Van Buren State Park is quietly nestled in a small but valued remnant of woodland surrounded by beautiful corn, wheat and soybean fields in northwest Ohio. 251-acre Van Buren offers a calm, peaceful retreat with camping, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities that can be enjoyed year round.
Camping
Family camp area, at the east end of the park, is a peaceful, quiet loop.
16 sites with 50-amp electric hook-up
13 non-electric sites
Non-electric sites 41, 43, 49 and 51, as well as electric sites 53, 55 and 57 are perfect for tent camping
Most sites are partially shaded
Self-registration station is located at the campground entrance
Facilities include new vault latrines, picnic tables, fire rings, dump station (near the camp office) and drinking water
Gravel pads and drives
Pets are permitted on all sites
Registered campers can borrow sports equipment and games from the camp host
Playground, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, corn hole
Easy access to multipurpose trails leading to hiking and bridle trails
Amphitheater
The equestrian camp area is the only one of its kind in northwest Ohio:
8 sites with 50-amp electric
19 non-electric sites
Most sites are partially shaded
Gravel pads and drives
Picket lines, tie rails and manure bins are available; Sites 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 21, 24, 28, 32, 35 and 36 have horse corrals.
Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring.
Drinking water is available nearby.
Vault latrines
Shelter house and campfire circle
Easy access to over 10 miles of bridle trails
Activities
Boating
Excellent boating opportunities for rowboats, canoes and boats with electric motors only on the 45-acre lake. A launch area is located at the north parking area on Township Road 229.
Disc Golf
The 18-hole disc golf course is located throughout the day-use and north shore areas of Van Buren Lake. Course begins and ends at the west end picnic area. Some tees are grass and some are concrete pads.
The course was designed by Dale Wirt of Findlay, and traverses open picnic areas, wooded pines, rolling terrain along the lake shore and shaded areas throughout the park. The renovations were sponsored by several local businesses and the Friends of Van Buren State Park.
Bring your own discs; rental equipment is not available. No fee is charged to play.
Maps and brochures are available at the kiosk.
Fishing
Van Buren Lake is a small, quiet place to fish and is an excellent place to take kids just learning to fish. Catches of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bullhead, bluegill and carp await the skilled angler. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Hunting
Park property east of Township Road 229 and west of 229 south of the lake is designated for bow hunting only, in accordance with state laws. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.
Picnicking
Six picnic areas are situated in scenic locations throughout the park. Three shelterhouses can be reserved online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
Trails
Twelve miles of multi-use trails traverse a variety of terrain through scenic woodlands and along river bottoms including a 2-mile interpretive nature trail with signage beginning at the family campground area and ending at the west end of the park. Access is from the north parking lot off of T.R. 229. Trail head sign is located directly across the road from the parking lot.
Scarlet Haw Trail - 1.5 Miles
Pine Glenn Loop Trail - 1/2 Mile
Lake Shore Trail - 3 Miles
Interpretive Trail - 2 Miles
Bike Trails:
Three miles of mostly single-track mountain bike trails meander through the south shore woods providing both novice and intermediate riders with scenic views of Van Buren Lake and woodlands while crossing the boardwalks over ravines and offering some challenging features. Trailhead begins at the South Shore Picnic Area parking lot. Follow the blue blazes.
Bridle Trails:
Four bridle trails also allow hiking:
Red Trail - 2.5 Miles
Pink Trail - 4 Miles
White Trail - 2 Miles
Yellow Trail - 3 Miles
Winter Recreation
Under the proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing.
Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits available at some picnic areas
Playground
