Ohio Parks Offer 25% Veteran Camping Discount
The year-round discount covers overnight campsites, cabins and lodge rooms at Ohio State Parks for veterans and active-duty service members.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in National Parks
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Should Ohio expand discounts for veterans at state parks?
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has launched a year-round 25% discount on overnight services at Ohio State Parks for veterans and active-duty military. The discount applies to campsites, cabins and lodge rooms but excludes food and retail merchandise.
Why it matters
The discount aims to expand access to the state's outdoor public lands and provide financial relief for service members and their families. It follows the signing of Senate Bill 233 by Governor Mike DeWine in September.
The discount is 25% off standard overnight rates for campsites, cabins and lodge rooms, but not food or retail merchandise. Eligible guests must present valid military identification or approved proof of service at check-in, and the discount cannot be combined with other promotions.
The players
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The state agency that manages Ohio's state parks, wildlife areas and natural resources, and oversees the veterans camping discount program.
Mike DeWine
The Governor of Ohio, who signed Senate Bill 233 into law in September 2026.
The details
Eligible veterans and active-duty members can book through reserveohio.com, Great Ohio Lodges or The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake portals. The service member must be present and listed as an occupant of the reserved site or facility, and the discount applies only to new reservations.
Timeline
September 2026: Governor Mike DeWine signs Senate Bill 233 into law.
November 4, 2026: ODNR announces the year-round veterans discount.
Seasonal Patterns
The discount is available year-round, so it extends beyond the peak summer camping season that typically drives Ohio State Park overnight bookings. It takes effect in November 2026, when most of the state's campgrounds see lower occupancy.
Veterans planning an overnight stay should reserve through reserveohio.com or a lodge booking portal and bring valid military identification to check-in. The discount does not cover food or retail purchases, so budget for those separately.
The takeaway
Veterans and active-duty members can now get 25% off overnight stays at Ohio State Parks year-round. Eligibility requires valid military identification and presence on the reservation.
Further reading
Explore more on National Parks for context on how state park access programs are structured.
More information
Book a site through the state park campsite reservation portal and confirm eligibility before arrival.
Live Poll
Should Ohio expand discounts for veterans at state parks?
