Need a laid-back escape close to home? Ohio’s lakes offer everything from sandy beaches and fishing to scenic boat rides and cozy lakefront picnics.
Highlights:
Unique Lakes
1. Adams Lake State Park - 1.5 hours east of Cincinnati
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: West Union, OH (Adams County)
Recommended For: Nature lovers, birders, peaceful paddlers, anglers, and prairie hikers.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s quiet, low-key, and unbelievably rich in natural life. A prairie beside a still lake—with nothing louder than the chirp of a bird or the whisper of a paddle in the water."
- Paddle electric-motor or non-powered boats across this calm, quiet lake surrounded by natural prairie beauty.
- Fish for bluegill, crappie, bass, catfish, carp, and bullhead from the banks or your kayak.
- Hike a scenic ¾-mile walking trail or explore adjacent trails in the Adams Lake Prairie State Nature Preserve.
Cost: Free entry; no permit required for day use. Inn lodging available nearby.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for wildflowers, birdwatching, and calm water access.
Local tips: Visit early morning for solitude and better wildlife spotting. Stay nearby at Murphin Ridge Inn for a relaxing overnight experience.
Distance: About 1.5 hours east of Cincinnati; 2.5 hours south of Columbus.
How to Get to Adams Lake State Park: From US-52 or SR-32, take SR-41 to West Union. The park entrance is clearly marked along the route at 14633 State Route 41.
Address: Adams Lake State Park, 14633 State Route 41, West Union, OH
2. Atwood Lake - 1 hour from Akron or Cleveland
Location: Mineral City, OH (conveniently located near Akron and Cleveland)
Recommended For: Families, sailors, campers, festivalgoers, and beach lovers.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s the kind of lake where you can dock a sailboat by day, roast marshmallows by night, and never be more than a walk away from the fun. Wide beach, endless shoreline, and a real summer vibe."
- Sail or boat across 1,500 acres of open water with 28 miles of scenic shoreline to explore.
- Swim at the wide, sandy beach equipped with changing rooms, showers, picnic shelters, and a kids’ playground.
- Stay in one of 500 camp lots or rent a vacation cabin in the heart of 2,500 acres of parkland.
Cost: Entry fees apply; camping, cabin rentals, and events priced separately.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for water recreation, hiking, and festival season.
Local tips: Book early for summer weekends—cabins and premium campsites fill fast. Don’t miss the park’s two annual festivals!
Distance: About 1 hour from Akron or Cleveland; 30 minutes southeast of Canton, OH.
How to Get to Atwood Lake: From I-77, take OH-212 E toward Sherrodsville, then follow signs to Atwood Lake Park on Lakeview Road NE.
Address: 9500 Lakeview Road NE, Mineral City, OH
Romantic Lakes
3. Berlin Lake - 1.5 hours from Cleveland or Pittsburgh
Location: Northeastern Ohio (Wildlife District Three, near Akron)
Recommended For: Anglers, hunters, boaters, and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
What I Love: ♥ "Berlin Lake is where sportsmen and nature lovers meet—year-round fishing, crisp fall hunts, and sunrise archery practice. It’s peaceful, wild, and purpose-built for those who live for the outdoors."
- Fish year-round for walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and crappie in one of Ohio’s most productive waters.
- Hunt meadows, uplands, and woods in a diverse landscape that supports a wide variety of game species.
- Boat using one of several launches or rent from nearby commercial boat liveries for a full day on the water.
Cost: Free access for fishing, archery, and dog training; hunting requires appropriate licensing.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for peak fishing and hunting seasons; summer for boating and water access.
Local tips: Bring your own gear for the archery range and plan early morning outings for less-crowded launches and better wildlife encounters.
Distance: About 30 minutes southeast of Akron; 1.5 hours from Cleveland or Pittsburgh.
How to Get to Berlin Lake: Take US-224 or OH-225 toward Deerfield or Berlin Center, then follow signs for Berlin Lake Fishing and Wildlife Area.
Address: Wildlife District Three, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, OH
4. Buckeye Lake - 40 minutes east of Columbus
Location: Millersport, OH (Central Ohio)
Recommended For: Boaters, water-skiers, families, anglers, and Ohio history buffs.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s where history meets horsepower—Ohio’s oldest state park, now a hub for big boats, sandy beaches, and family-friendly shoreline fun. Buckeye Lake doesn’t just host weekends, it creates traditions."
- Boat with no limits—Buckeye Lake is one of Ohio’s few unlimited horsepower lakes, perfect for speedboats and pontoons alike.
- Swim at one of three public beaches open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Fish for bass and crappie in this historic canal-era lake, once vital to Ohio’s inland waterways.
Cost: Park access is free; dock rentals and boating services available for a fee.
Best time to visit: Summer for beaches and water sports; spring and fall for quieter boating and fishing.
Local tips: Head to Liebs Island early for dock parking. Pack a picnic—there are four grill-equipped areas and three shelters to enjoy lakefront lunches.
