Bur Oak State Park
🥾 Ohio’s Buckeye Trail Lakeside Gem – Updated 2025
A Lodge, a Lake, and the Buckeye Trail
Burr Oak State Park is a 2,593-acre state park nestled in the wooded hills of southeastern Ohio’s Morgan County. Built around the 664-acre Burr Oak Lake, this park is one of Ohio’s most complete outdoor destinations—it’s one of the few state parks with an on-site lodge and conference center.
With 23 miles of hiking trails (including a major section of the Buckeye Trail), excellent bass and crappie fishing, full-service camping, and a swimming beach, Burr Oak delivers a true Appalachian Ohio escape.
Trails & Hiking
The park’s trail system winds along the lakeshore and through ridgetop forests. Nearly 13 miles of trail are part of Ohio’s statewide Buckeye Trail.
Trail Overview
| Trail | Length | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Buckeye Loop | 3 miles | Moderate |
| Lakeview Trail | 3.5 miles | Moderate |
| Chipmunk Trail | 1.5 miles | Easy |
| Tanager Trail | 0.5 miles | Easy |
| Backpacking Trail | ~13 miles | Difficult (Buckeye Trail) |
Fishing
Burr Oak Lake is a 664-acre impoundment managed by ODNR with a 10 HP motor limit, making it ideal for quiet fishing by canoe, kayak, or small boat.
Fish Species
| Species | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | April–June | Good numbers, especially in coves. |
| Crappie | Early Spring | Average 6–8 inches. Excellent early spring fishing. |
| Bluegill | Summer | 5–8 inches. Great for kids. |
| Channel Catfish | Year-round | Stocked. Best in upper lake. |
| Saugeye | Fall/Winter | Stocked hybrid species. |
Planning Your Visit
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Glouster, Ohio (Morgan County) |
| Size | 2,593 acres (664-acre lake) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Camping | Electric, non-electric, tent-only, cabins, group camp |
| Lodge | Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center (on-site) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the lodge open year-round?
Yes. The Burr Oak Lodge offers rooms, a restaurant, an indoor pool, and meeting facilities year-round.
Can I backpack the Buckeye Trail section?
Yes. Primitive campsites and drinking water are available along the 13-mile backpacking trail loop. A permit is required for overnight stays.
Are Ohio state parks free?
Yes, all Ohio state parks offer free admission and free parking. There are no vehicle permits or entrance fees. Camping, cabin rentals, and some activities like golf and marina use have separate fees.
What are the best state parks in Ohio for hiking?
Top hiking parks include Hocking Hills (Old Man’s Cave and waterfalls), Cuyahoga Valley (Brandywine Falls), John Bryan (limestone gorge), and Mohican (covered bridge trail). Hocking Hills is the most popular.
Can I see waterfalls at Hocking Hills?
Yes, Hocking Hills State Park features multiple waterfalls including Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and the famous Old Man’s Cave area. Spring offers the best waterfall flow after snowmelt and rain.
Are there cabins at Ohio state parks?
Yes, many Ohio state parks offer cottages, cabins, and lodge rooms. Hocking Hills, Salt Fork, and Mohican are known for excellent cabin accommodations. Book well in advance for peak season weekends.
Things to Do
Ohio state parks feature glacier-carved gorges, extensive cave systems, Lake Erie shoreline, and rolling Appalachian foothills. Activities include hiking through dramatic gorges at Hocking Hills (one of the most visited state parks in the Midwest), swimming at Lake Erie beaches and quarry-turned-swimming-holes, fishing for walleye and bass, camping in forested settings, kayaking scenic rivers, mountain biking extensive trail systems, exploring caves and caverns, golfing at park courses, and winter sports including cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (October) is the prime season — Ohio’s hardwood forests produce spectacular foliage, especially at Hocking Hills and Cuyahoga Valley. Summer (June–August) is peak season for Lake Erie beaches, lake swimming, and camping. Spring brings waterfall peak flow and wildflowers in the gorge parks. Winter offers peaceful hiking and frozen waterfall scenery at Hocking Hills. Hocking Hills is the most visited park and requires advance reservations for most activities.
Visitor Tips
Ohio state parks are free to enter — no admission fees or vehicle passes. Camping and lodge reservations through the Ohio DNR system. Hocking Hills State Park reaches capacity regularly on weekends — visit mid-week or arrive early. The lodge at Hocking Hills and Salt Fork offer comfortable indoor stays. Ohio is one of the most camping-friendly states in the nation, with extensive campground options.
Explore More Ohio State Parks
Bur Oak State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Ohio. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Bur Oak SP — 3,256 acres in the unglaciated Appalachian foothills. The park’s deep hollows, hardwood forest, and streams support black bears, timber rattlesnakes, and cerulean warblers. Bur Oak Lake (15 acres) sits in a secluded valley.
Nearby Attractions
Glouster — adjacent. Wayne NF — surrounding. Athens — 20 miles north — home of Ohio University.
Park Location
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