in southeastern Ohio. Managed from Ranger District offices in Nelsonville and Ironton, with a field office in Marietta, it's a go-to for those looking for diverse outdoor activities. Hunting, fishing, archery—this place has it all. Add in off-highway vehicle and horseback riding trails, and you've got a full roster of outdoor adventure. There are secluded spots tailored for grilling, making it the most 'intense' choice on our list. If you're looking for a serious outdoor experience in Ohio, Wayne National Forest is it. Picture grilling your catch of the day surrounded by the forest's natural beauty.

Conclusion

Did we miss a hidden gem? We want to hear from you! Send your suggestions to sales@kingofstarters.com and let us know. 

If you’re as excited as we are about grilling in these incredible Ohio locations, make sure you're well-equipped for the adventure. Head over to our Starter King Shop to pick up essentials like charcoal chimneys and fire starters. 

And hey, while you're at it, why not share this article with your friends and family and start planning your next trip? :)