The Amazing Campground in Ohio We Want to Visit All Year Round

It takes a brave soul to want to go winter camping in Ohio. That being said, those who dare pitch their tent in the middle of the coldest season will be rewarded with some supremely stunning scenery, peace and quiet, and the most mesmerizing blanket of stars. Today, we're taking a good look at one of our favorite state parks for camping, Cowan Lake State Park. It's got everything we love about camping in Ohio: hiking trails, quality amenities, and beautiful scenery.

Tucked away in southwest Ohio, Cowan Lake State Park offers 1,775 acres of pristine, wooded, and lakeside landscapes to enjoy. Like many of Ohio's most beautiful places, its history runs deep. Long ago, it was a stronghold of the Miami and Shawnee Indians. After the Battle of Fallen Timbers, a permanent settlement was established and named for the area's surveyor, John Cowan. Cowan Creek was dammed to form its namesake lake—for which the park is also named—in 1950, and by 1968, the state park had opened.

Anyone with an interest in Ohio's natural history will find a lot to appreciate about Cowan Lake State Park. It's situated near the Cincinnati Arch, which is an uplifted bedrock that formed alongside the Appalachian Mountains. The eventual erosion of the arch led to exposed fossil-rich limestone. Today, this region is home to some of the world's most famous fossil-hunting fields. Along the water, you'll discover a picturesque beech-maple forest, which is absolutely resplendent in the autumn. In the late spring and summer months, wildflowers are abundant in the woods. Wildlife may not be as obvious in the winter, but the park is no less stunning when it's cold.

Year-round camping opportunities mean that you can experience the best of the park in every season. The large campground features 250 sites and a handful of cabins to choose from, and reservations are highly recommended—even in the winter. Amenities include a camp store, bathhouse, showers, full hook-up sites, and ADA-compliant campsites. Guests should note, however, that some of these amenities are only open seasonally.

When you're at the park, hiking is a must. Some of the most popular hiking trails at Cowan Lake include the Spillway Trail, which is a 5.2-mile out-and-back trail, and the Dogwood Trail, which is an easy 1-mile trail.

The campground is popular among families, who appreciate the clean facilities and the suitability of the hiking trails and playgrounds for youngsters. If you're looking for more information or ready to make reservations for your big camping adventure, head on over to the official Cowan Lake State Park website, and don't forget to check out our list of camping gear recommendations. Speaking of recommendations, we'd love to hear about your favorite places to camp in Ohio—especially those open year-round—over on our Nomination page.

Are you ready to plan your next adventure in Ohio? If so, pay a visit to  Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner and see what it cooks up for you.