Is Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp?

Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp is open Off-Peak Season: From November 1 to April 1, Shower House 1 available with restrooms. Shower House 2 and all other restrooms closed until April 1st. Limited reservable sites: 101 Electric sites, 46 Full hook up sites with sewer, no water and 17 non-electric. Dump Station open. Water spigots available at Check-In Station and Shower House 1. Check In Station open on weekends.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp?

Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp?

Fire policies at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp: Fires must be contained to the provided stone fire ring. Do not collect or cut live or dead wood; follow park fire regulations.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp?

Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp?

Popular activities at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp

3.30

10 reviews

Featured in:Spring Camping Ohio

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Off-Peak Season: Fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Book on Ohio DNR - Ohio State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Off-Peak Season: Fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Book on Ohio DNR - Ohio State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reservations may be made up to six months in advance online or by calling 866-644-6727. Pine Tree Group Camp is a primitive, tent-only group area...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Ohio State Parks

Provider

866-644-6727

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Campground Map

Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp

39.3788, -83.8912

Nearby supplies

On-site commissary / Check-In Station offers camping supplies, bait, snacks and ice cream when open.

Weather at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp

Best Time to Camp at Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp

Pine Tree Group Camp welcomes visitors seasonally, embracing the warmer months when the pines are most fragrant and the lake is alive with activity. Contact the park directly for specific opening and closing dates to plan your group's perfect woodland gathering.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm months noted as prime; lake activity, rentals, and trails available in summer.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Off-Peak Season: From November 1 to April 1, Shower House 1 available with restrooms. Shower House 2 and all other restrooms closed until April 1st. Limited reservable sites: 101 Electric sites, 46 Full hook up sites with sewer, no water and 17 non-electric. Dump Station open. Water spigots available at Check-In Station and Shower House 1. Check In Station open on weekends.

About Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp

Escape to Pine Tree Group Camp, a peaceful primitive retreat nestled under a fragrant pine canopy at Cowan Lake State Park, perfect for groups of up to 50 tent campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Located just steps from the youth fishing pond, kayak launch, and Emerald Woods trailhead, this secluded spot offers the ideal balance of privacy and access to recreation—though you'll want to bring your own water and be prepared for rustic pit latrine facilities.

A primitive, tent-only group camping area designed for organized groups and youth outings; accommodates up to 50 people.

Weather and SeasonsPine Tree Group Camp welcomes visitors seasonally, embracing the warmer months when the pines are most fragrant and the lake is alive with activity. Contact the park directly for specific opening and closing dates to plan your group's perfect woodland gathering.

Natural Features and SceneryYour group will find sanctuary beneath a towering canopy of pines, where dappled sunlight filters through the branches and the forest floor cushions your footsteps. The wooded setting provides natural shelter and shade, while a short walk reveals the sparkling waters of Cowan Lake's shoreline, complete with a fishing pier where young anglers can try their luck at the youth pond. Adventure beckons from the nearby Emerald Woods trailhead, inviting you to explore the park's network of scenic paths that wind through the surrounding forest and along the water's edge.

Scenic ViewsWooded, pine-canopy setting with nearby lake and fishing-pond views a short walk from the site.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsOnline (ReserveOhio / reserveohio.com) or by phone: 866-644-6727.

Best CampsitesThe Pine Tree Group Camp is the single group site — best for youth groups and larger groups (up to 50 people) seeking a primitive, tent-only experience with close access to fishing and trails.

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Ohio State Parks Guide

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Amenities available

Primitive group tent-only site with a stone fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic tables. No potable water onsite; a pit latrine is within walking distance. Commissary/park offers bike and kayak rentals, and the larger Cowan Lake Campground has a dump station and water spigots at the check-in station and Shower House 1.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Located within walking distance of a youth fishing pond, fishing pier, and kayak launch, and adjacent to the Emerald Woods trailhead. Bike and kayak rentals are available at the park commissary.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water at the site; pit latrine is nearby. Fires must be contained to the site fire ring and collecting vegetation or dead wood is prohibited. Visitors should plan to bring drinking water and necessary supplies.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally describe the Pine Tree Group Camp as a scenic, private spot well suited for group and youth camping with good access to fishing and trails. Common notes emphasize that the site is a dry, primitive area with only a pit latrine nearby.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Private, wooded group site; good for youth and group outings; easy access to fishing pond, pier, kayak launch, and nearby trails; ample parking.

Based on 10 reviews

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Cowan Lake Pinetree Group Camp

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Reservations may be made up to six months in advance online or by calling 866-644-6727. Pine Tree Group Camp is a primitive, tent-only group area...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Ohio State Parks

Provider

866-644-6727

Go if

Scout troops, youth groups, or any crew of up to 50 that can haul in their own drinking water. The kayak launch, fishing pier, and Emerald Woods trailhead are all walkable, and bike and kayak rentals are available at the park commissary.

Skip if

No potable water at the site is a real logistical burden, and the only restroom option is a pit latrine. If your group includes anyone counting on flush toilets or showers, the main Cowan Lake campground will serve them better.

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