Mary Jane Thurston State Park

Introduction of Mary Jane Thurston State Park

Visiting Mary Jane Thurston State Park is ideal for both campers and those wishing to use the day-use amenities. There are numerous activities available in the park, ranging from team sports to boating and fishing.

A Grand Rapids schoolteacher dedicated this 104-acre area as a park in 1928. The original park was only 14 acres in size. After various leases and swaps, the area was officially dedicated as the park we know today in 1968.

Winter activities at the park include sledding, cross-country skiing, and sledding. All of these activities are not typically found in parks in the southern United States.

These activities make Mary Jane Thurston State Park ideal for all four seasons.

While there are approximately 20 rustic tent campsites, this park is quite RV friendly in terms of navigation and amenities. The campsite has no sewer hookups, however it does have four water hookups and 27 electric hookups. Although there are no sewer hookups, there are restrooms and a dump station near the park office within walking distance!

Mary Jane Thurston State Park Camping

Camping in Mary Jane Thurston State Park is an excellent way to take advantage of the season’s events. This campground is available all year, however the main season is from April to October. Whether you’re camping in the summer or the winter, there’s always something exciting to do in the park.

There are numerous amenities available to you and your family at the campground. If you’re camping with the whole family, there are playgrounds located within the park’s campground. You’ll discover fishing, hiking, boating, and even an amphitheatre where you can watch Saturday night movies within walking distance of the park!

While the number of available sites is limited, four of the 23 electric sites provide water hookup. The campground does not have sewage hookups, however there is a dump station near the park office for your convenience. All campsites have picnic tables and fire rings.

There are restrooms within walking distance of every campground for active campers to use.

The campsite also has a day-use lodge that may be reserved. This heated lodge is ideal for meetings or reunions, and it is handicap accessible!

Mary Jane Thurston State Park Activities

Hiking

Mary Thurston State Park is ideal for individuals searching for a pleasant hike, whether they are novice or expert hikers. All of the pathways in the park are considered easy, making them ideal for walking with friends and enjoying nature.

The park features four trails: the Tow Path, the Orange Trail, the Blue Trail, and the Yellow Trail. These routes range in length from.3 miles to slightly more than a mile. The Tow Path extends all the way into Grand Rapids Park!

Fishing

In Mary Jane Thurston State Park, fishing is the ideal global activity. Fishing is wonderful in both summer and winter, making it ideal for any season. Fishing from a boat and bank fishing are popular in the summer, while ice fishing is possible in the winter when the weather permits.

Northern pike, walleye, white bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bullhead, sheepshead, and crappie are the most widely fished species in the park. There aren’t many spots with this many species in one place, so take advantage of this fishing chance!

Winter Activities

While the camping season is largely in the summer, there are numerous activities to do in Mary Jane Thurston State Park throughout the year! While all of these activities are weather dependent, they are normally permitted throughout the winter.

Cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing are all popular winter sports in the park. Pack your skis, sled, and warmest coat if you want to visit in the winter!

Boating

Mary Jane Thurston State Park is located on the Maumee River, making it an ideal park for water enthusiasts. A 96-slip marina is located in the state park, and docks can be rented on a daily basis!

This region is also ideal for individuals looking for kayaking and canoeing opportunities. While the river is large, several locations around the state park feature calm waters that are ideal for paddle boats.

Picnicking

Picnicking with friends and family is a fun way to spend time together. Each campground includes its own fire pit, picnic table, and grill! You won’t have to worry about being the first to the table because you’ll be at your own campsite!

If you have a larger company, there are two picnic spots on the river’s edge, each with picnic tables and grills. There are also bathrooms in the picnic grounds, making this state park ideal for your next picnic.

Team Sports

There are various areas in the park where you may participate in some fun team sports. A volleyball court and a basketball court are available at the campground. Whether you’re travelling with friends or alone, this is a terrific chance to meet new people while also participating in two enjoyable team sports.

Make sure to bring your own volleyball or basketball, as the park only has one court.

Mary Jane Thurston State Park Location

Mary Jane Thurston State Park is easily accessible, as it is only a half-hour drive southwest of Toledo, OH. The park, which is located on State Route 65, is easily accessible by car or full-sized RV.

If you want to use the park’s day-use amenities, there is plenty of parking for your car, RV, or car and boat trailer. The park has two entrances, both of which are located on State Route 65. Because one section houses the marina, you must use the main road to go between the two sections of the park.

The campground is located on the park’s east side, while the boating and marina areas are on the park’s west side. All roads within the park are broad enough to handle RVs and cars pulling boats, making them easy to traverse with your RV. The park’s roadways are all paved, making it even easier to manoeuvre your RV.

Everything you’d want to do is within walking or bicycling distance if you stay in the campground. Even the marina area is walkable from the campground!

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available