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Great Seal
Overview
Great Seal State Park captures the essence of Ohio’s natural history, offering a landscape that famously inspired the state’s official seal. Located in the Appalachian foothills, this park provides a more rugged and intimate camping experience compared to larger state resorts. It is a destination where the scenic vistas of Mount Logan serve as a daily backdrop, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the deep woods and rolling hills of Ross County for a quiet retreat.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just north of Chillicothe, OH, the park sits at the edge of the Allegheny Plateau. The terrain is defined by steep ridges and deep hollows, a result of glacial activity thousands of years ago. This creates a striking contrast between the flat plains to the north and the rising hills to the south. The surrounding area is rich in Native American history, with the landscape itself telling the story of the ancient Hopewell culture that once thrived in these valleys.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Great Seal is known for its quiet, wooded atmosphere. It offers a selection of electric and non-electric sites suitable for RVs and trailers. While the park maintains a rustic vibe, visitors have access to vault toilets, pressurized water, and a dump station nearby. One of the standout features is the extensive trail system, which includes over 20 miles of paths designated for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There is also a well-regarded 18-hole disc golf course available for public use.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
A short drive from the park leads to the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, where visitors can explore ancient earthworks and mounds. History buffs will also enjoy visiting the Adena Mansion and Gardens, the former estate of Thomas Worthington. During the summer months, the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre hosts the famous outdoor drama, Tecumseh!, which brings local history to life under the stars. For those who enjoy water activities, the Scioto River flows nearby, offering opportunities for paddling and fishing.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and hikers who prefer a peaceful, low-key camping environment over high-traffic commercial resorts. Because the sites are more primitive and integrated into the forest, it is best suited for adventurous RVers with smaller rigs or those who enjoy a back-to-basics lifestyle. It is particularly popular with mountain bikers and equestrians looking for challenging terrain. If you are seeking a destination where the focus is outdoor recreation and historical exploration, Great Seal provides the perfect basecamp.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Rick
A very cool State Park, we've been there several times. In this Park, there's even a Geocache from 2001! A little over a year after the first ever Geocache was hidden in Oregon, so that's cool.
Josh
Did not get to hike to the top or play a round of disc golf. Still gets 5 stars because all state parks should be loved.
Michelle Hunt
Love the elevations- hills were no joke.
Brian Watson
Beautiful park! The disc golf course is challenging! There is no open grassy areas except a few, otherwise is just narrow paths in the woods so hopefully you can throw straight! lol
Jeremy Goss
The Rock Loop Trail in Great Seal State Park is an amazing hike! Better have your hiking boots on. Its a workout.