Reaching for the Stars: 9 Ohio State Parks with Out-of-this-World Stargazing
Imagine lying down on a blanket, gazing up at a pitch-black sky, and watching the stars twinkle like diamonds scattered across the universe. If you’re a stargazer at heart, you’re in luck! Ohio has some amazing state parks that offer incredible stargazing opportunities. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to nine Ohio state parks that are perfect for stargazing enthusiasts.
1. John Bryan State Park
Located in western Ohio, John Bryan State Park is a hidden gem for stargazers. The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the stars in all their glory.
Getting There:
- Nearest airport: Dayton International Airport (DAY) – 40 miles, 45-minute drive
- Nearest highway: US-35 – 5 miles, 10-minute drive
- Nearest public transportation: Greene County Transit – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Facilities and Activities:
- 90 campsites with electric hookups
- 20 non-electric campsites
- 10 hike-in campsites
- 1 campground with electric hookups and showers
- Hiking trails – 10 miles
- Mountain biking trails – 10 miles
- Fishing ( trout stream) – permit required
Price:
- Campsite – $20-$30 per night
- Hike-in campsite – $10 per night
- Fishing permit – $10 per day
Public Facilities:
- Hotel – nearby in Yellow Springs
- Restaurant – nearby in Yellow Springs
- Gas station – nearby in Yellow Springs
Review:
"John Bryan State Park is a stargazer’s paradise! The park’s remote location makes it easy to see the stars in all their glory. We spent a night camping and were amazed by the sheer number of stars we could see." – Emily, stargazer from Columbus
2. Kelleys Island State Park
Located on an island in Lake Erie, Kelleys Island State Park offers some of the darkest skies in the state. The park’s unique location makes it perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.
Getting There:
- Nearest airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 60 miles, 1.5-hour drive + ferry ride
- Nearest highway: none – accessible by ferry only
- Nearest public transportation: Kelleys Island Ferry – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Facilities and Activities:
- 45 campsites with electric hookups
- 10 non-electric campsites
- 1 campground with electric hookups and showers
- Hiking trails – 5 miles
- Fishing (lake) – permit required
- Beach
Price:
- Campsite – $25-$35 per night
- Hike-in campsite – $15 per night
- Fishing permit – $15 per day
- Ferry ride – $20 per person, round-trip
Public Facilities:
- Hotel – on the island
- Restaurant – on the island
- Gas station – on the island
Review:
"Kelleys Island State Park is a must-visit for stargazers! The park’s unique location on an island in Lake Erie makes it one of the darkest places in the state. We spent a weekend stargazing and were blown away by the number of stars we could see." – Mark, stargazer from Cleveland
3. Hocking Hills State Park
Located in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is known for its stunning scenery and dark skies. The park offers several stargazing events throughout the year, making it a great destination for stargazers.
Getting There:
- Nearest airport: Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 70 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest highway: US-33 – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
- Nearest public transportation: Hocking Hills Transit – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Facilities and Activities:
- 150 campsites with electric hookups
- 10 non-electric campsites
- 1 campground with electric hookups and showers
- Hiking trails – 25 miles
- Waterfalls
- Scenic vistas
Price:
- Campsite – $25-$35 per night
- Hike-in campsite – $15 per night
Public Facilities:
- Hotel – nearby in Logan
- Restaurant – nearby in Logan
- Gas station – nearby in Logan
Review:
"Hocking Hills State Park is a stargazer’s dream come true! The park’s stunning scenery and dark skies make it a perfect spot to see the stars. We attended a stargazing event and were amazed by the number of stars we could see." – Sarah, stargazer from Cincinnati
4. Pike Lake State Park
Located in southern Ohio, Pike Lake State Park offers some of the darkest skies in the state. The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Getting There:
- Nearest airport: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – 60 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest highway: US-125 – 5 miles, 10-minute drive
- Nearest public transportation: Ross County Transit – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Facilities and Activities:
- 80 campsites with electric hookups
- 10 non-electric campsites
- 1 campground with electric hookups and showers
- Hiking trails – 10 miles
- Fishing (lake) – permit required
Price:
- Campsite – $20-$30 per night
- Hike-in campsite – $10 per night
- Fishing permit – $10 per day
Public Facilities:
- Hotel – nearby in Waverly
- Restaurant – nearby in Waverly
- Gas station – nearby in Waverly
Review:
"Pike Lake State Park is a hidden gem for stargazers! The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the stars. We spent a night camping and were blown away by the number of stars we could see." – David, stargazer from Columbus
5. Shawnee State Park
Located in southern Ohio, Shawnee State Park offers some of the darkest skies in the state. The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Getting There:
- Nearest airport: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – 70 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest highway: I-64 – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
- Nearest public transportation: Adams County Transit – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Facilities and Activities:
- 95 campsites with electric hookups
- 10 non-electric campsites
- 1 campground with electric hookups and showers
- Hiking trails – 20 miles
- Fishing (lake) – permit required
Price:
- Campsite – $25-$35 per night
- Hike-in campsite – $15 per night
- Fishing permit – $15 per day
Public Facilities:
- Hotel – nearby in Portsmouth
- Restaurant – nearby in Portsmouth
- Gas station – nearby in Portsmouth
Review:
"Shawnee State Park is a stargazer’s paradise! The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the stars. We spent a weekend stargazing and were amazed by the number of stars we could see." – Michael, stargazer from Columbus
