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Ohio
52

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southwest Ohio Region
Cowan State Park
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Cowan State Park Cowan Lake © Lonnie Williams
Canada Geese and their chicks
Cowan State Park Cowan Lake © Lonnie Williams
Entrance Sign
Cowan State Park Cowan Lake © Lonnie Williams
Canada Geese in the Spillway
Cowan State Park Cowan Lake © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic of Lake
Cowan State Park Cowan Lake © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic of Lake
Cowan State Park © John Mueller
Cowan State Park © Tom Croce
Cowan State Park Buzzard Liftoff © Keith Pohly
Cowan State Park Water Fowl along Cowan Creek © Keith Pohly
Cowan State Park © Tom Croce
Cowan State Park Blue Heron © Keith Pohly
Kayaking through the wet lands
Cowan State Park © Brad Michaelson
Cowan State Park © Brad Michaelson
Cowan State Park © Brad Michaelson
Cowan State Park © Tom Croce
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COWAN STATE PARK
COWAN STATE PARK
1750 Osborn Rd
Wilmington, Ohio   45177-8615
(lat:39.3891 lon:-83.8848) map location

Phone: 937-382-1096
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Cowan Lake State Park offers a peaceful setting replete with scenic inlets laden with the American Lotus water lily. Swimming, fishing, sailing and canoeing are popular on the lake. Meandering trails through mature woodlands compliment the natural features of this scenic park.
Nature of the Area
It has been said that Ohio's history can be found written in the rocks. By studying the bedrock layers in Ohio, we know that ancient seas, marshes or swamps covered all or portions of the state at times over the past 500 million years. Sediment deposited by those ancient waters solidified into rock and eventually uplifted forming dry land. Animals and plants were embedded in the sediment, and today, these fossils reveal the different life forms that existed in Ohio's past.

Cowan Lake lies near the Cincinnati Arch, an uplifting of bedrock that occurred during the Appalachian Mountains' building process. The erosion of this arch in the Cowan region exposes fossil-rich limestone. The limestone near Cowan and other parts of the exposed arch are some of the most famous fossil hunting fields in the world. (Collection of fossils requires a permit from the Chief)

A fine stand of beech-maple forest can be found around the lake at Cowan. These woodlands contain beautiful wildflowers including bloodroot, wild ginger, springbeauties and trillium. The woods, fields and lake provide habitat for a variety of animals. Ring-neck pheasant, ducks,geese and herons are found here. Songbirds such as eastern bluebirds, catbirds, house wrens and many others inhabit the fields and bushy areas of the park. Mammals include white-tailed deer, raccoon, opossum, woodchuck, skunk and others.

American Lotus, a brilliant water lily, is abundant in the lake's shallow areas. It is unusual to find such a large colony of lotus on an inland lake. The plant's leaves grow up to two feet in diameter supporting large yellow flowers.
History of the Area
The Cowan Lake region was once a stronghold of the Miami and Shawnee Indians. After their defeat at the hands of General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, the Indian threat subsided and settlement began here. In 1797, the first settler in the area, William Smalley, began clearing land for his home along the river which was later dammed to form Cowan Lake. Smalley had been captured by the Indians when he was a small child and was forced to live with them until he was twenty years old. He later fought in General Wayne's army, was recaptured, but luckily escaped with his life.

Cowan Creek was named for the area's first surveyor,John Cowan. A dam was completed across Cowan Creek in 1950, and in 1968, Cowan Lake was dedicated as a state park.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres1,075
 Water, acres700
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles6
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #2
 Swimming Beach, feet1,000
 Mountain Bike Trails, miles1
 Beach Concessionyes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits10
 Seasonal Dock Rental440
 Launch Ramps, #4
 Fuel For Saleyes
CampingPrimitive, #17
 Electric Sites, #237
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camp Commissaryyes
 Campground Beachyes
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
AccommodationsFamily Cottages, #27
Cottages
There are 27 family cottages situated in a wooded setting along the lake. Each cottage is heated and air-conditioned, has two bedrooms, bath, living area with a sofa bed, complete kitchen, dining area and screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking and eating utensils are provided. Two premium cottages have gas fireplaces. The fireplaces are not in operation from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Camping
The campground has 254 campsites. Of that total, 237 campsites have electricity suitable for tents or trailers and 17 sites are non-electric. Four sites are wheelchair accessible. The campground is equipped with a showerhouse, flushtoilets, laundry facilities, dump station, camper's beach and a boat launch ramp. A commissary is equipped with snacks and camping items. Pet camping is offered on designated sites.
Swimming
A public beach is located on the south lake shore. A bathhouse, showers and a snack bar are provided.
Boating
Boats with a ten horsepower limit are permitted on Cowan Lake. The South Shore Marina concession offers boat, canoe and motor rental as well as fishing and picnic supplies. Launch ramps, fuel and dock rentals are also available. Sailing is very popular on the lake.
Fishing
Cowan State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's main attraction is the Cowan Lake, which spans over 700 acres and is stocked with various species of fish.

