Peaceful Burr Oak State Park lies nestled among an oak/hickory forest deep within the foothills of the majestic Appalachians only 80 miles east of Columbus. This rustic park combines Ohio’s wilderness spirit with modern conveniences by featuring miles of trails, lakeside activities, a cozy family campground, and the rustic and comfortable Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center.
Guests to this beautiful Ohio state park enjoy hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, bird watching, and much more.
Activities
Visit for a day or pack your bags and come spend a few relaxing days and nights inside this peaceful wilderness retreat. And if you’re searching for a venue for that special event, look no further than the picturesque Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center. Their rustic large fireplace, views of the lake, and intimate outdoor gathering spaces are ideal for weddings and other special occasions.
Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Burr Oak State Park:
Boating at Burr Oak State Park
Kayak, canoe, paddle board, and more on the 664-acre lake inside Burr Oak State Park. Guests with boats that are less than 10 HP are welcome on the lake. For all others you may access the lake as long as you maintain an idle speed so as not to create a wake.
For access to the lake: there are 4 separate boat launches in different sections of the park. One area is at the Marina where guests will also find seasonal dock rentals, restrooms, and boat rentals through a concessionaire.
Swimming at Burr Oak State Park
Take a refreshing swim in the lake during your visit to Burr Oak State Park. The park’s 500 foot beach area, on the north end of the lake, is near picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, restrooms, and outdoor showers to ensure a more enjoyable visit.
Hiking at Burr Oak State Park
Explore the many miles of trails that extend throughout the woodlands and along the lake inside Burr Oak State Park.
Here are a few of the trails at Burr Oak State Park:
- The Storybook Trail – An easy 0.5 mile trail that presents a children’s story (broken into segments) as it winds through the woods overlooking the lake. The trail begins near the lodge’s playground area.
- The Lakeview Trail – A moderate to difficult 22 mile trail that circles the entire lake.
- The Backpacking Trail – A moderate 18 mile trail that connects Buckeye Trail, Lakeview Trail, and Ravine Trail. It begins near the Nature Center and follows the shoreline around the lake.
Archery at Burr Oak State Park
Interested in Archery and have your own equipment? Check out the static archery range inside Burr Oak State Park. The range, located next to the campground, features 20, 30, 40, and 50 yard targets plus two NASP targets. No broadheads are allowed, only field points.
Fishing at Burr Oak State Park
Pack up your angling gear and head over to Burr Oak State Park for a chance to catch channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. The park allows fishing from the shore, boat, or on dock #4. Remember to also pick up an Ohio fishing license before heading into the park.
Hunting at Burr Oak State Park
Hunting is allowed at Burr Oak State Park. Guests interested in learning more should contact the park. Hunting is also permitted in Wayne National Forest.
And if you plan to hunt, be sure to pick up an Ohio hunting license ahead of time.
Birding at Burr Oak State Park
If you spend some time near the lake while visiting Burr Oak State Park you’ll be sure to see Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, and lots of waterfowl.
And as you wander along the trails or throughout nearby Wayne National Forest you may get a chance to see Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadees, Blue Jays, Carolina Wrens, White-throated Sparrows, Mourning Doves, Blue-winged Warblers, Summer Tanagers, American Crows, American Goldfinches, Tufted Titmice, and American Robins.
Nature and Wildlife at Burr Oak State Park
Beautiful Burr Oak State Park lies among oak and hickory forested ridges in the foothills of the majestic Appalachians.
During the fall the leaves turn to crisp reds, oranges, and golds. And during the spring colorful wildflowers such as violets, hepatica, trillium, and Dutchman’s breeches bloom throughout the woodlands.
White-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, turtles, wild turkey and ruffed grouse are commonly seen inside the park.
Pets at Burr Oak State Park
Pets are allowed at Burr Oak State Park as long as they are supervised and kept on a hand held leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings (including cabins) or in the beach area.
Camping at Burr Oak State Park
Interested in spending a few nights nestled within the foothills of the Appalachians? Burr Oak State Park has you covered. The park features a lodge, campground, primitive and equestrian camping areas, and Sherman Cabins.
The rustic Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center overlooks the lake and features comfortable guest rooms, a restaurant, lounge, gift shop, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, tennis court, and much more.
The family campground has electric and non-electric sites with access to restrooms, showers, and a dump station. The Sherman Cabins are 2 room structures with beds, a microwave, mini fridge, table, chairs, picnic table, grill, and fire ring. They do not have water, toilets, or showers.
Primitive camping areas and primitive equestrian camping areas are also available within the park.
Park Location
Burr Oak State Park
10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd
Glouster, OH 45732
Phone: 740.767.3570
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Burr Oak State Park:
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