Discover Nature With Your GMC: 3 Amazing State Parks Near Mansfield, OH

Our city of Mansfield, OH, lies midway between Columbus and Cleveland and is known as the “Fun Center of Ohio”. We enjoy the varied entertainment opportunities of our city, but we also enjoy visiting our amazing parks. Ohio has more than 74 state parks, and some of the most beautiful are within easy driving distance of our city. These are a sample of our favorite local parks.

Discover Nature With Your GMC: 3 Amazing State Parks To Visit Near Mansfield, OH

Malabar Farm State Park

This park was originally the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield. It’s set in the heart of Pleasant Valley, and part of it still operates as a farm. Visitors can explore the main house, the barns, and other buildings. Goats, chickens, and cattle can be seen, and the farm raises corn, oats, and hay.

Camping is available at 15 sites, but they are primitive as there is no electricity or water. You can fish for catfish and bluegill in the farm ponds, but you need to bring your Ohio fishing license with you. The park is dog-friendly, so the entire family can enjoy any of the three easy hiking trails. Horse riding is also allowed in the park.

Gilead State Park

 If you’re looking for a quiet park to relax and avoid the crowd, Mt Gilead could just be the place for you. The park isn’t large, it’s 181 acres, but it is beautiful and doesn’t get as many visitors as other parks. For campers, there are 59 campsites available, with electricity and water. A bonus is a camp store where you can buy food and convenience items.

If you’re an angler, bring your Ohio fishing license and test yourself against the panfish, bass, and bluegills in the lake. The 32-acre lake provides plenty of space to enjoy boating or kayaking. Golfers will enjoy the 9-hole course, but you do need to bring your clubs. Five picnic areas with benches and great views complete the park’s amenities.

Findley State Park

Findley is filled with pine and hardwood trees and covers approximately 838 acres. The stately trees and shady canopy they create bring a wonderful feeling of tranquility as you walk through the forest. This park has something for everyone. With 259 campsites, Findley has one of the largest caping areas in central Ohio.

The park is dog-friendly, which makes it the perfect place for the entire family. Trails wind through the trees, and they’re suitable for all ages. Picnicking is very popular, especially on warm summer days. The 93-acre lake in the park provides swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.

When you head out for a day exploring nature, you need space for family, dogs, food, and all the gear that gets packed but not unpacked. Your 2022 GMC Yukon SLE had more than enough room for everyone with its cavernous 25.5 cubic feet of storage space. Its 4-wheel drivetrain will make short work of even the most difficult terrain. When you need local tips or great add-ons for your GMC, call us at Mansfield GMC.

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