If you are looking for somewhere to relax in nature away from the frenetic pace of city life then Hueston Woods State Park is an excellent place to visit.
Situated just over an hour from Cincinnati, the park is renowned for its tranquil ambiance and beautiful surroundings. This includes over 200 acres of lush forest and the scenic Acton Lake. Between which, you can enjoy hiking, biking, photography, wildlife and nature watching, swimming, boating and fishing.
For golfers there is a fantastic 18 hole golf course available to play on, while a significant proportion of the park has been specially designated for the purpose of hunting. Other drawcards include a basketball court, marina, boat ramp and indoor swimming pool.
With almost 500 electric and non-electric campsites available, as well as a lodge and group camping, there are plenty of accommodation options for those who want to spend a few nights at this Ohio state park.
Activities
The park provides visitors with a host of different ways to enjoy its stunning landscape.
Outlined below is a brief overview of some of the many things you can see and do during your time there.
Boating and paddling at Hueston Woods State Park
For those into boating and paddling Lake Acton is a terrific body of water to venture out onto.
Kayaking, SUP and canoeing are practiced by many. But some restrictions on maximum horsepower for boats may apply.
So it is worth contacting the park’s main office for clarification to avoid bringing your vessel to the park uselessly.
Swimming at Hueston Woods State Park
With more than 1500 feet of sandy beach around the western section of Lake Acton, swimming is a very popular activity at the park.
It is not recommended you swim in the winter, but in the summer you can splash about from dawn to dusk until your heart is content.
As there are no lifeguards present you will need to exercise caution if you want to go for a dip. However, for your convenience you will find a bathhouse and small concession stall near the water.
If you would prefer not to swim at the lake, the park’s lodge has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool available for guests to enjoy.
Fishing at Hueston Woods State Park
Lake Acton is a renowned fishing hot spot for angling enthusiasts from Cincinnati and all over Ohio.
You can choose to fish on the shoreline or in a boat out on the water and will need a valid fishing license to do so.
However should you procure one, there are often lots of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish biting.
Golfing at Hueston Woods State Park
Golf lovers should bring their clubs to the park for the chance to play on its 18-hole course.
Featuring immaculate greens and stunning fairways, this par-72, championship golf course is spread over 200 acres of land. It features more than 30 water hazards and bunkers to provide a challenge for even the most skillful of scratch golfers.
The course is open to visitors from March until November. Before your round, you might want to see what is available at the pro shop.
Hunting at Hueston Woods State Park
During the primitive season, hunting is a well practiced activity at the park.
At this time you can only use a cross bow and arrow and you may only hunt deer. You will need to stay within the specifically designated hunting zone.
A valid hunting license is required to engage in this activity. Should you want to hunt raccoons as well you will need additional permits.
Snow Activities at Hueston Woods State Park
During the colder months of winter Lake Acton freezes over and the park is covered in a thick blanket of snow.
Subsequently, the park becomes a haven for those who enjoy activities like cross country skiing, sledding, ice skating and ice fishing.
If you intend to skate or fish on the ice it is worth making sure its thickness is at least a depth of five inches before venturing out on it.
Pets at Hueston Woods State Park
Hueston Woods State Park is considered to be a very pet-friendly destination. Not least because it has an excellent dog beach, as well as a fenced off dog park zone.
There are some restrictions you will have to adhere to should you want to bring your dog with you. This includes ensuring they are well behaved at all times, restrained on a leash of no more than six feet and cleaned up after they make a mess.
Camping at Hueston Woods State Park
With 488 sites available, the campground at Hueston Woods State Park is one of the biggest in the entire Ohio state park system.
Overall there are 252 campsites available within one campground for guests who require electric connections for their RVs and trailers. Each of these sites come with their own fire rings and picnic tables. There are also a range of amenities available including flush toilets, hot showers, laundry and a waste station for trailers.
In addition to this campground that is also another dedicated area which accommodates 236 non-electric sites. Each of these sites come with their own picnic table and fire ring. However, in general, this area is better suited to self-sufficient campers as it does not have much in the way of amenities other than vault-type latrines.
For those running organized adult or youth groups there are also three sites available for parties of between 50 to 100 people. The park also has an excellent lodge with rooms that provides all the facilities and comforts of home.
Park Location
Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Rd
College Corner, OH 45003
Phone: 513.523.6347
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Hueston Woods State Park:
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