Cowan Lake State Park

1750 Osborn Road,
Wilmington, OH 45177

GPS: N 39° 23' 0.26", W 83° 54' 0.05"

Having Fun at State ParksCowan Lake is family camping at its finest. Tiny inlets in the lake make it a fun place to canoe and there are trails meandering throughout the park. There's even a small beach for those who like to take a swim after a long day of fishing.

 

 

 

 

 

Park Office:
Camp Office:
Marina:
Reservations for cottages, camping & shelters:
937-383-3751
937-289-2656
866-644-6727

Reserve online:  


    
 

 

 

Cottages  

27 cottages

  • Each cottage is heated and air-conditioned, sleeps 5 with 2 private bedrooms and rollaway beds, and offers a bath with shower, furnished living area, complete kitchen, dining area and screened porch
  • Linens, towels, cooking and eating utensils are provided
  • 2 premium cottages have gas fireplaces and wooden decks with gas cooking grills (fireplaces are not useable May 1- Aug.31) 
  • Pets are allowed in select cottages, please call 866-644-6727 for more information

Camping  

  • 237 electric sites
  • 17 non-electric sites
  • 4 sites are wheelchair accessible.
  • Showerhouse, flush toilets, laundry facilities, dump station, camper's beach and a boat launch ramp
  • Commissary is equipped with snacks and camping items
  • Pet camping is offered on designated sites
  • Bike rental, volleyball and basketball courts, and miniature golf available to campers

Boating

  • 700-acre Cowan Lake has a 10-horsepower limit
  • South Shore Marina offers boats, canoes, and motors for rent, as well as fishing and picnic supplies for sale
  • 4 Launch ramps, fuel and dock rentals are also available
  • Sailing is very popular on the lake
  • Marina and boat ramps are Carry In Carry Out areas • No trash cans are available • Please bring your own trash bags

Fishing

  • Muskie, crappie, largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill are plentiful
  • Accessible fishing pier is located near the Pine Tree picnic area
  • Fishing pier is a Carry In Carry Out area • No trash cans are available • Please bring your own trash bags
  • Valid Ohio fishing license is required

Swimming

  • 1,000 foot public beach is located on the south lake shore.
  • Bathhouse, showers and a snack bar are available for public use
  • The beach is a Carry In Carry Out area • No trash cans are available • Please bring your own trash bags
  • Check for water quality advisories

Picnicking  

  • 6 Picnic areas with tables and grills are located in many tree-shaded areas overlooking the lake
  • 2 shelterhouses and dance pavilion are reservable online or by calling 866-644-6727
  • Shelterhouse and the dance pavilion near the beach are Carry In Carry Out areas • No trash cans are available • Please bring your own trash bags

Trails

  • 6 hiking trails
    • Beechnut Loop Trail • 1/2 Mile • Easy
    • Dogwood Trail • 0.7 Miles • Easy
    • Emerald Woods Trail • 1.8 Miles • Easy
    • Lotus Cove Trail • 0.7 Miles • Moderate • Offers a boardwalk view of an American Lotus (water lily) colony
    • Oldfield Trail • 0.8 Miles • Moderate
    • Lakeview Trail • 1.1 Miles • Moderate
  • Mountain Bike Trail • 1 Mile • Easy-Difficult

Winter Recreation (conditions permitting)

  • Sledding
  • Cross country skiing

Hunting

  • Hunting is permitted in designated areas during scheduled hunting seasons
  • Valid Ohio hunting license is required

More To Do

  • 2 scenic parking areas are offered near the dam
  • Scenic parking area at the dam spillway is a Carry In Carry Out area • No trash cans are available • Please bring your own trash bags

Nearby Attractions: