Van Buren Lake

While this 55-acre lake may be little known to most Ohioans, its setting offers a very tranquil and pastoral outdoors experience for those boaters and anglers who really want a private escape to the outdoors.

There are excellent boating opportunities to be enjoyed here that include rowboats, canoes and boats with electric motors. No power craft or personal watercraft are permitted on the lake. Fishing opportunities are rated good for crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, largemouth bass and carp.

The woodlands surrounding the lake provide a special setting for the 250-acre Van Buren State Park. Boaters, anglers and other park visitors can extend their outdoors experience by staying in any of the 38 non-electric camp sites. The group camp can accommodate up to 200 people and a small horsemen’s camp also is present in the park. Pets are permitted in designated areas.

There are three picnic shelters located in scenic areas, multi-use trails and 10 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. A nature center also is located near the family campground.

With varied outdoor experiences offered at most Ohio lakes, streams and state parks, boaters might also consider taking a break from the on-water action to visit nearby attractions that include Springville Marsh and the Old Mill Stream Parkway, which is located off Ohio Route 37 near Gilboa. This 23-mile scenic route along the Blanchard River offers canoe access, a rental canoe livery, and walking and biking trails.

Van Buren Lake is located 47 miles south of Toledo, 68 miles south of Monroe, Michigan and 100 miles east of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

For more information on Ohio’s recreational boating, fishing and park programs, continue your search on our web page at ohiodnr.com