State Parks Near Bowling Green, Ohio
14 state park units lie within 50 miles of Bowling Green, including 2 parks across the line in Michigan. The closest is Mary Jane Thurston State Park, about 12 mi west of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Mary Jane Thurston State Park12 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 2of 14 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 116 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 0pets allowed
State parks near Bowling Green, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Bowling Green; driving distance is usually longer.
Mary Jane Thurston State Park
On the water side, there is a boat ramp and boat or kayak rentals. For overnight stays there are 2 camping areas (tent sites).
Hours, fees and rules for Mary Jane Thurston State Park →Van Buren State Park
Water access includes a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are 5 camping areas (RV sites and group camping). There are also cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Van Buren State Park →Maumee Bay State Park
Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach and boat or kayak rentals. For overnight stays there are 2 camping areas (tent sites and showers). If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins, yurts, and lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Maumee Bay State Park →Independence Dam State Park
Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Independence Dam State Park →Sterling State Park
Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Sterling State Park →Harrison Lake State Park
On the water side, there is a swimming beach and boat or kayak rentals. Camping is available: 3 camping areas, including RV sites and showers. Roofed lodging includes cabins, yurts, and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours, fees and rules for Harrison Lake State Park →Catawba Island State Park
Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Catawba Island State Park →Lake Hudson Recreation Area
Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Hudson Recreation Area →East Harbor State Park
On the water side, there is a swimming beach and a boat ramp. Overnight options include 3 camping areas, with tent sites, group camping, and showers. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins and yurts.
Hours, fees and rules for East Harbor State Park →South Bass Island State Park
Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. Overnight options include 2 camping areas, with tent sites, group camping, and showers. Roofed lodging includes cabins.
Hours, fees and rules for South Bass Island State Park →Oak Point State Park
Oak Point State Park is a 1-acre park in Ottawa County, about 12 miles northeast of Port Clinton.
Hours, fees and rules for Oak Point State Park →Middle Bass Island State Park
Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and showers).
Hours, fees and rules for Middle Bass Island State Park →North Bass Island State Park
For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites). Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for North Bass Island State Park →Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is a 13-acre park in Ottawa County, about 6 miles north of Sandusky.
Hours, fees and rules for Marblehead Lighthouse State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Bowling Green
- Mary Jane Thurston State Park 12 mi west · Campground listed
- Van Buren State Park 17 mi south · Campground listed
- Maumee Bay State Park 25 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Independence Dam State Park 33 mi west · Campground listed
- Sterling State Park 40 mi northeast · Campground listed
+ 6 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Bowling Green
- Van Buren State Park 17 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Maumee Bay State Park 25 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Harrison Lake State Park 41 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- East Harbor State Park 45 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- South Bass Island State Park 46 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
+ 1 more in the list above
Swimming near Bowling Green
- Maumee Bay State Park 25 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Harrison Lake State Park 41 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- East Harbor State Park 45 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
- South Bass Island State Park 46 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
Questions about state parks near Bowling Green
What is the closest state park to Bowling Green?
Mary Jane Thurston State Park is the closest, about 12 miles west of Bowling Green in a straight line. Next are Van Buren State Park and Maumee Bay State Park.
How many state parks are near Bowling Green?
14 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Bowling Green have camping?
11 parks list camping, the nearest being Mary Jane Thurston State Park, Van Buren State Park and Maumee Bay State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Bowling Green?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Bowling Green?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Toledo, OH20 mi north
- Near Findlay, OH23 mi south
- Near Sylvania, OH23 mi north
- Near Tiffin, OH30 mi southeast
- Near Monroe, MI40 mi north
- Near Adrian, MI41 mi northwest
- Near Lima, OH50 mi southwest
- Near Trenton, MI58 mi northeast
Or see all Ohio state parks, Michigan state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.