Ultimate Guide to Camping at Cowan Lake State Park

Cowan Lake State Park is one of our favorite places to camp, but seeing as it is almost never very busy, it almost feels like a hidden gem of sorts.

We have set up tent there more than a few nights over the past year or so, and it never fails to deliver on a good solid night of camping and exploring.

There are tons of available sites to choose from, loads of activities available, and you can boat, swim, or spend time relaxing by the water.

Also, not a bad place to fish!

Below, we’ll go over what makes this campground so awesome.

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Directions to the Campground

The Cowan Lake State Park campground is located at 1750 Osborn Road, in Wilmington, Ohio.

It is only a short drive from Wilmington, meaning you have plenty of places to stop and stock up on supplies before you get the the campground.

Apple Maps usually has no issue finding Cowan Lake, and cell service cutting out is not usually a problem.

How Big is Cowan Lake Campground?

In terms of how many campsites are available, Cowan Lake Campground is fairly massive.

There are more than 250 sites to choose from, ranging from non-electric to full hookups for RV’s.

There are also cabins available for those who want to experience the campground without having to rough it too much.

What are the Campsites Like?

The campsites at Cowan Lake are about as standard as you would expect.

They feature a picnic table, a fire ring, and a place to park your car.

The sites are all very well-marked and each one is big enough for three or four tents to lay comfortably.

Sites here are relatively close together though, so you may want to scout out a campsite in one of the corners of the loop if you want extra privacy.

You can find dump stations, shower houses, and drinking fountains throughout the campground for when you need to refill on water or use the bathroom.

We normally stay at the non-electric sites, which are down close to the water (B1 through B17), and there is a restroom close by.

Activities to Do at Cowan Lake

There are plenty of activities to choose from while you spend time at the Cowan Lake Campground.

This includes mini-golf, basketball, disc golf, boating, and even a beach for swimming.

Multiple playgrounds are available for smaller children and the low speed limit in the campground makes it a good place to go for a walk or ride your bike.

There are 5 trails nearby to hike that total to about four miles combined. They are moderate enough for most hikers.

How Much is a Site?

Site prices are fairly standard with a non-electric around $30 and an electric site around $40.

This is pretty typical of what you can expect to find at most traditional campgrounds, though may trend toward the higher end for tent camping.

If you ask me, the view and convenience of this campground make up for the slightly higher price.

If you want a cheaper alternative, you can always try dispersed camping in a national forest near to you, as that is usually free.

Can You Burn Downed Wood?

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to burn downed wood or collect firewood at the Cowan Lake Campground.

If you ask me, this is one of the very few negatives here.

You’ll need to bring your firewood with you, so make sure you stop somewhere beforehand and stock up.

They may sell firewood at the entrance but that is only during the limited hours where someone is working the station.

Is it Pet-Friendly?

Cowan Lake is pet-friendly, but I would recommend following common sense guidelines when it comes to keeping your dog leashed and within the confines of your site (not wandering around).

I do believe pets are not allowed inside of the beach areas.

Good for Car Camping?

Yes, you can car camp at Cowan Lake, and in-fact I have on a few separate occasions.

Sometimes I just desire the campground vibes without having to dirty up my tent when it is wet.

It is fine for car camping, but if you are simply looking for a cheap place to sleep in your car, you’d probably save money parking elsewhere.

Can You Winter Camp?

If you’re like us, the cold weather doesn’t stop you from wanting to pitch a tent.

The campground is open over the winter but limited in terms of activities.

One upside, however, is that sites are almost always empty in the winter, so if you’re willing to fight the cold you’ll be rewarded with plenty of privacy.

Sometimes in the winter, the lake sheds ice at the borders and you can walk the banks by the boat dock and see it up close. It is very cool.

Note: During the winter months, there is only one restroom/shower house open, and it is a very far walk from the non-electric sites (closer to the center of the campground).

Additional Notes

Bring a tarp or rainfly for your tent if conditions change and you end up camping in the rain
Know how to properly extinguish your fire when you are done burning
Always remember to put away food and trash before going to bed so you don’t attract animals
Having a good sleep setup will help you sleep better in your tent

Final Thoughts

Cowan Lake is by far one of the campgrounds that we have camped at the most.

It is quiet, easy, and consistently great every time.

For anyone looking for a great night of camping, this is a reliable spot to put on your list.

Pro tip, the docks are very quiet and great for a good fishing spot at the end of the night!

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next time!