6. Tar Hollow State Park
Located in southern Ohio, Tar Hollow State Park offers some of the darkest skies in the state. The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Getting There:
- Nearest airport: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – 80 miles, 2-hour drive
- Nearest highway: US-23 – 5 miles, 10-minute drive
- Nearest public transportation: Highland County Transit – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Facilities and Activities:
- 85 campsites with electric hookups
- 10 non-electric campsites
- 1 campground with electric hookups and showers
- Hiking trails – 15 miles
- Fishing (lake) – permit required
Price:
- Campsite – $20-$30 per night
- Hike-in campsite – $10 per night
- Fishing permit – $10 per day
Public Facilities:
- Hotel – nearby in Lynchburg
- Restaurant – nearby in Lynchburg
- Gas station – nearby in Lynchburg
Review:
"Tar Hollow State Park is a hidden gem for stargazers! The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the stars. We spent a night camping and were blown away by the number of stars we could see." – Emily, stargazer from Columbus
7. Hocking State Forest
Located in southeastern Ohio, Hocking State Forest offers some of the darkest skies in the state. The forest’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Getting There:
- Nearest airport: Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 80 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest highway: US-33 – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
- Nearest public transportation: Hocking Hills Transit – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Facilities and Activities:
- 10 non-electric campsites
- 1 campground with electric hookups and showers
- Hiking trails – 10 miles
- Fishing (stream) – permit required
Price:
- Campsite – $15-$25 per night
- Hike-in campsite – $5 per night
- Fishing permit – $10 per day
Public Facilities:
- Hotel – nearby in Logan
- Restaurant – nearby in Logan
- Gas station – nearby in Logan
Review:
"Hocking State Forest is a stargazer’s paradise! The forest’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the stars. We spent a weekend stargazing and were amazed by the number of stars we could see." – David, stargazer from Columbus
8. Burr Oak State Park
Located in southeastern Ohio, Burr Oak State Park offers some of the darkest skies in the state. The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Getting There:
- Nearest airport: Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 90 miles, 2-hour drive
- Nearest highway: I-77 – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
- Nearest public transportation: Athens County Transit – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Facilities and Activities:
- 130 campsites with electric hookups
- 10 non-electric campsites
- 1 campground with electric hookups and showers
- Hiking trails – 20 miles
- Fishing (lake) – permit required
Price:
- Campsite – $25-$35 per night
- Hike-in campsite – $15 per night
- Fishing permit – $15 per day
Public Facilities:
- Hotel – nearby in Glouster
- Restaurant – nearby in Glouster
- Gas station – nearby in Glouster
Review:
"Burr Oak State Park is a stargazer’s dream come true! The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the stars. We spent a weekend stargazing and were amazed by the number of stars we could see." – Sarah, stargazer from Cincinnati
9. Jackson Lake State Park
Located in southern Ohio, Jackson Lake State Park offers some of the darkest skies in the state. The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Getting There:
- Nearest airport: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – 70 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest highway: I-35 – 5 miles, 10-minute drive
- Nearest public transportation: Jackson County Transit – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Facilities and Activities:
- 100 campsites with electric hookups
- 10 non-electric campsites
- 1 campground with electric hookups and showers
- Hiking trails – 15 miles
- Fishing (lake) – permit required
Price:
- Campsite – $20-$30 per night
- Hike-in campsite – $10 per night
- Fishing permit – $10 per day
Public Facilities:
- Hotel – nearby in Jackson
- Restaurant – nearby in Jackson
- Gas station – nearby in Jackson
Review:
"Jackson Lake State Park is a hidden gem for stargazers! The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the stars. We spent a night camping and were blown away by the number of stars we could see." – Michael, stargazer from Columbus
Conclusion:
Ohio has some amazing state parks that offer incredible stargazing opportunities. From John Bryan State Park in western Ohio to Jackson Lake State Park in southern Ohio, there are numerous parks that are perfect for stargazers. So pack your bags, grab your telescope, and get ready to experience the beauty of the stars in Ohio’s state parks.
FAQ:
- What is the best time for stargazing in Ohio state parks?
The best time for stargazing in Ohio state parks is usually between March and October, when the weather is warm and clear. However, the best time for viewing specific celestial events, such as meteor showers or planetary alignments, may vary depending on the event.
- Do I need a telescope to go stargazing in Ohio state parks?
No, you don’t need a telescope to go stargazing in Ohio state parks. Many parks offer telescope viewing sessions or viewing parties, where you can use a shared telescope to see the stars. However, if you have your own telescope, feel free to bring it along!
- Can I see the stars during the day?
No, you can’t see the stars during the day. The stars are only visible at night, when the sky is dark enough to see them. However, some planets, such as Venus and Jupiter, may be visible during the day with the help of a telescope.
- Are there any stargazing events in Ohio state parks?
Yes, many Ohio state parks offer stargazing events throughout the year, including viewing parties, telescope viewing sessions, and astronomy programs. Check with the park’s website or contact the park directly to find out about upcoming stargazing events.
- Can I camp at Ohio state parks and go stargazing?
Yes, many Ohio state parks offer camping facilities, including campsites with electric hookups, non-electric campsites, and hike-in campsites. You can camp at the park and enjoy stargazing in the evening.
