Burr Oak State Park

Burr Oak (SE)

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Address/Directions

10220 Burr Oak Lodge Road
Glouster, OH 45732

Park Office

740-767-3570

Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center

Route 2, Box 159
Glouster, OH 45732-9536
Lodge Front Desk: 740-767-2112
Lodge Front Desk Fax: 740-767-4878
Lodge/Cottage Reservations: 800-282-7275 reserve online

Information

Located in southeast Ohio, quiet and remote Burr Oak State Park has a rustic country charm in its 2,593-acre scenery of wooded hills and valley farms. As one of Ohio’s resort parks, Burr Oak offers a wide array of overnight accommodations with its lodge, cottages and campground. Burr Oak blends modern conveniences with the wilderness spirit of Ohio.

Nature of the Area

Burr Oak State Park epitomizes the wilderness character of southeast Ohio. Miles of forested ridges and hollows comprise these foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The woodlands support a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, box turtles and the elusive wild turkey. The lake’s shore is inhabited by the industrious beaver and various waterfowl species.

The forest is comprised of numerous hardwoods but is dominated by stately oaks and hickories. In autumn, the forest displays spectacular fall colors as leaves turn to deep reds, brilliant yellows and burnt oranges. Woodland wildflowers are equally as impressive in the spring when violets, Dutchman’s breeches, trillium, rare orchids, bloodroot and hepatica are in bloom.

History of the Area

Situated in the valley of Sunday Creek, the Burr Oak area was inhabited by Indians and, later, by settlers who found an abundance of game animals and the resources necessary for survival in the Ohio wilderness.

Coal, one of Ohio’s most important mineral resources, was mined here for many years. As mining operations expanded, mining towns grew and prospered. Few of these mining towns were as notorious as the village of Santoy.

Many colorful tales were told of life in Santoy. In the true spirit of frontier life, so the story goes, a gunfight was once held over a $20 debt. The street was cleared as the two participants met for a showdown. The ensuing battle left both men lying in the street–one dead and the other critically wounded. The “Old West” came to life in Ohio when the coal company payroll was robbed by bandits who made a horse-mounted getaway through the town.

Countless other tales live on, but Santoy could not. A fire in 1924 destroyed the coal tipple and several businesses. The loss was so devastating that just three years later the second mine shaft shut down. In November 1931, the nineteen remaining voters decided to abandon the town. Today, only the church, the town’s first building, still stands as a reminder of days gone by.

In 1950 Burr Oak Lake was created by the construction of the Tom Jenkins Dam across the east branch of Sunday Creek. Two years later, Burr Oak was dedicated as a state park.

Camping

17 electric sites
78 non-electric sites
Showers, flush toilets and a dump station
13 sites are offered at Dock #2 and 8 primitive sites at Dock #3
Pets (limit of 2) are permitted on designated sites
Horseshoe court, and playground equipment
Camp office loans games and sporting equipment to registered campers
Download the Campground map

Lodge

60 guest rooms
5 meeting rooms
Dining room, full-service lounge and gift shop
Facilities for lodge and cottage guests include a swimming beach, tennis courts, playground equipment, boat launch ramp and an indoor swimming pool (for registered lodge and cottage guests only)
Pets are permitted in 2 rooms, call 800-282-7275 for details
Get more information

Cottages

30 family cottages with air conditioning and cable tv situated near the lodge in the wooded hills overlooking the lake
Each cottage sleeps six people, has a bath with a shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area and screened porch
Linens, towels and cooking and eating utensils are furnished
All amenities at the lodge are available to cottage guests
Pets are permitted in 6 cottages, call 800-282-7275 for details
Get more information

Getaway Rentals

2 Camper Cabins are available from late spring through early fall

Trails

7 Hiking Trails
- Lakeview • 3.5 Miles • Moderate/Difficult
- Ravine • 1.5 Miles • Easy/Moderate
- Chipmunk • 0.40 Miles • Easy
- Red Fox • 0.7 Miles • Easy
- Buckeye Loop • 3 Miles • Moderate
- Campground Trail • 1 Mile • Easy
- Tanager Trail • 1/2 Mile • Moderate
3 Bridle Trails
- Bridle/Backpacking • 7 Miles • Moderate
- Red Trail • 7.5 Miles • Moderate
- Blue Trail • 3.9 Miles • Moderate
Backpack Trail winds around the lake shore and offers primitive campsites and drinking water at several locations along the route
Portion of the Buckeye Trail passes through the park and nearby Wayne National Forest
Download the Trail Map

Boating

664-acre Burr Oak Lake allows boating as follows:
- Boats with motors of 10 HP or less are permitted to operate as usual
- Boats with motors exceeding a horsepower rating of 10HP are permitted to operate at idle speed or at a speed that does not create a wake
- Watercraft utlizing a motor designated as a jet drive motor are not permitted
4 launch ramps provide access to the lake
Docks 1 and 4 are Carry in Carry Out areas. No trash cans are available. Please bring trash bags with you.
Boat rentals, fuel and seasonal dock rentals are offered at the marina
Boating laws and information

Fishing

The lake is well known for its catches of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish
Check out the lake map
Valid Ohio fishing license is required

Picnicking

Picnic areas are located in scenic areas of the park and offer tables and grills
One picnic shelter with electrical outlets is reservable online or by calling 866-644-6727

Swimming

500-foot public swimming beach offers enjoyment for swimmers and sunbathers
Bathhouse, showers, and changing booths
Volleyball courts
Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only
Swim at your own risk & be sure to keep an eye on the kids
Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches
Check for water quality advisories
The beach is a Carry In Carry Out area. No trash cans are provided. Please bring trash bags with you.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park and in the adjacent Wayne National Forest and wildlife areas
Valid Ohio hunting license is required

Winter Recreation (conditions permitting)

Sledding
Ice skating
Ice fishing

Area Attractions

A portion of Wayne National Forest borders the park near the dam. The U.S. Forest Service operates a 19-unit family camp at Burr Oak Cove, off State Route 13
Wildcat Hollow Backpack Trail, located on Morgan County Road 58, is also operated by the U.S. Forest Service and can be accessed by the park’s backpack trail to extend the route
Sunday Creek Wildlife Area, consisting of fifteen separate areas, borders the park
Two other state wildlife areas are located nearby–Trimble, six miles west and Wolf Creek, six miles east
Strouds Run State Park, on U.S. 50 east of Athens, provides facilities for fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking and boating
State Route 78 between Glouster and McConnelsville earns its nickname “Rim of the World” as one of the most scenic drives in the state
For additional information on area attractions, visit
- Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau website or call 800-878-9767
- Ohio Tourism Division website or call 800-BUCKEYE