Strouds Run State Park - Athens, OH - Ohio State Parks

Reserve a Picnic Shelter
Three shelterhouses, located at the north end of the lake, are available for reservation online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
Bobcat Shelter House
Located near the boat launch ramp
20' x 24' open shelter with paved floor
Electric outlet with 20 amp service
9 picnic tables
Group charcoal grill
Full sun
Near lake (3'), water supply (15'), beach (250'), vault restrooms (300')
Bulldog Shelter House
1st shelter as you come into the park off County Road 20
40' x 40' open shelter with paved floor
No electric outlet
12 picnic tables
Group charcoal grill
Afternoon sun
30 parking spaces
Near lake (3'), water supply (30'), Romtek latrine (20'), beach (1.5 miles)
Lakeview Shelter House
Past the beach parking lot on the peninsula
20' x 40' open shelter with paved floor
No electric outlet
Group charcoal grill
Full sun
100 parking spaces
Near lake (5'), water supply (30'), vault restrooms (20'), beach (350')

Camping
78 non-electric sites
Latrines, waste drains, picnic tables and fire rings are provided
10 sites are available for campers with pets
Group camp area is available for organized groups on a reservation basis
Call 740-594-2628 for more information.

Boating
Boats with a 10-hp limit are permitted on 161-acre Dow Lake. There is a launch ramp and 12 tie-up stakes.
For boat rental information, call (740) 594-2628.

Fishing
Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish are taken from Dow Lake within the park. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting
Hunting is permitted in designated areas. Wild turkey, gray squirrel and white-tailed deer are abundant. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking
Three picnic areas are found in the park. Most picnic areas have restrooms available; no restrooms are available south of the dam. Three shelterhouses on the north end of the lake are reservable.

Swimming
A 900-foot sand beach on the east side of the lake is open during the summer months from sunrise to sunset. Change booths, drinking water and restrooms are available.
Scuba diving with proper equipment is permitted. Diving alone and within the beach area is prohibited.
Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only. Swim at your own risk. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.

Trails
Beaver Pond Trail - 1 Mile - Moderate
Broken Rock Trail - 2 Miles - Moderate
Chestnut Trail
Lakeview Trail - 7 Miles - Moderate
Vista Point Trail - 1.5 Miles
White Pine Trail
15 mountain bike trails, that also allow hiking, wind through the state park and adjacent City of Athens' Sells Park:
Athens Trail - 3.5 miles
Basswood Connector - 0.3 miles
Cucumbertree Trail - 0.4 miles
Finger Rock Trail - 1.2 miles
Hickory Trail - 2.9 miles
Pawpaw Connector - 0.3 miles
Redbud Connector - 0.2 miles
Rockhouse Trail - 2.7 miles
Scatter Ridge Connector - 0.9 miles
Sourwood Connector - 0.2 miles
Sundown Trail - 6.6 miles
Thunderbunny Trail - 2.9 miles
Trace Trail - 1.2 miles
White Ash Trail - 0.6 miles
White Ash Connector - 0.2 miles
Ten bridle trails that also allow hiking:
Amoretto Trail
Boogie Trail
Cliff Trail
Creek Trail
Haley Trail
Hank Trail
Hermit Hut Trail
Indian Mound Trail
Lake Hill Trail
Pete Smith Trail

Winter Recreation
Under the proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy sledding and cross-country skiing.

More to Do
Basketball court and playground equipment
Boat rentals are available at the beach, along with a volleyball court