Crescent-News.com - Ohio State Parks offer abundant cabin lodging

CAMBRIDGE -- Cabins at Ohio's State Parks are popular during the summer vacation months, particularly for multi-family groups. Many cabins are still available for summer rentals.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the operator of cabins and lodges in seven Ohio State Parks, offers the following tips for vacationers seeking accommodations at rooms and cabins in Maumee Bay, Hueston Woods, Shawnee, Burr Oak, Punderson, Salt Fork and Mohican State Parks.

-- Timing is everything.

Although there is still some availability for selected dates between mid-June and mid-August, the two weeks before Labor Day often have even more room and cabin inventory. "Some schools don't end until mid-June, and families typically spend the pre-Labor Day weeks gearing up for school instead of traveling, so vacationers with flexible schedules might find a window of opportunity during those periods," explained Sabreena Beaverson, director of central reservations for Ohio State Park Resorts.

-- Be persistent.

Often, cabins become available when guests cancel because their travel plans have changed. It's easy and quick to check availability online at www.atapark.com.

Three resorts -- Maumee Bay, Burr Oak and Hueston Woods -- offer three- and four-day cabin rentals. The other resorts require a seven-night minimum for cabin accommodations during peak summer months.

-- Save time, go online.

If you are unsure about which park is right for your party, visit the individual resort websites for complete descriptions of accommodations and activities. The sites are www.maumeebayresort.com, www.saltforkresort.com, www.mohicanresort.com, www.burroakresort.com, www.hwresort.com, www.shawneeresort.com and www.pundersonmanorresort.com.

-- Reserve your playtime too.

Activities such as golf and boating require advance reservations, and Xanterra recommends travelers who are booking activities during peak times make those reservations early.

"Ohio State Parks offer some of the most stunning natural scenery in the state, and many of the cabins are positioned by lakes and golf courses to visitors can experience the parks' most stunning views," said Beaverson. "Cabins are particularly great for families and groups who like a choice of activities -- like golfing, boating, hiking and swimming -- but prefer to play in a natural setting."

The cabin offerings vary from park to park. At Maumee Bay, for example, 24 cabins are available in two- and four-bedroom configurations. Some of the cabins are situated along the wetlands, and others are located on the resort's golf course. At Salt Fork, 54 cabins are located hillside or lakeside. The popular lakeside chalet cabins also include a fireplace and hot tub on a screened-in porch.

Ohio State Park Resorts are located throughout the state within an easy drive of many major metropolitan areas in Ohio, southern Michigan and western Pennsylvania. Mohican State Park Resort near Loudonville, for example, is an hour from Columbus, Cleveland and Akron.

Maumee Bay State Park Resort in Oregon is a half hour from Toledo. Salt Fork State Park Resort is located only two hours from Pittsburgh. Punderson Manor State Park Resort in Newbury is 30 minutes from Cleveland. Burr Oak State Park in Glouster is just two hours from Columbus. Hueston Woods in College Corner is 45 minutes from Dayton. Shawnee State Park in Friendship is located two hours from Cincinnati. Cabins and lodge rooms can be booked at www.atapark.com or by calling 800-ATAPARK.