Mueller SP, CO
Mueller SP is surrounded by over 5,000 acres of spring-fed meadows, forested ridges and massive rock of Pike's Peak granite. There are 132 campsites and 22 walk-in tent campsites, 50 miles of trails, an equestrian center, visitors center, and the park is near many visitor attractions. This is our all-time favorite state park, and we have personally visited this park twice. We hope to make it a routine annual outing. The campsites are above 9,500 foot elevation which can be a challenge if you are not properly acclimated. Beautiful park!
(Typical campsite, plenty of room for a large tent or camper)
(Typical campsite, plenty of room for a large tent or camper)
(Our 2014 campsite - tent only, no kids)
(Our 2016 campsite, entire family with Bevo towing Roo)
(REI Kingdom 6-person tent)
(Cook station)
(Garden of the Gods Park)
(Horseback ride through Garden of the Gods, 2014)
(Manitou Springs Cave Dwellings)
(Manitou Springs Cave Dwellings)
(Overlook Point, elevation 9,843 foot)
(Our view from the front porch)
(Back of Pike's Peak and Peak Side Pond with the moon)
(Pike's Peak highway)
(Back of Pike's Peak with the moon)
(Peak Side Pond)
Alum Creek SP, OH
Alum Creek SP is located just minutes north of Ohio's state capital, Columbus. The park encompasses nearly 3,400 acres, possesses over 300 campsites, an equestrian center, cabins, and is situated next to Delaware Lake (great for fishing). We camped here once and enjoyed our time there. Unfortunately, we don't have pictures of our time there... We would definitely go back if we were still living in Ohio.
(Alum Creek SP campsite)
(The twins cooling off at Alum Creek SP)
(The twins looking for food at Alum Creek SP)
Buck Creek SP, OH
Buck Creek SP is situated near Springfield, OH and is comprised of nearly 1.900 acres. It sits on a 2,100 acre lake with a large beach area, over 100 campsites and cabins close to many visitor attractions to include the National Museum of the United States Air Force and much more.
We camped there once and spent several days enjoying Springfield's small-town charm. If you find yourself there, don't pass up the opportunity of visiting Collier's Family Restaurant (the food there is amazing). If time permits, pay a visit up north to Urbana, OH and experience the WWII B-17 restoration of the "Champaign Lady" at the Champaign Aviation Museum.
(It rained the first couple of days at Buck Creek SP)
(Buck Creek SP, nice playground)
(Clarence J. Brown Reservoir, Buck Creek SP beach area)
Caesar Creek SP, OH
Caser Creek SP sits on 3,740 acres of land and boasts some of the clearest blue waters on Caesar Creek Lake with around 280 campsites. We spent some time out there camping and hiking but there is also plenty of recreational and fishing activities on the lake. The hiking trails were well maintained but most of the campsites lacked cover (trees). It is a beautiful park and we would return in a heartbeat!
(Caesar Creek Lake's clear blue waters)
(The older boys are ready for a hike)
(Nice cover on the trails)
(Wooded trails)
East Harbor SP and Cedar Point Amusement Park, OH
East Harbor SP is located on the shores of Lake Erie, and conveniently close to Cedar Point Amusement Park (AKA The Roller Coaster Capital of the World)! :-) East Harbor SP sits on just over 1,800 acres and provides guests with a plethora of activities. Hiking, boating, and fishing are common activities.
But let's face it folks... We were there for ROLLER COASTERS! We highly recommend a stay there and a hop over to Cedar Point, trust us you won't regret it! One of the fondest memories of the visit: it was the first time our oldest son learned how to ride a bike without training wheels (we can thank his buddy Aiden for that, because he had trouble keeping up with the training wheels on).
(East Harbor SP Campsites are small but manageable)
(The oldest without training wheels for the first time!)
("Look mom, no training wheels!")
(Lake Erie in the background)
Glen Helen Nature Preserve, OH
Glen Helen Nature Preserve sits on 1,000 acres and holds so much of nature's beauty! As you hike through nearly 20 miles of trails and footpaths, you'll more than likely see 400 year old trees, limestone cliffs with waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife. A day hike can be accomplished with little to no planning, and don't forget to stop by the visitor's center!
(Ready for a day hike, the twins add around 20-25lbs on Deuter Kid Comfort III packs)
When we first visited Hocking Hills SP back in 2010, we knew that we would be back! This park is on our short list of all-time favorite state parks! The park is quietly nestled away near Logan, OH and is comprised of 2,350 acres with 265 campsites and access to the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and hemlock-shaded valleys. The hiking trails are some of the most beautiful trail systems in Ohio. The hike down to Old Man's Cave campground is phenomenal and a must-do activity if you visit Hocking Hills!
There isn't enough words to describe the beauty of this park... So, we'll just try to do it with some of our old pictures. We dearly miss this place, and hopefully we will have the opportunity to visit again. Here's a link to our Hocking Hills video, just a run through the hills (while I was training for the USAF Marathon).
(Walk a mile in my shoes..." Brandon, soon after he was done with cancer treatment)
(Down at Old Man's Cave area)
Hueston Woods SP is nestled in the southwest corner of Ohio, just north of the city of Oxford (home of Miami University). The park sits on 3,000 acres of woodland and 625 acre Acton Lake. If you are having trouble finding a campsite there, it's because of the park's popularity! There are over 400 campsites and cabins; we have been there several times (once on a gamble-visit, where we were lucky to get a walk-in campsite after a nearly 2hr drive).
When were were living in Ohio and camping at Hueston Woods, Acton Lake had a strict 10hp limit on motorboats with a no-wake rule in effect. It was mainly a canoeing and kayaking lake, but I heard that they have relaxed on the hp limits (but the no-wake rule is still in effect). This park is on our short list of favorites in Ohio, and we would go back anytime (wish us luck on reserving a campsite though)!
