Burr Oak State Park wilderness guide
State Park · OH

Burr Oak State Park

Burr Oak State Park is a scenic outdoor destination in southeastern Ohio, offering diverse recreational activities around a 664-acre reservoir surrounded by forested hills and rolling countryside.

State Park11804+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1180

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Burr Oak State Park

Burr Oak State Park is a scenic outdoor destination in southeastern Ohio, offering diverse recreational activities around a 664-acre reservoir surrounded by forested hills and rolling countryside.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Morgan County, Ohio, Burr Oak State Park spans over 1,180 acres featuring a combination of lakefront, forest, and open land. The park’s centerpiece is the 664-acre Burr Oak Lake, a man-made reservoir providing excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddle sports. The surrounding hardwood forest and hills support a variety of wildlife, making it a popular spot for wildlife viewing and birding. Established in 1950, the park is named for the burr oak trees native to the region, which grow prominently throughout the park’s landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the park’s 10 miles of multi-use trails suited for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park also offers developed campgrounds with modern amenities as well as picnic areas and playgrounds ideal for family outings. Historically, the area was used by native peoples and later developed into a public recreational area by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Burr Oak State Park appeals to visitors seeking a peaceful natural setting combined with a variety of water and land-based activities amidst the Appalachian foothills. Its proximity to other natural attractions in southeastern Ohio also makes it a convenient base for exploring the region’s protected lands and forests.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Burr Oak State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Burr Oak Lake with boating and fishing access✦ Well-maintained multi-use trail system through hardwood forest✦ Popular camping facilities with lake views✦ Scenic overlooks and abundant wildlife spotting opportunities
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Burr Oak State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Burr Oak State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Burr Oak State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Burr Oak State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Burr Oak State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Burr Oak State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Burr Oak State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Burr Oak State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Burr Oak State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Burr Oak State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use parking fees applicable; camping and boat launch fees may apply; Ohio State Parks Pass accepted

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Burr Oak State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Burr Oak Campground

A large campground near the lake offering electric and non-electric sites, modern bathhouses, and easy trail access.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Burr Oak State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

McConnelsville, Ohio
⌖ 3.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

McConnelsville, Ohio

McConnelsville is a peaceful Ohio river town perfect for paddlers, anglers, and hikers seeking quiet natural settings along the Muskingum River. Enjoy local parks and wildlife areas for year-round outdoor recreation.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Chesterhill, Ohio
⌖ 10.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chesterhill, Ohio

Chesterhill is a quiet Ohio town surrounded by forests, rivers, and wildlife. Ideal for hiking, paddling, and camping, it offers a peaceful basecamp for outdoor lovers looking to explore rural southeastern Ohio.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Marietta, Ohio
⌖ 23.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marietta, Ohio

Marietta offers a blend of historical charm and outdoor adventure. Whether canoeing on the Muskingum River or hiking in Wayne National Forest, you'll find beauty and history around every corner.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Chauncey, Ohio
⌖ 23.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chauncey, Ohio

Chauncey is a quiet Ohio town perfect for paddling calm creeks, fishing, hiking gentle trails, and enjoying bird watching. It offers a peaceful outdoor escape with nearby parks and rural charm.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
New Straitsville, Ohio
⌖ 24.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

New Straitsville, Ohio

New Straitsville, Ohio, offers rugged trails, historic mining landscapes, and forest camping nestled within Wayne National Forest. Enjoy hiking, biking, caving, and fishing in a quiet Appalachian setting that welcomes outdoor adventurers.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Williamstown, West Virginia
⌖ 24.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Williamstown, West Virginia

Williamstown is a quiet Ohio River town ideal for paddling, fishing, and easy hiking. With family-friendly parks and riverside trails, it’s a peaceful spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to unwind near the water.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Burr Oak State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Paddle Into Zanesville’s Living History at Lock 10
ADVEXPEDITION
Zanesville, Ohio
Guided TourADV Bookable

Paddle Into Zanesville’s Living History at Lock 10

A guided, 3–4 hour kayak trip from Float the River Zanesville that visits Ohio’s only double‑chamber lock and is led by local legend Jodi “Dutch” Holland.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A Small-Town Holiday: Santa Boards the Mount Perry Express
ADVEXPEDITION
Mount Perry, Ohio
TrainADV Bookable

A Small-Town Holiday: Santa Boards the Mount Perry Express

A family-friendly, festive train in Mount Perry that pairs a 40-minute ride with Santa with treats, gifts and seating choices—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

TrainPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Headfirst Over Fern Island: A 75+ Foot Rappel in Rockbridge, Ohio
ADVEXPEDITION
Rockbridge, Ohio
ClimbingADV Bookable

Headfirst Over Fern Island: A 75+ Foot Rappel in Rockbridge, Ohio

Three distinct rappels — a 40 ft flat wall, Ohio’s only 60 ft canyon rappel (accessed by two sky bridges), and a 75+ ft descent off Fern Island — led by High Rock Adventures on private cliffs; this guide distills what to expect and how to prepare.

ClimbingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip