Van Buren State Park - Site 41

Nestled within the peaceful, rich agricultural plains of Northwest Ohio, Van Buren State Park offers a calm and accessible retreat for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Encompassing 296 acres, the park is a cherished, small remnant of original woodland surrounded by expansive fields of corn, wheat, and soybeans. This unique setting provides a tranquil contrast to the busy pace of Ohio's more urban centers, making it an ideal destination for a weekend escape or a relaxing family vacation.

The Van Buren State Park Campground is known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. It features a concentrated number of sites that are well-maintained and offer key amenities for a comfortable stay. The area caters to both tent campers seeking a shaded, electric-equipped site and those traveling with RVs, offering 50-amp service on all sites. Unlike larger, busier parks, Van Buren focuses on offering a serene, intimate outdoor experience, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and enjoy the natural environment of the till plains.

Visitors flock to Van Buren for its variety of outdoor activities—from casting a line in the lake to exploring miles of dedicated trails. It successfully blends the tranquility of the Ohio wilderness with convenient access to modern camping essentials, ensuring a pleasant and memorable experience for everyone from novice campers to seasoned outdoors enthusiasts.

Van Buren State Park Campground is located in Allen Township, OH 45889, USA, in Hancock County. The campground is situated specifically at the east end of the state park, creating a quiet loop away from the main day-use areas. The campground’s physical address for check-in is typically listed as 13591 Township Road 218, Van Buren, Ohio 45889-0117.

The park is conveniently situated abutting the southern boundary of the small village of Van Buren, Ohio, and is easily accessible via major routes in the Northwest Ohio region. Its proximity to Findlay, a larger hub, ensures that campers are never too far from necessary supplies or additional dining and shopping options, while still being immersed in a peaceful rural environment.

Accessibility within the park itself is a highlight. The campground area, including Site 41, is located along a peaceful loop that provides easy access to shared amenities. Campers can effortlessly access the network of multipurpose trails directly from the camping area, linking them to the park's extensive hiking, biking, and bridle trails without needing to drive. This centralized, yet quiet, location makes the entire park easily navigable for a hassle-free camping trip.

The campground at Van Buren State Park is a modern facility that provides the essential services needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the great outdoors of Ohio.

• Electrical Service: All 61 campsites are equipped with electric hookups, providing 50-amp service, which is ideal for supporting both large RVs and tent campers who rely on power.
• Water and Waste Disposal: Drinking water access points are available throughout the camping area. The campground also features a dedicated dump station for the convenience of RV and trailer owners.
• Restrooms and Latrines: The facility provides essential sanitation services, including new vault latrines for convenient access and modern restrooms are available in the main day-use areas.
• Camp Host Program: A dedicated camp host is available on-site, providing assistance and information to registered campers. This program also includes the ability for campers to borrow sports equipment and games, encouraging group activities and fun.
• Pet Policy: The campground is pet-friendly, with pets permitted on all sites, allowing visitors to bring their beloved four-legged family members along to enjoy the Ohio outdoors. Furthermore, a fenced dog park area on the south side of the park provides a dedicated, off-leash area for exercise.

Van Buren State Park’s 296 acres are packed with unique features and recreational highlights that appeal to a wide array of outdoor interests, from peaceful fishing to challenging trail sports.

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts a large network of trails that cater to various uses:
  • Hiking Trails: A variety of marked trails, including the Green Trail (1 mile), Blue Trail (2 miles), and Orange Trail (2 miles).
  • Mountain Biking: Three miles of mostly single-track trails meander through the woods, providing scenic views and challenging features for both novice and intermediate riders.
  • Bridle Trails: Dedicated trails (Red, Pink, and White) are available for horseback riders, with a separate day-use bridle area and trailhead.
• Disc Golf Course: A popular feature is the challenging 18-hole disc golf course that traverses both open picnic areas and wooded sections of the park, offering free access to players who bring their own discs.
• Fishing Opportunities: The park’s lake is known as a small, quiet place to fish, offering catches of various species including largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
• Recreational Facilities: Within or near the campground loop, visitors have access to a playground for children, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a designated area for corn hole. An amphitheater is also available, often used for seasonal nature programs offered by park naturalists.
• Specialized Activities: The park includes a dedicated 3D Archery Range and permits archery hunting in a designated area east of Township Road 229, in accordance with state laws.

For general inquiries about the park, campground operations, or questions specific to the area around Allen Township, Ohio, you can use the following information. For those planning a trip, campsite reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the official state parks reservation system.

Address (Campground Check-In): 13591 Township Road 218, Van Buren, Ohio 45889-0117 (Located in Allen Township)

Park Office Phone: (419) 832-7662

Reservations: (866) 644-6727 or via the state's online reservation platform (ReserveOhio.com)

The park office is the best resource for current trail conditions, specific campsite details (such as the proximity and features of Site 41), hunting regulations, and information on seasonal nature programs.

Van Buren State Park is an excellent choice for Ohio residents and visitors seeking a versatile and peaceful camping experience in the state’s often-overlooked Northwest region. Its core value lies in its balance of accessibility and comprehensive outdoor recreation.

Unlike some massive, sprawling state parks, Van Buren's compact 296 acres are efficiently utilized, offering a high density of activities. The fact that the campground is a quiet, family-friendly loop with all sites providing 50-amp electrical service makes it exceptionally appealing for RV owners and those prioritizing modern convenience without sacrificing the outdoor feel. The addition of water hookups on all sites, along with the dump station, further ensures a convenient stay.

Furthermore, Van Buren stands out as a true multi-sport destination. The dedicated trail system—offering specific paths for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders—alongside the popular 18-hole disc golf course ensures that visitors of all activity levels and interests will find a way to enjoy the beautiful remnant woodlands. For a well-maintained, feature-rich, and tranquil camping getaway in the heart of Ohio's agricultural landscape, Van Buren State Park is undoubtedly a top-tier choice.

Van Buren State Park - Site 41

Allen Township, OH 45889, USA