The lake primarily contains largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and saugeye. Largemouth Bass are abundant due to the plentiful amount of submerged vegetation that provides excellent cover for them. Crappies can be found near fallen trees or brush piles while Catfish tend to stay at deeper parts during daytime but come closer to shorelines after dusk.

Fishing from boats on Cowan Lake is popular among visitors as there are two boat ramps available within the state park - one located off Yankee Road (south ramp) and another by South Beach area (north ramp). Boats must have valid registration from any state; however motor limit on this lake restricts it up-to electric motors only ensuring peaceful angling experience without disturbance caused by larger powerboats.

In addition to boating access points, shoreline fishing spots around picnic areas provide easy accessibility especially suitable for families or those who prefer land-based casting methods like spinning rods/reels setup etc.,

During winter months when conditions permit safe ice formation then Ice Fishing becomes an option too where you could target pan fishes such as Bluegills using small jigs tipped with live baits under tip-ups/ice-fishing rod setups.

For bait needs there's marina store inside park premises selling basic supplies including worms/minnows along-with rental options if someone wants try out paddle-boating/canoes/kayaks instead traditional rowboat style vessels commonly used here otherwise bringing your own gear/bait would always work best according personal preferences & techniques preferred individually based upon their past experiences/skills acquired through years spent pursuing these aquatic creatures across different water bodies worldwide!

Remember all fishermen aged 16+ need carry valid Ohio Fishing License while fishing in Cowan Lake. The park also follows statewide bag and size limits for all species of fish, so it's important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before you start casting your line.

In conclusion, whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking for a relaxing day by the water, Cowan State Park offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy some quality time fishing.



Picnicking
Picnic areas with tables and grills are located in many tree-shaded areas overlooking the lake. A shelterhouse and dance pavilion are each reservable. Contact the park office for details.
Trails
More than four miles of hiking trails begin near the cottage and camping areas and lead to scenic locations in the park. The Lotus Cove self-guided trail provides a boardwalk view of an American Lotus (water lily) colony while the Emerald Woods Trail meanders through a mature beech forest.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a 2.5-mile mountain bike trail, but be aware it's moderately challenging with hilly terrain.

The park also offers an easy-going one mile paved bicycle path perfect for casual riders or families.

Bike rentals are available during summer months; however, availability is not guaranteed and depends on weather conditions.

While biking at night might seem appealing, remember that trails close half hour after sunset to ensure safety.

Helmets are strongly recommended while cycling in the area due to occasional rough patches along the paths.

Remember: cyclists must yield right-of-way when encountering pedestrians on shared-use pathways within this location.
Area Attractions
Stonelick State Park, located 13 miles southwest of Cowan on State Route 727, and Caesar Creek State Park, situated 18 miles northwest of Cowan on State Route 73, both offer swimming, boating, fishing and camping. Caesar Creek Gorge, a state nature preserve is located adjacent to Caesar Creek State Park. Other attractions include Kings Island Amusement Park; the outdoor drama, Blue Jacket; and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 31
park review stars; one to five Our family has camped at this park for almost 20 yrs. over the memorail day weekend and has always been an excellent place to camp and very clean. However this yr. the bathrooms were very disgusting and not kept cleaned at all. Past yrs. they have been cleaned a couple times a day. This yr. was really bad last day I did finally see them cleaning them out after we had been there for 4 days. : 0 (
June 13 Very quite and peaceful!
park review stars; one to five I go to Cowan Lake a few times a week to just enjoy the outdoors and the peace. There are tons of picnic areas around the lake and lots of places to fish. The facilities are relatively clean and stocked. There is no place for trash so you have to take it with you but the grounds have always been clean and well kept.
March 8 streams are full of gold for panning by kevin clark
park review stars; one to five found pleanty of gold flakes south of dam and its streams that feed the lake left from thr glashers
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Area Campgrounds
Frontier Campground
9580 Collett Road
Waynesville, OH
937-572-4894
Olive Branch Campground
6985 Wilmington Road
Oregonia, OH
513-951-3245
Thousand Trails Wilmington
1786 Ohio 380
Wilmington, OH
937-382-5883
Green Meadows Campgrounds
4880 Ohio 350
Clarksville, OH
937-289-3284
Beechwood Acres Camping Resort
855 Yankee Rd
Wilmington, OH
937-289-2202
Pine Cove Campground
764 Osborn Road
Wilmington, OH
937-382-0806
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Bait Store
249 Beechwood Rd
Wilmington, OH
(937) 289-2083
Fishing Pole Bait Shop
5071 State Route 350
Clarksville, OH
(937) 289-8027
Tackle Town USA
6329 State Route 380
Wilmington, OH
(937) 382-7627
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Hidden Cave Cabin - Rockbridge, OH
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
69.6 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
73.9 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Start by heading east on Interstate 70.
2. Take exit 62 toward Washington Court House.
3. Merge onto US-62 and continue for approximately 9 miles.
4. Turn left onto State Route 729.
5. Follow State Route 729 for about 4.5 miles.
6. Turn right onto Milledgeville-Plymouth Road and continue for another 4 miles.
7. Cowan State Park will be on your left.

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Ohio
52

Ohio State Parks

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