(Spacious campsites)
(Raptor rehabilitation program)
(Mini golf)
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area (CNRA) boasts nearly 10,000 acre as of park that contains some of the most beautiful maintained trail systems we have ever hiked. It is also situated next to Lake of the Arbuckles, a 2,350 acre lake which offers some prime fishing. CNRA has several campgrounds and the campsites are amazing!
We have been there multiple times and the campsites are all pretty well covered. Each capsize has graveled pads that offer some prime real estate for kicking back and relaxing. There are plenty of hiking trails and roads for biking or running. The scenery is amazing, but unfortunately when we were there the springs were dry (due to drought). Definitely plan on visiting the Chickasaw Cultural Center, Lincoln Bridge, Little Niagara Falls swimming area, and Veteran's Lake. Nearby is Turner Falls Park (which we'll cover below).
(Lake of the Arbuckels)
(Lake of the Arbuckels)
(Lincoln Bridge)
(Lincoln Bridge)
(Chickasaw Cultural Center)
Martin Park Nature Center, OK
Martin Park Nature Center was one of our day hike locations when we were living in Moore, OK. The park is located in Oklahoma City and contains 140 acres of woodland. There is a nature education center, three hiking trails, a bird observation platform, and a playground for the children. This is a very nice park f you're looking to escape the concrete jungle and see some wildlife.
Turner Falls Park, OK
Turner Falls Park is a little known gem located near Davis, OK. The park contains about 1,000 acres and is the oldest park in Oklahoma. The park also boasts a 70 foot tall falls, the tallest falls in Oklahoma (hence, the main attraction of the park). A castle (yes, castle) that was built back in the 1930's, picnic areas, hiking trails, and wading pools.
This place is absolutely beautiful, and a must-see if you are looking for a nice day hike or a soak in the shallow wade pools. There is also a swimming area too, but get there early because the park fills up fast in the summertime!
Colleyville Nature Center, TX
Colleyville Nature Center is another local gem located in Colleyville, TX. The nature center is located on 46 acres of natural refuge and contains several nice sized ponds teaming with an abundance of wildlife. There is about 3.5 miles of asking trails that wind you through the park; it's no surprise that this is a wildlife photographers haven! You'll often see many varieties of birds here so bring your binoculars or camera!
Pilot Knoll Campground, Lake Lewisville, TX
Pilot Knoll Campground is a secluded site located just minutes from Highland Village, TX. It is on the southwest corner of Lake Lewisville and a nice spot to camp near home. The campsites are pretty large and provide both a campfire ring and barbecue pit. The lake is teaming with wildlife... This is a nice retreat from the daily grind (if you can tolerate the aircraft arrivals into DFW Airport). Not a bad location though and it is pretty cheap.
Ray Roberts Lake SP, TX
Ray Roberts Lake SP is locate near the Dallas/Ft Worth metro and is a nice getaway from suburban life. The park is huge, and the lake is nearly 29,000 acres with a largemouth bass record of over 14lbs!!! There is so much to do here, hiking (awesome trails), biking, horseback riding, fishing and boating... So much. The campsites are nicely tucked into several campground areas and the cover is nice. Playgrounds offer the kids a getaway too. This is a nice park that we will be coming back to often.
Martin Park Nature Center was one of our day hike locations when we were living in Moore, OK. The park is located in Oklahoma City and contains 140 acres of woodland. There is a nature education center, three hiking trails, a bird observation platform, and a playground for the children. This is a very nice park f you're looking to escape the concrete jungle and see some wildlife.
Turner Falls Park is a little known gem located near Davis, OK. The park contains about 1,000 acres and is the oldest park in Oklahoma. The park also boasts a 70 foot tall falls, the tallest falls in Oklahoma (hence, the main attraction of the park). A castle (yes, castle) that was built back in the 1930's, picnic areas, hiking trails, and wading pools.
This place is absolutely beautiful, and a must-see if you are looking for a nice day hike or a soak in the shallow wade pools. There is also a swimming area too, but get there early because the park fills up fast in the summertime!
Colleyville Nature Center, TX
Colleyville Nature Center is another local gem located in Colleyville, TX. The nature center is located on 46 acres of natural refuge and contains several nice sized ponds teaming with an abundance of wildlife. There is about 3.5 miles of asking trails that wind you through the park; it's no surprise that this is a wildlife photographers haven! You'll often see many varieties of birds here so bring your binoculars or camera!
Pilot Knoll Campground is a secluded site located just minutes from Highland Village, TX. It is on the southwest corner of Lake Lewisville and a nice spot to camp near home. The campsites are pretty large and provide both a campfire ring and barbecue pit. The lake is teaming with wildlife... This is a nice retreat from the daily grind (if you can tolerate the aircraft arrivals into DFW Airport). Not a bad location though and it is pretty cheap.
Ray Roberts Lake SP is locate near the Dallas/Ft Worth metro and is a nice getaway from suburban life. The park is huge, and the lake is nearly 29,000 acres with a largemouth bass record of over 14lbs!!! There is so much to do here, hiking (awesome trails), biking, horseback riding, fishing and boating... So much. The campsites are nicely tucked into several campground areas and the cover is nice. Playgrounds offer the kids a getaway too. This is a nice park that we will be coming back to often.
(Huge campsites)
Other places we have visited and highly recommend (but lack photos for):
Key West, FL
Belton Lake, TX
Bob Hall Pier and Padre Balle Park, TX (beaches, coastal fishing and wildlife)
Inks Lake SP, TX (Devil's waterhole and cliff diving)
Sewell Park and San Marcos River, TX
Canon Lake, TX
Lake Fork, TX (bass capitol of Texas)
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