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Buck Creek State Park

Buck Creek State Park



 
 
 

State Park Information

Buck Creek State Park
1901 Buck Creek Lane
Springfield, 45502-8801




State Park Overview


Buck Creek State Park lies in a fertile agricultural area, rich in
Ohios history. The parks recreational facilities center around the
2,120-acre lake, offering endless water-related opportunities.
Visitors enjoy the many wetlands, broad meadows and wildlife at
this diverse park.


Nature of the Area

The natural features of Buck Creek State Park can be attributed
to the effects of glaciers which receded from Ohio over 12,000
years ago. Low hills called moraines can be seen in the area
where glaciers halted for extended periods of time and left
deposits of gravel and sand. Old river valleys were filled by these
deposits where numerous springs now well up through the sand
and gravel. The nearby city of Springfield is named for the
many springs seeping up from the broad meadows. The springs
account for the many bogs and fens in Clark and Champaign
counties of which Cedar Bog is probably the best known.

These wet areas harbor an assortment of rare and unusual plants
including round-leaved sundew and horned bladderwort. The
spotted turtle, a state endangered animal, is found in the area.
The northernmost region of the park is an excellent area to
observe waterfowl. The shallow waters provide a stopover for
thousands of migrating ducks. Relatively rare songbirds of open
meadows are also present including dickcissels, bobolinks and
Henslow sparrows.


Camping

This modern campground has 101 campsites of which 89 have electricity. Campground facilities include showers, flush toilets
and dump station. Campers with pets may camp on designated sites.


Picnicking


Boating

Boating with unlimited horsepower is permitted on the 2,120-acre lake. A four-lane launch ramp provides access to the lake.
A marina provides fuel, snack bar, and bait shop.


Swimming

Sunbathers and swimmers enjoy the 2,400-foot sand beach. A
concession stand is located at the beach.


Fishing and Hunting

Fishermen enjoy fine catches of walleye, bass and pan fish. A
fishing pier is open to the public and is wheelchair accessible.
Hunting is permitted in designated areas. A valid Ohio hunting
and/or fishing license is required.


History of the Area

Buck Creek was home to Indians and pioneers. The land at the
time of early settlement was mostly forested by large trees with
minimal undergrowth. Occasionally, the forests were interrupted by prairie openings.

In 1780, George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary war hero, led a band of nearly 1,000 Kentuckians in a raid against Ohio
Indians. The Shawnee Indians abandoned their camp which they called Old Chillicothe (near Xenia) and fled to Piqua, the
Shawnee capital, located west of the present site of Springfield. Clark pursued the fleeing Indians, and the Shawnee were
defeated at the Battle of Piqua. Most of the Indians, however, had dispersed into the woodlands. One Indian hiding in the
woods was the young Tecumseh, who vowed to avenge the attack. Following the battle, Clarks men retreated to their homes
in Kentucky and the Indians moved north. A new Piqua was erected on the banks of the Miami River. This battle put a
temporary end to Indian warfare.

With the decline of Indian threat, settlers moved into the area. In
1799, legendary frontiersman Simon Kenton settled in the
region with six other Kentucky families. The group lived near the
confluence of Buck Creek and Mad River. After two years, the
settlers moved to different areas. Kenton established a home
along Buck Creek about four miles north of present Springfield.
Settlement brought change to the area as trees were cut to
construct buildings. Acres were cleared and farm crops were
planted. The settlers found the land extremely fertile.

The community of Springfield was founded in 1801 and has
served since then as the county seat of Clark County. In 1838, the
National Road (U.S. 40) reached Springfield and this opened
new markets for manufacturing and agriculture. Over the years,
Springfields character changed from rural to industrial. By 1880, the community led the nation in the manufacturing of
agricultural implements.

In September 1966, work was started by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to impound Buck Creek as a flood control project.
In 1974, the Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir were dedicated and an agreement gave the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources the operation of much of the area. Buck Creek State Park was officially opened in June 1975.


More Info
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Area Attractions

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages a visitor center and recreational site near the dam. The center provides displays,
programs and dam operation tours. Hiking, picnicking and fishing are available. Nearby Kiser Lake, John Bryan and Madison
Lake offer camping and other recreational opportunities. Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve, a unique area of unusual flora
and fauna, is operated by the Ohio Historical Society. Located between Urbana and Springfield, the area is open
April-September for tours on Saturday and Sunday. Clark County Historical Society maintains the Crabill House on park land.
Once the home of David Crabill, an early settler, the building has been totally restored. Listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, the brick home can now be toured.

Several other state nature preserves in the area are accessible by written permit only. Contact the chief of the ODNR Division
of Natural Areas and Preserves to visit Liberty Fen, Prairie Road Fen, Siegenthaler Esker or Kiser Lake Wetlands.


Area Campgrounds
Hidden Valley Lake
550 Baird Ave Se
Paris, OH
(330) 862-3316


Meadow Lake Campground
4739 Woodville Pike
Urbana, OH
(937) 652-3400


Bass Lake Campground & BL Gap
756 Hilliard St
Springfield, OH
(937) 323-2981


Enon Beach Recreation Park
2401 Enon Rd
Springfield, OH
(937) 882-6431


Buck Creek State Park
1901 Buck Creek LN
Springfield, OH
(937) 322-5284




Area Fishing Related Businesses
Bill's Trout Lake
7745 Agenbroad Rd
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-9601


Forest Lake
2365 W 1st St
Springfield, OH
(937) 323-4266


C & J Bait & Tackle
2462 Mechanicsburg Rd
Springfield, OH
(937) 390-9879


Beaver Lake
1550 Pumphouse Rd
Springfield, OH
(937) 324-1891


Bidwell Bait & Tackle
14489 State Route 554
Springfield, OH
(740) 388-8122


REI Lakes Fishing & Campground
3815 Crabill Rd
Mechanicsburg, OH
Unverified listing


Crawdaddy's Outdoor Store
State Rote 235 & U S
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-3239


Gibson's Carry Out & Drive
1815 Columbus Ave
Springfield, OH
(937) 322-6181


Scottys Party Dock & Bait Shop
35 N Dayton Lakeview Rd
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-2248


Scotty's Party Dock & Bait Shop
State Rote 235 & U S
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-2248


Elm Valley Fishing Club
5118 S Dayton Brandt Rd
New Carlisle, OH
(937) 845-0584


Waterscape Sport Fishing Club
340 Central Ave
Carlisle, OH
(937) 271-3735


J & S Bait & Etc
723 W Light St
Urbana, OH
(937) 484-5263




Area Resorts and Lodging
Courtyard By Marriott Hotel
100 S Fountain Ave
Springfield, OH
(937) 322-3600


Buck Creek State Park

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