Cowan Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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With historical roots dating back to the indigenous Adena culture more than 2,000 years ago, Cowan Lake State Park in Ohio boasts a peaceful, wooded setting perfect for rest and relaxation. The lake, full of fish and waterfowl, was built in 1950 and is an oasis for water sports. This area sits upon fossil-rich limestone grounds where many digs have unearthed ancient remains. While you visit, check out the nature center, which offers lots of hands-on activities and educational experiences for all ages. Don't miss the life-like recreation of a bald eagle's nest and the monarch-filled native gardens outside!
Nearby Cities:
Wilmington, OH
Cuba, OH
Clarksville, OH
Midland, OH
Spring 51-74 F
Summer 82-84 F
Fall 52-78 F
Winter 37-41 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cowan Lake State Park
Campground Accommodations
Cowan Lake State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 59 feet
Other amenities: Camp store, basketball court, shower house, flush toilets, dump station, playground, drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables
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
Whether you're looking to marvel at the picturesque views or to enjoy some active recreation, Cowan Lake State Park has plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Rent a boat or kayak to get out on the lake and catch some fish to grill for dinner. Take a trek down one of the eight miles of trails, keeping your eyes open for wildlife along the path. For a quieter, more relaxed visit, pack your picnic basket for a meal at one of the tables overlooking the lake while watching the ducks and other water birds float and feast. If you've forgotten anything at home, the camp store is full of supplies for your visit.
Cowan Lake State Park has a 700-acre lake and miles of trails surrounded by woodland beauty and space to relax.
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.
Fishing
In the depths of the lake live saugeye, crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Fish from the wooded shore, a boat, or the accessible fishing pier near the Pine Tree picnic area. A youth pond is also available for the young ones to cast a line.
Geocaching
An easy Lamp Post cache sits hidden at Cowan Lake State Park.
Nature Watching
Whether perched at a picnic table overlooking the lake or hiking through the trails, nature moves all around. Look above for songbirds, over the lake for waterfowl, or throughout the woods for small mammals scurrying around.
Stargazing
To get a good glimpse at the sky above, you'll have to move away from the canopy of the wooded park. Along the lakeshore gives you the best look at the starry nights.
Flora and Fauna
Majestic beech and maple trees fill the wooded areas of the park with wildflowers like bloodroot, wild ginger, spring beauties, and trillium covering the open spaces. American lotus water lilies grow abundantly in the shallow areas of the lake. Ducks, geese, herons, and bald eagles hang out on or near the lake. Songbirds such as eastern bluebirds, house wrens, and catbirds provide amusing birdwatching. Frolicking through the forest lands, you may see white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, rabbits, and woodchucks. If you watch closely, you might even spy a muskrat or beaver.
Hiking
More than eight miles of trails wind through the park, ranging from easy to moderate. In the campground, you'll find the starting points for the Beechnut and Lakeview Trails. Near the main office, the Dogwood and Oldfield Trails are available for hiking. On the south side of the lake sit the Spillway and Emerald Woods Trails. For the little ones, check out Storybook Trail at the nature center, an easy and flat 0.5-mile trail that tells a children's story in segments as you walk.
Boating
The lake’s 700 provide great boating, sailing, and kayaking adventures. Three boat ramps and an accessible kayak launch give access to the lake. The South Shore Marina rents boats and canoes, and the camp store rents kayaks and standup paddle boats.
Swimming
Take a dip in the lake from the 1000-foot designated swimming beach on the south lake shore. A public changing house and restrooms are available.
Biking
While there are no designated biking trails in the park, there are plenty of paved surfaces for you to pedal through, especially from the campground to the beach.
How to Get to
Cowan Lake State Park
Taking US Highway 68 south from Wilmington, you'll exit to the west at Highway 224. From there, take Highway 54 to the south until you enter the park.
Entering Cowan Lake State Park
Parking is abundant throughout the park. You’ll find lots at the nature center, beach, and boat launch. Entrance fees are not required to enjoy all the fun at Cowan Lake State Park.
Cowan Lake State Park Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowan Lake State Park
The summer months offer the perfect weather to get out on the lake and enjoy boating, kayaking, and sailing. Fall colors adorn the trees later in the year. In the winter, you can enjoy hunting, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing.
Ducks, herons, and geese float around the lake while songbirds sing overhead throughout the wooded park. You'll see deer, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, beavers, and woodchucks roaming on land.
There are 237 campsites in Cowan Lake State Park Campground.
Yes, reservations are required at Cowan Lake State Park. These reservations can be made online or over the phone. No walk-in or self-registration is available. The rates for sites at the park range from $23 for a non-electric site to $44 for a full hookup spot.
Yes, pets on a leash are welcome in the park. Please do not bring your pets to the playground, beach, or any indoor areas.