Located in the Appalachian foothills near the banks of the Ohio River, 1,095-acre Shawnee State Park is nestled in the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest.

Once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians, the region is one of the most picturesque in the state, featuring erosion-carved valleys and wooded hills. The rugged beauty of the area has earned it the nickname "The Little Smokies."

Camping

108 campsites suitable for tents or trailers:

94 electric sites
Dump stations, heated shower houses, flush toilets, and laundry facilities
Pet are allowed on all sites
Boat rental
Games and sporting equipment to loan to registered campers
A group camp that can accommodate up to 45 people is available by reservation
58-site equestrian campground with latrines is available near Bear Lake on state forest land

Activities

Boating

Roosevelt and Turkey Creek lakes total 68 acres and each has a launch ramp. Usually the only motorized boats allowed on these lakes are those with electric motors, however beginning January 10, 2019, boats with all types of motors are allowed to operate on Turkey Creek Lake as long as they maintain idle (no-wake) speed. This trial period ends October 31, 2020 and only applies to Turkey Creek Lake. Roosevelt remains an electric-only lake. ODNR will seek public comments at the end of each boating season before recommending a permanent change.

Rowboats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats are available for rental at the camp store.

A marina facility off U.S. Route 52 offers access to the Ohio River as well as 72 seasonal docks (including one ADA courtesy slip for loading and unloading) and 8 transient docks.

Golf

Golfing enthusiasts can enjoy a 72-par, 18-hole golf course located along the Ohio River.

Fishing

Two well-stocked lakes provide good catches of largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie and trout. A trout derby is held annually at Turkey Creek Lake. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting

Hunting is NOT permitted in the state park but is allowed in the adjacent state forest. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Nature Center

Visit the quaint A-frame Nature Center and historic cabin near the Turkey Creek Boat Ramp for more information on trails and local attractions, to visit with a naturalist, to learn about local wildlife and much more. The nature center is open Wednesday-Sunday in June, July and August from 12pm to 3pm. Spring and fall hours are posted in the Naturalist Calendar. You can also visit the naturalist and educational animals at the park office.

Picnicking

Five picnic areas with tables and grills are located in many secluded and scenic areas of the park. Two accessible shelterhouses are available at Lake Roosevelt and can be reserved. These areas are Carry-in, Carry-out; no trash cans are available.

Swimming

Public beaches are situated on Roosevelt Lake and Turkey Creek Lake. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT allowed on swimming beaches.

Trails

Many hiking trails traverse the park and the surrounding state forest:

Lampblack Trail - 1 miles
Lake Trail - .8 mile
Lodge/Beach Trail - .5 mile
Knighton Nature Trail - 2.3 miles
Turkey Creek Nature Center Trail - .5 mile
Park Loop Trail - 5 miles
Lookout Trail - 1.5 miles
Campground Loop Trail - .5 mile
.
Shawnee Forest Day Hike Trail - 4.6 miles  - Follow blue blazes.
Shawnee Backpack Trail - 40+ miles - Follow orange blazes. This trail winds through wilderness area and includes portions of the Buckeye Trail and North Country Trail. Take the 40-mile main loop, or a shorter trek around the 23-mile North Loop, or 17-mile South Loop. Back country camping is offered in 7 designated areas. Hikers and backpackers must have a self-registration permit, available at the trail head parking area. Drinking water and latrines are provided at camping areas.

The park also features bridle trails in the adjacent Shawnee State Forest:

Lampblack Bridle Trail
Mackletree Bridle Trail
 
An additional 75 miles of bridle trails with 58 primitive equestrian camp sites are located within the adjacent Shawnee State Forest.

Winter Recreation

In winter, park guests can enjoy ice fishing under the proper conditions.

Miniature golf, located at the camp store, is open to all park visitors
Archery Range
Volleyball and basketball courts
Horseshoe pits
Playground equipment
Tennis courts and shuffleboard at the lodge
Geocaching