9 gorgeous Ohio places you should visit for some relaxation before summer ends

Planning an in-state family vacation? Or a day trip with the kids? Here is a list of some great parks and beaches to consider when taking your family out, all within a reasonable drive.

Lake Loramie State Park

Lake Loramie is a 843-acre lake that sits in the 407-acre state park in Minster.

The park offers sites for campers, tents, boat tie-ups, a shelter house and three cedar cabins. There are two group camp areas, miniature golf and free Wi-Fi.

There isn’t a better way to cool off than to take a dip in Lake Loramie. The sandy beach is open to the public to swim. Boating, disc golf, fishing, hunting in certain areas, picnicking and hiking trails will keep the family busy.

Lake Loramie is one stop destination for lots of activities and events. Visit its website for a complete list.

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park

Grand Lake St. Marys is 13,500-acre lake located in St. Marys.

It was originally constructed as a feeder reservoir for the Miami-Erie Canal, according to their website.

There are sites for campers and tents, free Wi-Fi, hiking, camp store, biking and miniature golf course. Cabins and shelter houses can be rented.

The lake can serve as recreational fun for the family. Families can swim, boat and fish at the lake with permittable conditions.

Grand Lake St. Marys is in the heart of Mercer County. Visit its website for a complete list of events and activities for your family.

Hueston Woods State Park

Hueston Woods State Park is another destination for your family this summer located in College Corner. It serves with 3,000-acres of natural resources for outdoor recreation, according to its website.

The park offers campsites for campers and tents, equestrian camp area and group camp areas. There are 25 cabins that your family can rent. A Resort Lodge is available with rooms to rent. It overlooks Action Lake and has a game room, swimming pools and lighted tennis court.

The park has a full list of activities that will keep you busy this summer. There is archery, boating, disc golf, a dog park, fishing, golf, hunting, picnicking, swimming and hiking.

Hueston Woods is the perfect spot for your home away from home needs. Visit its website for a full list of activities and events.

Kiser Lake State Park

Kiser Lake is one of Ohio’s favorite places when it comes to parks. There are 531 acres of wooded hills and wetlands that add to the 396-acre lake located in St. Paris.

The park offers tent and camper sites and three group campsites. There are three shelter houses and two cabins available to reserve.

There are activities for the whole family that include boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking, swimming, trails to hike and winter recreation.

Kiser Lake is a great destination for those who want to see clean and clear waters. Visit its website for a complete list of activities and events.

Caesar Creek State Park

Caesar Creek is a hidden gem in Waynesville and sits on 3,741-acres.

You will find clear waters, woodlands, meadows and steep ravines at the park. There is 11 shelter houses and campsites available to reserve and a Lodge to host meetings and events.

A harbormaster facility was added in 2016 that has docks for boats and overnight stays. The building has a retail area, concessions, restrooms and seating area.

The park has lots of activities for the family that include archery, boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking, swimming, hiking trails and winter recreation.

Visit Caesar Creek's website for a full list of events and activities.

Indian Lake State Park

Indian Lake is on of Ohio’s larger man-made lakes that is 5,000-acres in Lakeview. The park itself is only 800 acres.

There is six shelters, cabins and campsites available to reserve for a weekend of family fun. There are homes that are for rent or sale, too.

The park is more known for its water activities. You can boat, jet-ski, swim and fish at the lake. There are other activities for the family to do that include hunting, picnicking, hiking and winter recreation.

Visit its website for a complete list of activities and events.

Buck Creek State Park

Buck Creek is part of Ohio’s fertile agricultural areas. The lake is 2,120-acre that sits in the 1,896-acre park located in Springfield.

The park has two shelter houses, 24 cabins and campsites available to reserve. There are wetlands, large meadows and the wildlife is diverse.

The park has many activities for your family to enjoy that include boating, disc golf, fishing, hunting, picnicking, swimming, hiking and winter recreation.

Visit its website for a complete list of events and activities.

Cowan Lake State Park

Cowan Lake lies within the 1,075-acre park in Wilmington.

The lake is known for the American Lotus water lily that rests on the waters. You can admire the lilies from a shelter or the dance pavilion that is available to reserve. There is 23 cabins and multiple campsites to reserve.

Cowan Lake has activities for the public to enjoy that include boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking, swimming, hiking and winter recreation.

Visit their website for a full list of activities and events at Cowan Lake State Park.

Stonelick State Park

Stonelick is in Pleasant Plain. The lake sits within the 1,058-acre park that offers a quiet place for visitors.

The lake has a shelter house on the beach, so visitors can admire the view. There are campsites and a deluxe camper cabin.

The family can participate in outdoor activities that suit the area terrain at the park. Activities include boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking, swimming, hiking and winter recreation.

Visit its website for a list of activities and events at Stonelick State Park.

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