Cowan Lake State Park

(5 Reviews)
1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA

(937) 382-1096


Contact and Address

Category: Park,
Address: 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA
Postal code: 45177
Phone: (937) 382-1096
Website: https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/cowan-lake-state-park

Hours:

Monday:Open 24 hours
Tuesday:Open 24 hours
Wednesday:Open 24 hours
Thursday:Open 24 hours
Friday:Open 24 hours
Saturday:Open 24 hours
Sunday:Open 24 hours

Location & routing

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Most Recent Reviews


  • (June 16, 2023, 2:30 pm)

    Recently we completed our first visit, 3-days, 2-nights, mid-week in mid-June 2023, with grandsons age 3 & 6. The rental cabin was cozy, comfortable, and very clean. Grounds were pretty well kept. Staff that we encountered were friendly and accommodating. RV campers were present in abundance, but the sites were not crowded; one area was closed off. Tent campers were scarce. We did some hiking and visited both the north shore and south shore beaches. The sand is rather gravely, don't expect fine, ocean sands, but kids enjoyed digging in the sand and limited water time. Canada geese by the score and then hundreds with their prolific droppings detracted markedly, but they are protected, so what can be done? The lake is sizable and we saw limited numbers of people fishing, kayaking, and boating. The 10-horse power limit keeps the lake quiet. The park is nicely wooded. No single road circumnavigates the park; one has to use county and state roads to go from the north shore's camping area to the marina and beach on the south shore where boat, canoe, and kayak rentals are offered. The archery range had several wooden support structures, but no hay bales -- not sure how that is supposed to work, but the single deer we saw grazing behind the targets seemed well at ease. Several areas with playground equipment dotted the park. Public restrooms were clean and plentiful. There are no tennis or pickleball or bocce courts. We saw children enjoying their bicycles and scooters, enabled by very limited traffic and a 20 mph speed limit. We hope to return again in the fall and winter. It is a lovely park with a sizable lake and well-kept boat launches, peaceful and serene for the most part. As noted, outdoor activities rather than recreational games are the main draw. The large but largely empty parking lots and campsites indicate that the park is currently underutilized. There is ample evidence that Ohio underfunds this park; it has a sense of struggling to recapture a more splendent heyday. If you have some extra disposable funds, consider contributing to the restoration of the once elaborate stone and brick amphitheater. In the meantime, Cowan Lake State Park is well worth a visit in the rolling hills of SW Ohio.


  • (June 1, 2023, 2:45 pm)

    Beautiful area of Ohio. This State Park had it all. Fishing kayaking and a Marine. Nice facilities, showers and restrooms clean. It also has a few play grounds for younger children. The park has a store you can purchase food, burgers pizza and ice cream. It also features daily specials too. Clean grounds, though out the park. Several beach's to swim at. Docks to fish from, along with boat rentals and kayaks to. Beautiful mature trees through out the park. Hiking trails as well. Easy check in when arriving. Primitive camp sites too. Very family friendly and pets are allowed. And very quite at night. Will be returning in August.


  • (May 21, 2023, 9:06 am)

    First, the cottages. I have stayed at the cottages here 4 times since 2004 and it is always quiet, clean and pleasant.

    Campgrounds. I have camped at the campground every year from 2004-2018, always during the fall camp out and trick o treat. We would stay for two weeks (4-5 families) and it was always a blast. Grounds are kept clean. Bath areas kept clean.

    Finally, my main forte, all of the trails.

    SPILLWAY TRAIL—is a out and back trail a little over 5 miles (round trip). Well marked accept the entrance is confusing. Mostly dirt with several hills and a couple shallow ravines.

    EMERALD TRAIL—is an out and back trail on the other (southern) side of the lake. It is well marked and easy to follow. The trail is about 1.25 miles (round trip)

    DOGWOOD TRAIL—is behind the admin building at the entrance of the park. This is another out and back trail. Well marked. Follows a good portion of Cowan Creek. It is my favorite trail. Ive walked it over a dozen times. Some hills. The trail is about 1.25 miles (round trip)

    LOTUS COVE TRAIL: is still confusing and marked poorly. Most of it is clear and single wide.

    OLD FIELD TRAIL: is well marked and easy to follow. However, you have to hike part of Old Field trail to get to lotus cove trail. Or you can park back at the maintenance lot and hike either one. I hiked both these trails on 4/25/23

    This of course doesn’t include the greenery growing for other wildflowers yet to bloom like the yellow trout Lily, and most rare WHITE FAWN LILY (foliage only right now) but I will be making frequent trips to see this rare flower bloom.

    LAKEVIEW TRAIL: Last year when I hiked this trail it was a mess. Very difficult to follow, trails cluttered and narrow. Yesterday I hiked them again and now are very well marked, cleared, and Easy to follow. This is Approximately a one mile loop

    BEECHNUT TRAIL: Has always been a nice trail. Easy to follow, clear and well marked. Approximately a 1.5 mile trail that is shaped like a pair of lungs.

