Wolf Run State Park

Wolf Run State Park is located in southwest Ohio and offers hiking, boating, camping, fishing, hunting, swimming, and more! 

Visit Wolf Run State Park

Wolf Run State Park is located in Caldwell, Ohio, which is in the Southeastern part of Ohio. The park is in Noble County, which is the last of the 88 counties to be formed in Ohio. 

The land was originally settled in 1795 and became known for many mineral resources such as coal, iron, ore, building stone, petroleum, and salt. It was not until 1963 that land acquisition for the park began and the dam and spillway for the lake was completed in 1996.

Wolf Run State Park is a 1338-acre park with a 220-acre lake. The Park became official in 1968 and received its name from the first family, the Wolf family, to settle in the area. 

Wolf Run State Park offers hiking, boating, camping, fishing, hunting, swimming and more! In the winter, with proper conditions, guests can enjoy cross-country skiing and ice fishing. 

Wolf Run State Park does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to the state parks. 

Trails at Wolf Run State Park

Cherry Tree Trail is a 0.5-mile out-and-back type of trail. It is a loop that begins at the nature center. The nature center is near the park entrance. On the Cherry Tree Trail, you can find lots of nature and wildlife.

Lakeview Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that moves around the lake. This trail is a nice walk from the campground to the beach area. The Lakeview Trail is moderately challenging in some areas and takes just over an hour to complete. It is a moderately trafficked trail and you will more than likely encounter people on this trail. Dogs are welcome on this trail. TIP: if you start from the campground it might be tough to find the trailhead, as many hikers report there is not a sign. At some points of this hike you may need to hike single file and some areas are steep. 

Buckeye Trail is actually just a 3.5 section of the Buckeye Trail. It runs through the Park. The 3.5-mile-long section follows a portion of the lake and moves North and South through the park.

Tips for hiking with kids at Wolf Run State Park

Hiking with kids can be a fun and educational experience, it can also be a stressful one if you do not plan, but with a few simple tips, you can make hiking with your kids a fun adventure.

Snacks – This is a big one for hiking with kids (or really anything with kids)  Snacks are always a good thing! We like to bring along various kinds of nuts.  Sometimes we even make some candied pecans.  They are sweet and still pack that punch of protein! The kids love them! We also like to bring along applesauce pouches and fresh or dried fruit. 

Child-led – give your child(ren) some control. Let the hike be child-led. Let them pick the trail, and rotate the “hike leader” of your group between your children each time you go. When your child has some “say” in the decision-making process it always makes them more invested in the situation.

Focus – Have a focus when you are hiking. Are you looking for a specific tree or plant, or simply a specific color when hiking? Make the hike a fun journey with a focus. 

Dress – Dressing for the hike is important. Layers are your friend when hiking, for kids and adults.

Boating

Boats with motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted on Wolf Run Lake.  There is a launching ramp and tie-ups on the south side of the lake.  

Camping

Wolf Run State Park has its own campground where you can find 72 electric and 65 non-electric sites. Each site will have a picnic table and a fire ring. Pets are welcome on all sites at this campground. There is ONE camper Cabin available, but pets are not permitted in that.

You can find showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station on site. There is a basketball hoop and playground. There is a seasonal camp office that sells camping supplies, snacks, and other items. Off-peak camping is from Nov 1 to April 1.  Reservations are required for Wolf Run State Park Campground and can be made up to six months in advance. 

Fishing

You can find large catches of bass, bluegill, crappie, trout, and catfish on the 220-acre lake at Wolf Run State Park. When fishing all Ohio fishing regulations apply. A valid Ohio fishing license is required (16 and older). Find the Lake Fishing Map here.

Hunting

 Visitors may hunt at Wolf Run State Park in specific areas only.  All Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations apply and you will need a valid Ohio hunting license. Find the Hunting Map here.

Reservable Shelters and Picnicking

There are several picnic areas throughout Wolf Run State Park. There is one reservable shelter called Wolf Run Shelter.  The shelter is 24 feet by 30 feet and can hold up to 75 guests. There is electricity available at the shelter along with a fireplace. Call the Wolf Run State Park office at 886-644-6727 to reserve. 

Swimming

Wolf Run State Park has a 200-foot public swimming beach, which is located on the south side of the lake. There are changing booths as well as vault latrines available. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas, but use caution. Pets are not allowed on the beach area.

Where is Wolf Run State Park Located?

• Address: 16170 Wolf Run Road, Caldwell, Ohio 43724
• Phone: 866-644-6727 | Website

Let’s Go to Wolf Run State Park

Have you been to Wolf Run State Park? We want to know about your experience! Did you camp while you were there? How about fishing or hiking? Drop us a comment below and tell us about your experience!

Some others you may enjoy are Lake Alma State Park, Scioto Trail State Park, Blue Rock State Park, Mt. Gilead State Park, and Mary Jane Thurston State Park