Wolf Run State Park is a 1,046-acre state park near the town of Caldwell, Ohio. Surrounded by rugged slopes, exceptional lake views and forests of beech, sugar maple, tulip, white and red oak trees, the park is a scenic outdoor playground for campers and RV holidaymakers alike.
Once you’ve set up your rig, head off to explore the nature trails. They lead through forests filled with ferns, mosses, algae, fungi, and lichen. Take a stroll along the 3.5-mile stretch of the Buckeye Trail that meanders through the park and keep an eye out for interesting wildlife, from weasels and box turtles to wild turkey and startled deer. Birders should pack their binoculars and bird books in the motorhome – there are all sorts of bird species to be seen here, including great horned owls.
And if you just feel like settling down and hanging out, you can make use of the park’s scenic picnic areas and enjoy the picturesque view of Wolf Run Lake. There's a choice of electric and non-electric sites, as well as a large group campground with all the facilities you need for family-style camping.
The park is open year-round, and there is always something to do when you visit. In the summer months, you can enjoy the swimming beach and scuba dive when you are not hiking or fishing. During the winter months, you can enjoy some snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on those same hiking trails. If you visit in the fall, remember to pack your fly-fishing gear in your RV and enjoy some trout fishing.
Blue Rock State Park, on the banks of Cutler Lake, is a short 22-mile drive to the west. This forested area is a nature lover's paradise with a wide variety of fauna and flora to enjoy. Drive over for the day to explore the hiking trails or catch some fish. Dillon State Park is another great park in the area. Just 40 miles northwest of Wolf Run State Park, Dillon State Park is home to a variety of wildlife and visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating.
Wolf Run State Park is just 100 miles east of Columbus, Ohio. You'll find it located along the Wolf Run Road off of I-77 near Belle Valley. RV driving in this area is easy, and there are no challenges or restrictions on the main roads. You don't have to travel far from the park if you're looking for a gas station, ATM or grocery store. Belle Valley is less than two miles away. Caldwell is a little further away but is just a five-mile drive to the south of the park. Here, you'll find all the supplies you will need for your trip. If you're looking for dining options, there are a few different places to choose from close to the park. There are no driving restrictions within the park and most of the roads are paved for easy maneuvering.
There are various parking spots throughout the park for day visitors, and overnight campers can, of course, park in the campground. Once you’ve set up camp, you can get around the park on foot, by bicycle, or make use of the boat launch area if you’d prefer to explore from the water.
Wolf Run State Park offers a family campground with 137 campsites on the southern edge of Wolf Run Lake. The campground is divided into two areas: Campground 1 and Campground 2. The 69 sites in Campground 2 all offer electric hookups, while all but two of the 67 in Campground 1 are non-electric sites. The campsites can accommodate both tents and RVs up to 55 feet long. Each campsite has a fire pit and a picnic table, and vault toilets are a short walk away. You'll find a washhouse in each section of the campground. Conveniently, there is also a dump station close by. Pets are permitted at some of the sites in Campground 2.
Sites 17-27 in Campground 1 and sites 125-134 in Campground 2 are not reservable. If you decide to take a chance and arrive at the park without a reservation, you may be able to stay at one of these sites close to the edge of the lake.
There are several picnic areas located throughout Wolf Run State Park where you can take advantage of the picture-perfect views – even during the cooler months when most of the park is closed. You can also take your picnic with you on your hike and choose any place you'd like to enjoy it along the way. A picnic shelter is also available on the most southern end of the lake and can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to water sports, Wolf Run Lake is also a popular spot for anglers. Fishermen can try their luck at catching a range of large fish here, such as bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and trout. The lake is a managed Rainbow trout fishery and is also regularly stocked with Channel catfish. You can tie up your fishing boat at one of the lakeside campsites for easy access. Please note that a valid Ohio fishing license is required to fish in any Ohio state park.
Don't let the cold weather stop you from getting outdoors. In the crisp winter months, snowfall in the park makes for some fantastic winter sporting activities at Wolf Run State Park. The hiking trails that are used by hikers and bikers in the summer months and are groomed and transformed into trails for sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Choose whichever trail suits your energy levels.
Noble County Airport lies on the north side of Wolf Run Lake and is part of the park. Visitors looking for a unique camping experience can fly to the park, landing at the airport and then take a short walk to the primitive fly-in campsite. There are 20 sites to choose from on the edge of the lake. Picnic tables, fire rings, and primitive toilets are provided.
Organized youth groups of up to 150 people can make use of the walk-in camp area on the far northern side of the lake. Reservations must be made in advance. This section of the park can be accessed by County Road 115.
The park has one cabin that can be reserved. Situated on the lake edge at the back of Campground 2, it is a great place to stay if you'd like a break from your RV. Accommodating six people on bunk beds in one room, it also has a refrigerator, microwave, heater, and ceiling fan. You'll enjoy picturesque views over the lake when you relax on the deck.
Hunting is permitted in designated spots at Wolf Run State Park. These woodlands are scenic and are ideal for hunting. Beginners and novices will both be able to find a variety of wildlife that can be hunted. Visitors can pick up a hunting map from the park office that outlines the various hunting areas within the park. Please note that you will require a valid Ohio hunting license to hunt in any Ohio state park.
Day visitors and RV campers alike can use their boats on the 220-acre Wolf Run Lake, provided they have motors with less than 10 horsepower. A boat launch ramp and tie-ups are available on the southern banks of the lake. These are easily accessed from State Route 215. There is a 200-foot public swimming beach located on the southern edge of Wolf Run Lake (you have to drive to it) and campers can swim here during daylight hours. Campers can also enjoy scuba diving and kayaking (rentals available) in the lake in any area except for the swimming area. There are restrooms and changing rooms available near the beach.
Whether you are an avid or a novice hiker, there are plenty of trails for you to explore at Wolf Run State Park. If you want to spot some local wildlife and birds while you're in the great outdoors, take a stroll down the half-mile Cherry Tree Loop that starts at the nature center. Looking for gorgeous lakefront views? Well, then you can't go wrong hiking down the 1.5-mile Lakeview Trail (since it's in the name!). For those who want a longer hike, you can head out on 3.5 miles of the Buckeye Trail that cuts through the park.
