Choose the best time of year for your visit. If you enjoy swimming and boating, summer would be the best option for your vacation. If you choose to visit during the summer, make your reservation early, as the cottages are very popular in the summer. The winter is a traditionally quiet time, so if you don’t mind the cold and treasure your solitude, you may prefer visiting in the winter. Spring and fall days may be warm and less crowded, although many of the park’s services will be closed.
Select a cottage. Ohio State Parks offer several types of cottages. Family cottages are available year-round and usually sleep six, with the exception of cottages at Hueston Woods, which only sleep four people. Cottages have private bedrooms, bathrooms with showers, full kitchens, living and dining areas and screened porches. Family cottages also offer TVs and may offer heating, air conditioning and gas log fireplaces.Standard cottages are available for rent in the spring, summer and fall. They have a full kitchen, bathroom with a shower, a living and dining area with a television, semi-private sleeping areas and are heated.Preferred cottages have all of the features of the family cottages but are recently renovated and may include extra amenities, such as decks or gas fireplaces. Premium cottages offer additional amenities, such as hot tubs.Forest cottages and Iron Furnace cottages are available year-round at Lake Hope State Park and offer full kitchens, baths with showers, living and dining areas, private bedrooms, TVs, and wood-burning fireplaces.
Make your reservation. Most cottage reservations may be made online or by calling toll-free (1-866-644-6727) for cottages at Buck Creek, Cowan Lake, Dillon, Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, and Pymatuning State Parks. Reservations for Punderson, Burr Oak, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Salt Fork, and Shawnee State Parks can be made by calling 1 (800) 282-7275. To reserve a cottage at Deer Creek, call 1 (877) 678-3337. Cottages can rent by the week in the summer and can be reserved up to one year in advance.
Prepare for your visit by mapping your travel route and making a list of any items you may need, such as dishwashing liquid or beach towels. Linens, dishes, pots and pans are provided in the cottages.
