To promote camping at state parks, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is offering free camping in almost all state parks this Thursday, April 18th. While you can walk-in and claim a site, you will probably want to reserve a camp site, which you can do at the Ohio DNR website, or calling the reservation line at 1-866-644-6727 just in case.

It’s a shame the state decided to do this during the week – I doubt it’s high season yet and it would have been more productive if they did this on a Friday, especially since most people would have picked up their spot on Saturday as well. And there aren’t many parents who will want to pull their kids out of school just to save $20 or so on a trip.

Note that this offer doesn’t apply at Jackson Lake or Strouds Run parks as they are concession run parks, nor are all the parks open for camping yet. But the good news is, combined with free entrance into all state parks, adding camping to your trip can be just as affordable April 18th.

Find some activities to do at Ohio State Parks.