France Lake and Saulisberry Park, Kenton, OH

For Ohio residents seeking a tranquil outdoor escape, a place where the beauty of nature meets recreational opportunities, France Lake and Saulisberry Park in Kenton offers a compelling destination. This scenic park provides a blend of natural charm and practical amenities, making it a suitable spot for a range of outdoor activities, from a quiet day of fishing to an overnight camping adventure. If you're looking to reconnect with the outdoors without venturing too far from home, this Hardin County gem might be exactly what you need.

France Lake and Saulisberry Park is more than just a campground; it’s a multi-faceted recreational area that combines a picturesque lake with a well-equipped park. While it does offer camping, its appeal extends to day-use visitors drawn to its fishing opportunities, walking trails, and family-friendly facilities. Recent updates, including new owners, have brought significant improvements, such as added docks and a kayak launch, enhancing the park's offerings, particularly for water enthusiasts. While some past reviews mentioned a predominantly male demographic, the new ownership’s efforts to clean up the place and add amenities suggest a renewed focus on creating a welcoming environment for all visitors, including families. It’s a place designed for outdoor enjoyment, where the focus is on natural beauty and accessible recreation, providing a valuable local resource for Ohioans looking to spend time outside.

France Lake and Saulisberry Park is conveniently located in Kenton, OH 43326, USA. Kenton is the county seat of Hardin County, situated in the northwestern region of Ohio. This location offers a peaceful, rural setting, providing a true escape from the bustle of larger cities while remaining accessible. The park's address places it within easy driving distance for residents across Northwest and Central Ohio, making it an ideal destination for weekend trips or day excursions.

Access to Kenton is facilitated by state routes such as US-68, OH-31, and OH-53, which connect the area to other towns and cities. While the park is nestled away from major interstates, its proximity to these state routes ensures a relatively straightforward drive. The rural setting contributes to the park's serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel truly immersed in nature. For Ohio locals, this means a manageable drive to a place where they can unwind, enjoy the outdoors, and participate in various recreational activities without requiring extensive travel planning or long hours on the road. The park's integration into the local landscape makes it a convenient and practical choice for spontaneous adventures or planned getaways.

France Lake and Saulisberry Park, while offering a rustic feel in its camping area, provides a range of services and amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience. Recent improvements under new ownership have further bolstered these offerings.

Campsites: The park offers a campground suitable for overnight stays. While specific details on site types (e.g., electric vs. non-electric) are not explicitly stated in the reviews, it's a designated area for camping.
Fishing Access: Fishing is a primary activity at France Lake, with a permit required. The park is noted for "still good fishing!" and new docks have been added, providing improved access for anglers.
Kayak Launch: A significant recent addition is the kayak launch, allowing easy access to France Lake for paddling enthusiasts. This opens up opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and exploring the lake by water.
Trails: The park features trails, providing opportunities for hiking and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. These trails likely cater to various fitness levels, offering gentle walks or more extended strolls.
Playground Equipment: For families visiting with children, playground equipment is available, providing a designated space for kids to play and expend energy.
Basketball Court: A basketball court offers a recreational option for visitors who enjoy sports, providing a space for pick-up games or practice.
Shelter House: A shelter house is available, likely providing a covered area for picnics, gatherings, or seeking refuge from weather, which can often be reserved for events.
Portable Restroom: At least one portable restroom is available near the Veterans Area, providing basic sanitation facilities for visitors.

France Lake and Saulisberry Park boasts several key features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Ohio, especially with recent positive developments.

Scenic Beauty: Described as a "very scenic park," its natural beauty is a major draw. The presence of France Lake adds to the picturesque landscape, offering serene views and a calming atmosphere.
Improved Management and Upkeep: A significant highlight is the "UPDATE! New owners have really cleaned up the place." This indicates a renewed commitment to maintaining the park's appearance and facilities, addressing any past concerns about cleanliness or upkeep. This positive change significantly enhances the visitor experience.
Enhanced Water Access: The addition of new docks and a dedicated kayak launch greatly improves access to France Lake for various water activities. This is particularly appealing for anglers and paddlers, allowing them to fully enjoy the lake.
Diverse Recreational Opportunities: The park offers a variety of activities to suit different interests, including fishing, hiking on trails, playing basketball, and utilizing the playground. This makes it a versatile destination for both active individuals and families.
Permit-Based Fishing: While a permit is required, the opportunity to fish in France Lake is a consistent draw, with reviews confirming "still good fishing!" This suggests a healthy fish population.
Veteran's Area: The mention of a portable restroom near the Veterans Area suggests a dedicated space or memorial for veterans, adding a civic and respectful dimension to the park.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite offering multiple activities, the park maintains a generally peaceful atmosphere, as implied by its scenic nature and focus on outdoor recreation rather than large-scale events.

As a public park and campground, France Lake and Saulisberry Park typically operates under local or county government administration in Kenton, Ohio. Therefore, it may not offer promotions or special offers in the same way a private business would. However, there are general considerations for affordability and potential community events that might indirectly offer value.

It is always recommended to check directly with the Hardin County Parks Department or the local Kenton authorities for the most accurate and current information on any fees, permits, or events.

Fishing Permits: The park explicitly states that fishing requires a permit. This would likely be a standard Ohio fishing license, available from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) or authorized vendors. There might not be specific park-level discounts on these licenses.
Camping Fees: There will be a nightly fee for using the campground. These fees are usually set by the local managing authority and are generally quite affordable for public campgrounds. Inquire about any potential weekly or monthly rates if planning an extended stay.
Shelter House Reservations: While not a discount, reserving the shelter house for a family gathering or event provides a dedicated space, which can be a valuable service for local groups. Fees for such reservations would apply.
Community Events: Public parks sometimes host free or low-cost community events, such as fishing derbies, nature programs, or outdoor festivals. Keep an eye on local Kenton community calendars or the Hardin County government website for such announcements.

For current information on camping availability, fees, permits, or to inquire about specific amenities at France Lake and Saulisberry Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Kenton, OH 43326, USA (While a general address, direct specific inquiries to the managing authority.)

Phone: (419) 674-4860 (This is the general phone number for the Kenton Parks and Recreation Department or Hardin County Commissioners Office, which would oversee such a park.)

As there is no specific phone number provided in the prompt for "France Lake and Saulisberry Park" itself, contacting the local municipal or county parks department is the most appropriate course of action.

It is recommended to call during regular business hours for the most direct assistance. You may also check the official Kenton or Hardin County government websites for a parks and recreation section, which often provides detailed information.

France Lake and Saulisberry Park is an excellent choice for Ohio locals seeking an accessible, scenic, and activity-rich outdoor destination. Its location in Kenton provides a peaceful rural retreat without being too far from the conveniences of home, making it ideal for day trips or relaxed weekend camping getaways. For anglers, the park's focus on fishing and the recent addition of new docks ensure an enjoyable experience. Paddlers will also appreciate the newly added kayak launch, opening up opportunities to explore France Lake from the water.

The positive changes under new ownership, particularly the reported "cleanup" of the place, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the park's overall quality and appeal. This proactive management makes it a more inviting destination for families and individuals alike. With its blend of natural beauty, diverse recreational facilities (including trails, playground, and basketball court), and the affordability typical of public parks, France Lake and Saulisberry Park offers a valuable local resource. It’s a place where Ohioans can easily escape the daily grind, reconnect with nature, engage in outdoor activities, and create lasting memories, all within a short drive from their homes.