Shawnee State Park Ohio
Discover 63,000 acres of Appalachian beauty in Shawnee State Park, Ohio, offering hiking, boating, fishing, and stargazing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Shawnee State Park Ohio
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover 63,000 acres of Appalachian beauty in Shawnee State Park, Ohio, offering hiking, boating, fishing, and stargazing.
"This is by far the best state park! Ample swimming area, great fishing spots, lots of trails, everything you and your people may want!"
Kayak Launch Permit Needed
Remember to get a launch permit and wear a life jacket for kayaking; patrols are common.
Camping Spot Selection
Some camping spots can be sloped; look for flatter areas for tents and cots.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 1,847 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shawnee Lake
Central Park Area
A picturesque lake offering boating, fishing, and stunning reflections. Perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Appalachian Foothills Trails
Throughout the park
Explore miles of diverse hiking trails winding through forests and offering scenic vistas.
Shawnee Lodge & Cabins
Park Center
Enjoy comfortable stays with beautiful views, offering a perfect base for exploring the park.
Stargazing Opportunities
Open areas away from light pollution
Located in a dark sky area, perfect for incredible night sky views and stargazing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Appalachian Charm
Seasonal Beauty & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kayak Launch Permit Needed
Remember to get a launch permit and wear a life jacket for kayaking; patrols are common.
Camping Spot Selection
Some camping spots can be sloped; look for flatter areas for tents and cots.
Dog-Friendly Water Access
Dogs are welcome to swim in most areas, except the designated swimming beach.
Pack for Varied Terrain
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking; trails can be uneven and cover diverse landscapes.
First time going to Raystown Lake, hoping to fish the spillin way.
Before I drive 2hrs, how is the access below the dam? I understand some areas are fenced off for safety reasons. But otherwise, is the access good? No, I don’t have a boat, nor do I have a place to store it, if I did. Also, due to some injuries from my time in the Marines, in…
Tips
from all over the internet
Kayak Launch Permit Needed
Remember to get a launch permit and wear a life jacket for kayaking; patrols are common.
Camping Spot Selection
Some camping spots can be sloped; look for flatter areas for tents and cots.
Dog-Friendly Water Access
Dogs are welcome to swim in most areas, except the designated swimming beach.
Pack for Varied Terrain
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking; trails can be uneven and cover diverse landscapes.
Dark Sky Advantage
Bring binoculars for incredible stargazing opportunities in this dark sky area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Shawnee State Park Ohio's stunning natural beauty, extensive trails, and family-friendly amenities. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The park is praised for being free to enter and offering a great escape into nature.
"Beautiful park with breathtaking views. Perfect place to kayak (note: since it is a State park you will need to have a launch permit and life jacket and they do regularly patrol the water.) There are many great picnicking areas. We were there over Labor Day weekend and it was not packed at all. The bathrooms were clean. The campground looks very nice as well - we will be coming back here to camp so I’ll update my review accordingly."
Renee Grove
"This was a nice state park. We went camping and stayed in a tent overnight in C loop, site 150. We had a 10-person tent, and the site was flat and large enough. It was down hill of the rest rooms, and right at the turn into C loop. We parked the minivan at the site, but we had to park on a fairly steep slope, which made me a little nervous, so I backed in, and all was well. While there are other, better sites in C loop, this wasn't too bad, either.
Also, Shawnee had good proximity to Old Bedford Village, if you're visiting it."
Patricia Alexander
"I hesitate to write this review for fear that our favorite park may become overcrowded. This is by far the best state park! Ample swimming area, great fishing spots, lots of trails, everything you and your people may want! They even have boat rentals! We absolutely love it there! There’s also electricity at many campsite (a real luxury if you’re using to primitive camping), and potable water at many locations near the camping areas! The only negative we’ve found is that it’s hard to find a flat camping spot, important when you’re using cots and a tent. Otherwise, this is the best spot!!! So, please do us a favor, and don’t go…or at least keep this secret just for yourself!"
Jennifer A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shawnee State Park is located at 4404B State Route 125 West Portsmouth, OH 45663. It's accessible by car, with major routes leading to the park. Consider using GPS for precise directions.
Yes, Shawnee State Park is located near Portsmouth, Ohio, specifically in the western part of the county.
Yes, there are hotels near Shawnee State Park Ohio, with the Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center offering onsite accommodation. Other options can be found in nearby towns.
The park offers various trails and roads. A park map is recommended for navigating the extensive 63,000 acres, especially if you plan to explore different areas like the forest or lake.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Shawnee State Park. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Shawnee State Park is a free state park, meaning there is no general admission fee to enter and enjoy its natural beauty.
Shawnee State Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk for day-use activities. Specific facilities like the lodge or campground may have their own hours.
Yes, you will need a launch permit for your kayak or boat on Shawnee Lake, and a life jacket is mandatory. Park rangers do patrol the waters.
Yes, camping is available at Shawnee State Park Ohio. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, and can often be made online or by contacting the park.
Absolutely! Shawnee State Park offers cabin rentals, providing a more comfortable stay. The Shawnee Lodge also has rooms available.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Shawnee State Park boasts numerous hiking trails catering to various skill levels. Popular options include trails around Shawnee Lake and through the Shawnee Forest Ohio, offering diverse scenery.
Yes, there is a designated swimming area at Shawnee State Park, perfect for cooling off during warmer months. Dogs are allowed to swim in most other water areas.
Families can enjoy swimming, fishing, playgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The park's vastness offers plenty of space for children to explore.
Fishing is a popular activity at Shawnee State Park Ohio, with opportunities available in Shawnee Lake and other water bodies. Remember to check for any fishing license requirements.
Indeed! Shawnee State Park is located in one of Ohio's darker sky areas, making it an excellent spot for stargazing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center typically offers dining facilities. For other options, you'll find restaurants in nearby Portsmouth, Ohio.
Yes, Shawnee State Park has many great picnicking areas equipped with tables and pavilions, making it ideal for a day out.
You'll find grocery stores in the nearby town of Portsmouth, Ohio, where you can stock up on supplies for camping or picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake, scenic overlooks along the trails, and the lodge offer beautiful photo opportunities. The park's natural beauty, especially during sunrise or sunset, is highly photogenic.
Absolutely. The rolling hills of the Appalachian foothills, the serene lake, and the dense forest provide diverse and stunning landscapes for photographers.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the park's natural features.
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