Cowan Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
Ohio
Known as a birdwatcher's paradise, Cowan Lake State Park is located in Wilmington, Ohio. The scenic inlets and wooded shoreline provide a peaceful atmosphere when visiting this lake. There are also plenty of opportunities to hike through the mature woodlands that surround the area. Cowan Lake State Park is almost center between Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio. If you like amusement parks, Kings Island is within driving distance. At Ault Park, you can see the Little Miami River Valley's panoramic views, and a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo is also worthwhile as it is one of the few zoos in North America to keep and breed bonobos.
Spring 52-73 F
Summer 61-81 F
Fall 34-52 F
Winter 32-43 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cowan Lake State Park
RVing is a convenient way to visit state parks because you can take all the comforts of home while going on an adventure. It is a great way to connect with family or find yourself during a solo trip. If you don't own an RV, consider renting one through RVshare.
Cowan Lake State Park Campgrounds & Cabins
Located in Wilmington, Ohio, Cowan Lake State Park Campground features a sandy beach to enjoy with your family. This campground is great for water lovers because you can take your rented kayak on the beautiful lake for hours of fun. There is no Wi-Fi, which means you can take a break from social media and work. The nightly rate starts at $29.
- Water hookup: No
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Shower houses, flush toilet, camp store, bike and kayak rentals, laundry facilities, beach, basketball court
Beechwood Acres Camping Resort
Just a few minutes' drive from Cowan Lake State Park, Beechwood Acres Camping Resort has everything necessary for a perfect summer with the family. The campground is a short walk from Cowan Lake, but the campground has many amenities that will keep you entertained as well. The managers of the camp host several events that adults and children alike can enjoy. If you stay for a month, the nightly rate is $25. If you stay for less than a month, it is $45.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Camp store, laundry facilities, heated pool, planned events, shower house, basketball court, cornhole court
Wilmington RV Resort
Also located in Wilmington, Ohio, Wilmington RV Resort is just eight miles from Wilmington Thousand Trails. Located in a nature preserve, it has a lake that is perfect for fishing and canoeing. You can rent canoes there. The campground also has a pool and a playground, which the little ones will enjoy. The nightly rate starts at $62.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Camp store, laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, playground, pool, volleyball, mini-golf, cafe
Pine Cove Campground
Pine Cove Campground is located in an area suitable for hiking and water activities such as swimming and fishing. From the campground, you can enjoy city life or soak in what nature has to offer. You can only rent monthly or seasonally. The monthly rate starts at $550.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Camp store, shower house, bathrooms, laundry facilities, pool, basketball court, playground, camper storage, boat storage
What to Do at
Cowan Lake State Park
Inside Cowan Lake State Park
Cowan Lake State Park sits on 1,775 acres of land. On the property are many trails with mature trees. You can find the American Lotus water lily in the inlets here. The lake is great for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing. In the winter, you can cross-country ski, ice fish, and sled at the park.
Outside Cowan Lake State Park
The cuisine outside of the park is mostly barbecue. If you are into that, you will consider it a treat to visit the many restaurants in the area. Wilmington and the cities within driving distance feature several different parks, including an amusement park. There are also some shops that you can check out.
Restaurants
Spillway Lodge
This above-average steakhouse features a homemade barbecue sauce to die for. In addition to steak, this establishment serves ribs, chops, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes.
Type: American, Steakhouse
Location: 623 Old State Road, Clarksville, OH 45113
Beaugard's Southern Bar "B" Que
This budget-friendly barbecue joint is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Clinton County. You can choose from a wide selection of starters, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, catfish, and, of course, barbecue staples like brisket and pulled pork.
Type: Barbecue, Southern
Location: 975 S. South Street, Wilmington, OH, 45177
The Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe
Get your Italian fix with pizza and calzones. The mozzarella sticks are a big hit. Don’t forget to try the gyros!
Type: Mediterranean, Italian
Location: 53 E. Main Street, Wilmington, OH 45177
Fiesta Veracruz
Enjoy fresh Mexican food with large portions here. Make sure to save room for the authentic desserts, like the fried ice cream, churros, and sweet chimi concoctions.
Type: Mexican
Location: 37 W. Locust Street, Wilmington, OH 45177
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
If you like sushi, you will like this place. Be sure to try the sweet potato roll.
Type: Japanese
Location: 1362 Rombach Avenue, Wilmington, OH 45177
Shopping
Get Reel Bait & Tackle
This is a nice little place where you can get live bait for fishing. The store also carries rods and reels, camping and picnic supplies, and snacks.
Location: 6837 State Route 350, Clarksville, OH 45113
Sugartree Mill Co.
If you like antiques, you will love this place. The shop also carries a wide selection of home décor items, jewelry, and children’s items.
Location: 316 E. Sugartree Street, Wilmington, OH 45177
Save-a-Cent Consignment
Save money and get nice clothes at a discount at this thrift store. You can find everything from infant through adult clothing, as well as accessories.
Location: 1541 Rombach Avenue, Wilmington, OH 45177
The Wooden Moose
This cute little shop is filled with hand-crafted knick-knacks. You can also purchase paint, candles, flowers, and more here.
Location: 140 E. Sugartree Street, Wilmington, OH, 45177
Cotton Junky Quilt Shop
This quilt shop features a large variety of fabrics and patterns. Classes are also available.
Location: 110 W. Main Street, Wilmington, OH, 45177
Sightseeing
Kings Island
This is the perfect place for a rollercoaster junkie. Enjoy family fun on the water rides.
Location: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, OH 45040
Summit Park
This 130-acre park offers learning opportunities, activities, and year-round events. Get a view of the tristate area when you visit the free observation tower.
Location: 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242
The Cincinnati Railway Company
This railway company offers exclusive charter excursions in its luxury railcars. Take a ride on the restored Moonlight Dome car, and travel back in time to the '50s.
Location: 11013 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
This zoo features more than 500 animals and 3,000 species of plants. The meerkats are absolutely adorable.
Location: 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Ault Park
This 224-acre park features a pavilion that can be rented for private events, including weddings. The cherry blossoms are gorgeous here.
Location: 3600 Observatory Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208
How to Get to
Cowan Lake State Park
Cowan Lake State Park is just an hour northeast of Cincinnati. Take I-71 N. Take Exit 36 to Wilmington Road. Travel on OH-350 E. and exit onto Beechwood Road. Drive until you see the sign at the fork in the road.
Entering Cowan Lake State Park
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Cowan Lake State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.