Outside Toledo Is Ohio's Riverside State Park With Scenic Camping, Fishing, And Boating

Nearly a century ago, a Grand Rapids, Ohio, schoolteacher named Mary Jane Thurston helped lay the groundwork for one of the state's scenic parks. In 1928, Thurston bequeathed 14 acres of land to be used as a park along the Maumee River. After several property transfers and leases, Mary Jane Thurston State Park was officially dedicated in 1968. What was once a place where cows grazed in open fields is now a peaceful outdoor escape, offering visitors a spot to relax by the water and soak up the quiet beauty of the Maumee River Valley. After a day of fishing or paddling, visitors can unwind by a campfire while watching the stars light up the night sky.

At 105 acres, Mary Jane Thurston State Park is one of Ohio's smallest state parks, but the park offers several recreational activities. Aside from water recreation and camping, the park has miles of multi-use trails, a disc golf course, 3D Archery, winter sledding, and picnic spots. One of the most interesting features about Mary Jane Thurston State Park is the remnants of the historic Ohio canals. Inside the park, you'll find part of the Miami and Erie Canal that farmers used to transport their products to surrounding markets all the way to Lake Erie. Visitors can learn the canal's history and take quiet walks beside the old waterway.

Arguably, one of Mary Jane Thurston State Park's biggest draws is its proximity to Toledo. A quick 30-mile drive along Interstate 75 and the northwest Ohio countryside, and you'll be at this riverside escape. For Indiana roadtrippers making their way from Fort Wayne to Lake Erie, the park is a convenient spot to camp or simply to take a break and get some fresh air before heading back on the road.

Similar to Independence Dam State Park, Mary Jane Thurston State Park offers fishing and boating on the Maumee. Designated as an Ohio Scenic River, the Maumee stretches for 137 miles from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Lake Erie. The river is a prime destination for all kinds of water recreation, making the park ideal for visitors who enjoy fishing, boating, or paddling. A boat ramp and marina (with multiple docks) serve as an access point to the Maumee River Water Trail, a 107-mile trail with access to 39 parks in northwest Ohio.

Once you launch, you can explore the Maumee River and nearby access points. From the peaceful waterway, enjoy views of the wooded riverbanks with bird songs in the background. Wildlife is abundant along the river. You might spot white-tailed deer grazing near the shoreline, turtles swimming, waterfowl playing, and signs of beavers. Look up, and an eagle might be soaring high above your head. If you want to drop your line, be sure to have your Ohio fishing license with you if you're over 16. And for another nature-focused stop between Fort Wayne and Toledo, Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area offers trails, fishing, and birdwatching around its wooded lake.

According to Ohio State Parks, the Maumee River has "some of Ohio's best stream fishing." Anglers can drop their line for a chance to catch something to cook for dinner. The river is known for all kinds of freshwater species, including walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. You can fish from the riverbanks too, so bring your rod, chair, and your patience and see what you can reel in. If you need a kayak to go into deeper water, you can rent one from the park between April and October.

Unlike some of the best places to camp in Ohio, Mary Jane Thurston State Park doesn't have a sprawling campground. Instead, expect a smaller camping area with wooded and riverfront spots, offering 16 tent sites, 19 RV sites with electricity only, and four with electric and water hookups. Restrooms, showers, potable water, and a dump station are nearby, and pets are permitted at all campsites. But the real highlights are the amenities, which are especially great if you have the little ones with you.

The kiddos can spend their days at the playground, on the basketball court, or playing near the canals, and on Saturday nights, you can gather the family to watch movies at the amphitheater. Book a site near the riverbanks, where evenings can be spent gazing at pretty sunsets as you settle in by the campfire, then wake up and walk to the water's edge to enjoy your morning coffee. You'll want to book early as some of the RV sites fill up quickly, especially the ones near the water.

Campers also highlight the easy walk along the scenic canals to Grand Rapids to dine or shop. Visitors can spend an entire day in the city and enjoy a lovely evening walking back to their campsite. If you're only here for the day, consider renting the day lodge. You and up to 50 guests can have your very own mini day-cation, with tons of amenities such as a covered porch, heating and cooling, a wood fireplace, and grills, tables, and chairs to enjoy mealtime. Otherwise, the park is free to visit, and it opens from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., giving day trippers plenty of time to explore.