Mary Jane Thurston State Park

This was our last stop after two weeks on the road. Mary Jane Thurston State Park is located about 30 minutes south of Interstate 80/90 in the town of McClure, Ohio.  This was a planned one night only stay so I didn’t so much research ahead of making the reservation. We choose our spot online after looking at the map (we tend to lean more towards spaces that look like they are further apart from other campsites) so we choose spot #2.

We arrived at the campground mid-afternoon.  Pulling in the sites were right off the road.  There was no one around.  We immediately looked at site #2 and regretted our choice.  From what we could tell there was an open field of 14 campsites and a narrow road that lead through some trees.  We got out and started looking to see if there were any better spots (of the 14) that were open (smaller state parks will have sites tagged if they have upcoming reservations).  We were kind of at loss.  After some time we decided to see what was on the other side of the trees.  Much to our delight there was a row of campsites facing a river.  It was beautiful.

Mary Jane Thurston State Park – Site #18

There were a few spots reserved but we were able to switch to a campsite with a beautiful view.  This state park is quiet (it was off season).  While Jim relaxed by the campfire, I went exploring.  There were a few hiking trails and large damn where a fair amount of Egrets were hanging out.

Egrets along the Maumee River at Mary Jane Thurston State Park, McClure Ohio

Egret – Mary Jane Thurston State Park

Egrets at Sunset – Mary Jane Thurston State Park

A great find and a quiet place to relax.

Campground Review/Rating:

Trip Stay: Overnight

Access: 30 minutes from the Interstate

Hook Ups: 30 amp (no water/sewer)

Site: Some space between sites. Open area, we had the spots that faced the water.

Level site: Yes

Site Type: Back in

Online Reservations:  Yes (you can choose your site online)

Website: Ohio State Parks/Reserve America