    There were huge areas of white trillium, spring beauty, purple, yellow and striped cream violets, cleavers, early meadow rue, false Solomon’s seal, smooth Solomon’s seal, black haw, shepherds purse, area full of wild geranium, hillside full of Atlantic camas(never see before), jacobs ladder, Violet woodsorrel, ramps, garlic mustard, yellow rocket, dwarf larkspur, little leaf butter cup, (ONE) yes, one single jack-in-the-pulpit, chickweed, woodland stonecrop.

    This of course doesn’t include the greenery growing for many, many other wildflowers yet to bloom like the yellow trout Lily, and rare WHITE FAWN LILY (foliage only right now)

    All in all, great place for family putting, walking, hiking, pictures, camping, and boating. Even has a couple swimming areas.

    Nature preserves
    Parks
    Hiking
    Trails


  • (April 26, 2023, 8:17 am)

    Cowan is our home away from home! We love camping, fishing and exploring the state park. We always spend Saturday night eating pizza from the commissary and hanging out by the fire. Our dogs love walking the campground and the attention from fellow campers! Shower and RR facilities are always clean and well kept, thanks to the amazing camper hosts. They are also working on upgrading a total of 60 full hookup sites.


  • (February 12, 2023, 9:49 am)

    This park is so clean and well maintained. The state run components are very well done and the park has a well operated "Friends of Cowan Lake" that has a lot of well done events. The trails are well maintained. They aren't very long, which would be my only critique, but if you're up for a quick hike, there are several perfect trails. There are beautiful lake front views. The facilities are clean. There's a paired set of balls eagles that best there so that's a nice treat to see also.

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Photos of Cowan Lake State Park

Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096
Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096
Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096
Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096
Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096
Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096
Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096
Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096
Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096
Cowan Lake State Park | 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA | Phone: (937) 382-1096

Cowan Lake State Park On the Web

Cowan Lake State Park - Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Cowan Lake State Park offers a peaceful lake setting complete with scenic inlets and wooded shoreline. Swimming, fishing, sailing, and kayaking are popular here. ... Park Office: (937) 382-1096; 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday. Manager: Mike Norman. Nature Center: Winter Hours: Thursday 10am to 2pm, Friday 2pm to 6pm, and Saturday 10am to 6pm.


Official Website for Clinton County Ohio - Cowan Lake State Park

Cowan lake at sunset. Cowan Lake State Park offers a peaceful lake setting complete with scenic inlets and wooded shoreline. Swimming, fishing, sailing, and kayaking are popular here. Trails wind through mature woodlands. Overnight guests can choose from deluxe family cabins or the cozy campground — all within a short walk or bike ride to the ...


Cowan Lake State Park - Ohio.org

1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, OH 45177. Located in southwestern Ohio, this 1,775-acre park offers a peaceful lake setting complete with scenic inlets and wooded shoreline. Swimming, fishing, sailing and kayaking are popular at the lake. Meandering trails through mature woodlands complement Cowan Lake's natural features.


Cowan Lake State Park - 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177 - BusinessYab

On the street of Osborn Road and street number is 1750. To communicate or ask something with the place, the Phone number is (937) 382-1096. You can get more information from their website. The coordinates that you can use in navigation applications to get to find Cowan Lake State Park quickly are 39.3895993 ,-83.8940468


PDF COWAN LAKE STATE PARK CAMPGROUND & CABINS - Ohio Department of Natural ...

COWAN LAKE STATE PARK CAMPGROUND & CABINS 1750 Osborn Road Wilmington, Ohio 45177 (937) 383-3751 - Camp Office (937) 382-1096 - Park Office (866) 644-6727 - Reserveohio.com (614) 799-9538 - Non-Emergency After Hours Host site is: 114 Sites 224, 227: wheelchair accessible Host site is: 232 Site 33: wheelchair accessible


Activities - Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Park Office: (937) 382-1096; 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday. Manager: Mike Norman. Nature Center: Winter Hours: Thursday 10am to 2pm, Friday 2pm to 6pm, and Saturday 10am to 6pm. Email the Manager. Send Us Your Feedback. Volunteer. Find out how you can get involved with others who share your interests and passions at Cowan Lake State Park.


Cowan Lake State Park in Wilmington, OH 45177 - (937) 382-1096

Cowan Lake State Park at 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177. Get Cowan Lake State Park can be contacted at (937) 382-1096. Get Cowan Lake State Park reviews, rating, hours, phone number, directions and more.


Cowan Lake State Park in Wilmington, OH - Camping.org

About Cowan Lake State Park. Cowan Lake State Park is located at 1750 Osborn Road Wilmington, OH 45177. They can be contacted via phone at (937) 382-1096 for pricing, directions, reservations and more.


PDF Cowan Lake State Park TRAILS - Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Cowan Lake State Park 1750 Osborn Road Wilmington, Ohio 45177-8680 (937) 382-1096 - Park Office (937) 383-3751 - Camp Office (937) 289-2656 - Marina 1(866) 644-6727 - Cabin & Camping Reservations (614) 799-9538 - Non-Emergency reserveohio.com. Title: Cowan Lake Map_3-23v3 Created Date: