Burr Oak Cove Campground
4.3534 reviewsBurr Oak Cove Campground, Athens County, Ohio
Burr Oak Cove Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $15 per night during peak seasons (April 15 - October 15) and reduce to $5 per night when services are unavailable (October 16 - December 15). Walk-in campsites cost $10 per night.
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About this campground
Tucked away on the northwest tip of Burr Oak Reservoir, this intimate 19-site campground beckons those who prefer their adventures off the beaten path. Burr Oak Cove has earned a devoted following among through-hikers tackling the legendary North Country Scenic Trail, which weaves seamlessly into Ohio's beloved Buckeye Trail right at your tent flap. The campground's walk-in sites offer a rare commodity in today's connected world: genuine solitude beneath a canopy of ancient hardwoods in Athens County's pristine wilderness.
Burr Oak Cove Campground specializes in primitive camping, offering tent sites and walk-in sites for backpackers. RV camping is not supported.
Historical SignificanceBurr Oak Cove serves as a vital waypoint where two of America's most storied footpaths converge. The North Country Scenic Trail, stretching from New York to North Dakota, meets Ohio's own 1,444-mile Buckeye Trail at this very spot, creating a crossroads of hiking heritage. This intersection has made the campground a cherished rest stop for long-distance hikers sharing tales of their journeys around evening campfires, fostering a unique culture of adventure and camaraderie that defines this special corner of Ohio.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Ohio's seasons at Burr Oak Cove, where each brings its own outdoor magic. Peak camping season welcomes you with comfortable days hovering between 50°F and 80°F under predominantly clear skies—perfect for trail adventures and evening campfires. As autumn paints the hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, temperatures begin their descent. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter realm, with crisp 40°F afternoons giving way to frosty nights that dip below freezing. Snow blankets and spring rains during the off-season create a more challenging, yet rewarding experience for hardy souls seeking year-round wilderness immersion.
ElevationPerched at a gentle elevation of 620 feet above sea level, the campground offers a comfortable base camp that's neither too high to challenge casual campers nor too low to miss the area's scenic vistas. This modest elevation provides just enough rise to catch cooling breezes in summer while remaining accessible year-round.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral of mixed hardwoods where dappled sunlight filters through a dense canopy of oak, maple, and hickory. This verdant sanctuary offers campers a truly immersive forest experience, with each site nestled among towering trees that have stood sentinel for generations. While Burr Oak Reservoir sparkles tantalizingly nearby, the campground itself maintains its woodland character—you'll need to venture out for waterfront views, but the payoff of absolute forest tranquility makes this seclusion a feature, not a limitation.
Geological RegionNestled within the rolling hills of Wayne National Forest, Burr Oak Cove occupies a prime position on the northwest shores of its namesake reservoir. This densely forested pocket of southeastern Ohio showcases the region's characteristic mixed hardwood ecosystem, where ancient geological forces have carved gentle valleys and ridges now cloaked in verdant woodland. The nearby Lake View Trail offers glimpses into this diverse landscape, revealing how water, time, and forest have shaped this captivating corner of Athens County.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available as stated in the authoritative content. However, user reviews do not provide additional details about accessibility.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe campsites as 'roomy,' 'plentiful,' and spacious enough for two tents and a fire pit. Parking aprons are grass and gravel.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer varied levels of privacy. Walk-in sites provide seclusion, while other sites may be closer together, according to user reviews.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for tent setups, small campers, and backpackers looking for off-grid experiences. Walk-in sites are ideal for secluded camping.
Best CampsitesSite #15 is noted as accommodating hammock camping. Walk-in sites are praised for privacy and seclusion.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day maximum stay limit during any single visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number of guests per site not explicitly mentioned.
Groups
No group campsites are described in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 19 sites, including 11 combined-use and 8 tent-only sites. Walk-in sites offer increased privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 15 - December 15. Services available April 15 - October 15; no services October 16 - December 15.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; sites are first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-serve. Walk-in sites provide additional seclusion for backpackers and those seeking solitude.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy mentioned. First-come, first-serve basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Burr Oak Cove Campground supports a range of outdoor activities for campers, including hiking and fishing. Hunting is also mentioned as a recreation opportunity.
Hiking
The Lake View Trail is a one-mile foot trail that connects the campground to Burr Oak Reservoir, providing views of the lake. User reviews confirm that the trail is accessible but poorly maintained and poorly blazed in some areas.Fishing
Fishing opportunities exist at Burr Oak Reservoir. User reviews do not provide detail on the quality or type of fishing experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified in the authoritative content or user reviews.Water Sports
No water sports activities, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are offered at Burr Oak Cove Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire rings at each campsite. Campfire wood is available near the campground.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned, but some reviews highlight disturbances during off-peak times.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rowdy campers during off-peak periods and wildlife typical of forested areas. The terrain is uneven in some sites.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Glouster (~4.5 miles away), including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 through October 15
Trash and recyclingUser reviews confirm the presence of trash drop areas, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresNear Burr Oak Reservoir but without direct access. A one-mile Lake View Trail provides a view of the lake.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention rowdy campers and noisy adjacent properties, including barking dogs. Lack of a campground host and speeding vehicles have also been flagged as concerns.
HostNo campground host is present overnight to monitor activities.
Campground Map
Burr Oak Cove Campground, Athens County, Ohio
Driving directionsFrom Glouster, OH, take State Rt. 13 north for 4.5 miles to campground. Located a half mile east of Highway 13, Burr Oak Cove is only a short distance from Burr Oak Reservoir.
The campground is easily accessible from State Rt. 13. It is located a short distance from Burr Oak Reservoir and can be reached via grass and gravel parking aprons. Seasonal accessibility is dependent on service availability, which changes mid-October.Nearby places
Glouster (4.5 miles, ~10 minutes), Trimble (~10 miles, ~20 minutes), Nelsonville (~20 miles, ~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Glouster offers basic supplies such as food at Kroger grocery and restaurants like Go Go Burrito. Additionally, campfire wood is available at a storage facility down the hill from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.4
34 reviews
Burr Oak Cove Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Burr Oak Cove Campground is described as a quiet and rustic campground offering primitive camping experiences. Many praise its seclusion and affordability, while some note issues such as rowdy campers and poorly maintained trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include spacious campsites, clean pit toilets, and affordable rates. Walk-in sites are praised for their privacy and seclusion. The campground is described as 'quiet and peaceful'...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative remarks from user reviews mention rowdy campers, noise from neighboring properties, poorly maintained trails, and odor from vault toilets. Some users also note the absence of a camp host...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood as there are limited downed branches for gathering. A reviewer mentions a site (#15) accommodating hammock camping well. Another suggests bringing battery packs due to the...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
During colder months, the water spigots are turned off, reducing fees to $10 per night. Summer reviews highlight the campground's tranquility and spaciousness, while some mention rowdy campers during...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Primitive camping at its finest.' (RaLee Croy) 2. 'Fits our two tent setups, fire pit, picnic table.' (Littles) 3. 'Walk-in sites are so peaceful.' (Mark Plotner) 4. 'Great for off-grid trips.'...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #15 is specifically mentioned as suitable for hammock camping. Walk-in sites are highly praised for privacy and seclusion.
Based on 34 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets are noted, but user reviews do not provide detailed insights into other accessibility features.
Based on 34 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews or details about pet-related policies or experiences are available.
Based on 34 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025