Ohio has 75 state parks spread throughout 60 counties, allowing residents and visitors alike the chance to enjoy the Buckeye State's natural resources such as lakes, waterfalls and wildlife and participate in recreational activities that include swimming, fishing, hiking and biking. Two Ohio state parks -- one on each side of the state -- also provide scenic settings for a sport that gives you the rare opportunity to splatter your friends and family members: paintball.
Paintball at Hueston Woods State Park
- The three paintball fields at Hueston Woods State Park in southwestern Ohio are set on eight heavily wooded acres behind the Hueston Woods Lodge & Conference Center. The fields have natural bunkers and a creek, and are available for open play on weekends from April to October. Players are allowed to bring their own paint, although the Hueston Woods Paintball Club has paintballs for purchase, as well as rental guns, goggles and overalls. The fields also may be reserved by groups of 15 people or more on weekdays. To make reservations, call 513-664-3500. Catered or boxed lunches are available from the lodge.
About Hueston Woods
- Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner is set on the shores of 625-acre Acton Lake, less than 40 miles southwest of Dayton and less than 50 miles northwest of Cincinnati. Activities and amenities at the nearly 3,000-acre park include a swimming beach, 18-hole championship golf course, 36 holes of disc golf, miniature golf, nature center, 12 hiking trails, 12-mile mountain bike trail, 18-mile equestrian trail, archery range, boat ramp, boat docks and a fishing pier where anglers can drop their lines for bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Accommodations include the 94-room Hueston Woods Lodge, 25 two-bedroom cottages, three camper cabins, a yurt and more than 500 campsites, about half of which have electric hookups.
Paintball at Salt Fork State Park
- Salt Fork State Park in east-central Ohio has two paintball fields set behind the Salt Fork Lodge & Conference Center. The courses are heavily wooded, with natural bunkers scattered throughout. Salt Fork's paintball fields are open two to three days each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and also are available by reservation from April to October for groups of 10 or more. Call 740-439-2751 to make reservations or check on scheduled days and times of play. Children must be at least 12 years old to play. Catered or boxed lunches are available from the lodge.
About Salt Fork
- Salt Fork State Park is set on the shores of Salt Fork Reservoir in Lore City, less than 60 miles south of Canton. Ohio's largest state park at 17,229 acres, Salt Fork has amenities and attractions that include a 2,500-foot-long swimming beach, 18-hole golf course, miniature golf, nature center, 14 hiking trails, 12-mile equestrian trail, two marinas, 10 boat ramps and fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, muskie and walleye. Overnight options include the 148-room Salt Fork Lodge, more than 50 two-bedroom cottages and more than 200 campsites with electric or full hookups.
