Road Trips Starting from Toledo, OH
Best National Parks Near Toledo, OH
Located along the Cuyahoga River just south of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a gorgeous outdoor haven with a ton to offer its visitors. The diverse park features 100 waterfalls, over 125 miles of hiking trails, a mighty river, and a scenic railroad. Many visitors make a point to check out Brandywine Falls, which stands 65 feet tall and is the largest waterfall in the region. Other popular recreational activities include canoeing, kayaking, or fishing in the river, horseback riding, biking, bird watching, and stargazing.
Another national park within a relatively short drive of Toledo is Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. The park is named for its rugged dunes, but it also features lakefront land and a large stretch of countryside. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the park offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and watersports. There are also some peaceful trails perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
New River Gorge National Park has only been an official national park since 2020, but it has certainly earned the distinction. Located within the West Virginia wilderness, the gorgeous park comprises 70,000 acres of countryside, lush forests, and beautiful bodies of water. The most notable feature of the site is the incredible New River Gorge itself, and visitors can get a variety of breathtaking perspectives by exploring the scenic trails.
Popular State Parks Near Toledo, OH
Maumee Bay State Park is found in Northern Ohio, only 11 miles east of Toledo. The park, which overlooks Lake Erie, features serene campgrounds, lovely hiking trails, a placid lake, and even an 18-hole golf course. The area is also inhabited by a variety of cool animals, including the painted turtle, northern water snake, and spotted salamander.
Another wonderful park found near Toledo is Mary Jane Thurston State Park, which covers 105 acres and features fantastic stream-fishing opportunities. If you cast your line in the Maumee River, you'll have a great chance of reeling in northern pike, white bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish. The park also features two boat ramps, and during winter it's a popular destination for skiing, sledding, ice fishing, and ice skating.
If you enjoy kayaking, one spot you should be sure to visit is South Bass Island State Park. Nestled into the cliffs of South Bass Island, the 33-acre park is visited by hundreds of kayakers every year to celebrate the Kayak Rendezvous on Lake Erie. Visitors can also spend the day swimming or enjoying a relaxing picnic while overlooking the water.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Toledo, OH
While you're traveling in the Toledo region, it's worth taking a detour or two to stop by some of Ohio's most notable monuments and landmarks. One possibility is Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison, which is located on an island in the waters of Sandusky Bay. The historical landmark was used for 40 months to hold Civil War prisoners and is now home to a fascinating museum.
The famous inventor Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio, and you can visit his birthplace. His childhood home has been transformed into a museum, and you can learn all about his life and inventions while you're there.
If you travel to the outskirts of Cleveland, you can check out the amazing Zero Gravity Research Facility at the Glenn Research Center. The facility, which has a place on the National Register of Historic Places, is still in use for the purpose of helping scientists understand zero-gravity environments.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
You shouldn't have to look too hard to find a peaceful camping area near Toledo, and one lovely option is Big Sandy Campground. The quiet campground features 18 sites that come with grills, fire rings, and picnic tables, and you can rent one for only $23.62 per night.
Another great place to stay is the Wild Wings Campground & Marina, which boasts a whopping 388 campsites with a variety of prices and services. All sites have hookups of some kind, and many have full hookups. During your stay, you'll have access to a playground, shower house, activity pavilion, and several ponds with fishing and paddling opportunities.
You could also camp at the Twin Acres Campground. The family-owned park features full-hookup pull-through sites for $52 per night, and guests also can enjoy a wide variety of modern amenities and conveniences.
RV Dump Stations Near Toledo, OH
RV dump stations in Michigan’s Detroit Metro area are numerous and exist mainly in suburban towns. We have compiled a list of local dump stations near Detroit. Find locations, compare prices and confirm opening and closing hours for your next Detroit, MI RV trip. You can choose a location near a campground with a complimentary dump station or a more convenient station near the freeway. When you're done, check out local Detroit RV storage options to find a place to store your vehicle between adventures.
