🌤 Weather at Strouds Run State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–72 °F | 59–82 °F | 32–76 °F | 22–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Athens Ou, 4 mi away, elevation 684 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Tucked away in the scenic hills of southeastern Ohio, Strouds Run State Park is a beautiful natural area that showcases some of Ohio’s best topography.
Covering over 2,600 acres of rolling hills, forests, and meadows, the park comprises a stunning landscape that attracts hikers, anglers, boaters, and nature enthusiasts in their droves.
Offering a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages, the centerpiece of Strouds Run State Park is its beautiful 161-acre lake, which is a noted spot for boating and fishing.
In addition, this Ohio state park is also renowned for its hiking trails, with over 15 miles of them winding their way through its four corners.
Situated just over an hour’s drive from Columbus, the park is a popular day trip destination for families and nature enthusiasts. However, for those who want to stay overnight or for a couple of days, the modern campground here provides plenty of options.
Activities
Those who head to Strouds Run State Park are able to enjoy a wide range of recreational outdoor based pursuits during the time they have there.
Outlined below is a small selection of some of the many leisure activities you can do during your visit.
Boating at Strouds Run State Park
Strouds Run Lake is a popular spot for boating, with a range of options available to visitors.
The park offers a boat ramp for those bringing their own boats (10-horsepower limit on 161-acre Dow Lake), and the Strouds Run Boathouse rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats and pontoon boats in spring, summer and fall.
In addition, the lake’s calm waters are perfect for water sports such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing, making it a favorite spot for thrill-seekers.
Patrons can also explore the many inlets and coves around the lake, which are home to a variety of wildlife and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Fishing at Strouds Run State Park
Strouds Run Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species available including bass, catfish, and crappie. The park offers several fishing piers and a boat ramp for anglers to easily access the lake.
In addition to the lake, Strouds Run State Park is home to several streams and creeks that offer additional fishing opportunities. The park’s well-stocked trout streams are a favorite spot for fly-fishing enthusiasts.
To fish anywhere in the park, you will need a valid Ohio State Fishing License.
Hiking at Strouds Run State Park
Strouds Run State Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 15 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park’s wooded hills and valleys.
Ranging from easy to moderate, these trails are suitable for hikers of all skill levels and showcase various aspects of the park’s wonderful scenery.
Here are some of the most popular trails at Strouds Run State Park:
- Perimeter Trail – Length: 0.9 miles. Degree of Difficulty: easy
- Gorge Trail – Length: 1.25 miles. Degree of Difficulty: moderate
- Lakeview Trail – Length: 2.5 miles. Degree of Difficulty: moderate
Birding at Strouds Run State Park
Strouds Run State Park is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. The park’s diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and meadows, attract a range of bird species throughout the year.
Some of the bird species that can be spotted in the park include woodpeckers, owls, eagles, and warblers. The park also offers several designated birding areas, as well as interpretive programs and guided birding hikes for visitors to enjoy.
Pets
At Strouds Run State Park, up to two pets are permitted at any campsite if they are leashed and vaccinated (campground page), but pets are not permitted on the swimming beaches (Strouds Run park page).
Ohio State Parks rules apply: keep your pet on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet and under control at all times, except inside a designated dog exercise area, and carry proof of its rabies vaccination (Ohio DNR state park rules, as of October 2026).
In the campground, up to two pets are allowed per site. Don’t leave your dog or cat unattended (on your own site it may be tethered on a securely anchored lead), keep it out of enclosed camping structures and off the camp beach, pick up after it, and make sure it wears a collar or tag with your name and address (Ohio Administrative Code 1501:46-9-10).
Camping
If you want to stay overnight, Strouds Run State Park Campground is open year-round with 57 campsites, two camper cabins and a group camp. Every site is primitive, without electric or water hookups, and campsites are first come, first served: you register and pay on arrival using an envelope at the campground entrance.
Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring, and water spigots and a dump station are available from April through October. Up to two pets are permitted at any campsite if they are leashed and vaccinated.
The group camp and the two primitive camper cabins can be reserved by calling (740) 594-2628. Strouds Run is not on Ohio State Parks’ list of pet-friendly cabins, so ask about pets before you book a camper cabin (Ohio DNR campground page, as of October 2026).
It’s important to note that some camping options may be seasonal, so may not be available year-round. Additionally, there are rules and regulations regarding quiet hours, campfires, and other aspects of camping at Strouds Run. So, visitors should familiarize themselves with these before their arrival.
Park Location
Strouds Run State Park
11661 State Park Rd
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.592.2302
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Strouds Run State Park:
Explore More Ohio State Parks
Strouds Run 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.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Burr Oak State Park (a short drive away) or Lake Hope State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Strouds Run State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not to exceed 6 feet in length, in hand and under control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No pets allowed at swimming beaches; some parks have designated dog swim areas and dog parks
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly cabins available at select parks (Buck Creek, Cowan, Dillon, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, Pymatuning); maximum two pets per cabin; $10 added fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 added fee for pet-friendly cabins (charged whether pets come along or not); no pet fee for day use or camping
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated leash-free dog exercise areas exist at some parks; no bathing of pets in campground shower houses
Are dogs allowed at Strouds Run State Park?
Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ohiodnr.gov. More: Ohio state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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