Distance: About 40 minutes east of Columbus; 2.5 hours from Cleveland or Cincinnati.
How to Get to Buckeye Lake: Take I-70 to Exit 132, then follow OH-79 or OH-37 into Millersport. Follow signs to Buckeye Lake State Park at Liebs Island.
Address: 2905 Liebs Island Road, Millersport, OH
Lakes for Families
5. Burr Oak Lake - 30 minutes from Athens, OH
Location: Glouster, OH (southeastern Ohio, in the Appalachian foothills)
Recommended For: Nature lovers, hikers, anglers, birdwatchers, and families looking for quiet retreats.
What I Love: ♥ "Burr Oak Lake feels like a hidden sanctuary—tucked in rolling hills, framed by forest, and humming with birdsong. It’s where you come to breathe deeper, paddle slower, and rediscover quiet."
- Fish for bass, bluegill, and crappie in 664 calm acres of Appalachian-fed lake waters.
- Launch from one of four boat ramps for easy lake access by kayak, canoe, or electric-motor boat.
- Play across seven scenic trails, a full 18-hole disc golf course, and designated areas for swimming, volleyball, and picnicking.
Cost: Entry is free; rentals and lodge accommodations vary by provider.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for wildlife viewing and hiking; summer for water-based fun and family activities.
Local tips: Bring your own disc for the disc golf course. Keep binoculars handy—wild turkey, deer, and waterfowl are frequent sights here.
Distance: About 1 hour southeast of Columbus; 30 minutes from Athens, OH.
How to Get to Burr Oak Lake: From US-33, take OH-78 E toward Glouster. Follow signs to Burr Oak State Park and Lodge Road for parking and lake access.
6. Chippewa Lake - 30 minutes west of Akron
Location: Medina, OH (Northeast Ohio)
Recommended For: Anglers, birdwatchers, trail users, families, and history lovers.
What I Love: ♥ "Chippewa Lake is ancient, serene, and full of quiet charm—from glacial origins to peaceful waterside picnics. It’s the kind of place where past and present meet with a fishing pole in hand and birdsong overhead."
- Fish for bluegill, perch, largemouth bass, and other local species (Ohio license required).
- Relax at public beaches, boat ramps, picnic shelters, or play on basketball and tennis courts.
- Explore the Chippewa Inlet Trail—ideal for hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing in winter.
Cost: Free access to parks, trails, and shoreline; fishing requires a valid Ohio license.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for outdoor fun; winter for peaceful trails and cross-country skiing.
Local tips: Bring binoculars for birdwatching near the wetlands. Trails can get muddy after rain—wear proper footwear if hiking after a storm.
Distance: About 45 minutes southwest of Cleveland; 30 minutes west of Akron.
How to Get to Chippewa Lake: From I-71, take OH-18 west toward Medina. Head south on Lake Road and follow signs to the Chippewa Lake public access area.
Address: 6364 Deerview Lane, Medina, OH
Lakes for Hikers
7. Dillon State Park - 1 hour east of Columbus
Location: Near Zanesville, OH (Muskingum County)
Recommended For: Paddlers, trail seekers, anglers, horseback riders, and active families.
What I Love: ♥ "Dillon State Park packs a full adventure menu—wooded trails, sandy beaches, and a lake big enough for every kind of paddle or cast. It’s the kind of place where you can hike, fish, and hit a tennis ball all in one day."
- Boat or paddle through Dillon Lake’s 1,560 scenic acres of coves and open water; rentals available at the Campground Store.
- Fish for catfish, crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and muskie with a valid Ohio fishing license.
- Play across diverse recreation areas including a 1,360-foot swim beach, sports courts, and a shooting range.
Cost: Entry is free; rentals, activities, and permits may require additional fees.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for boating, hiking, and fishing; summer for beachgoers and paddleboarders.
Local tips: The park's wooded trails are multi-use—check trailheads for hiking, biking, or horseback rules. Bring bug spray for forested routes in warmer months.
Distance: About 1 hour east of Columbus; 15 minutes northwest of Zanesville, OH.
How to Get to Dillon State Park: From I-70, take Exit 153 to OH-146 W, then follow park signs to Dillon Hills Drive and the main entrance.
8. East Fork State Park Lake
Location: Bethel, OH (Clermont County, east of Cincinnati)
Recommended For: Hikers, speedboaters, anglers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts seeking big terrain and big water.
What I Love: ♥ "From roaring cascades to still swamp forests, East Fork is a wild slice of southern Ohio. Whether you're speeding across the lake or winding through 46 miles of backcountry trails, every visit feels epic."
- Boat with no limits—William Harsha Lake allows unlimited horsepower, ideal for thrill-seekers and watercraft enthusiasts.
- Swim at the 1,200-foot beach complete with showers, changing rooms, and a shaded vending area.
- Hike or backpack through 46 miles of trails, including a 16-mile Backpack Trail and a 32-mile Perimeter Trail through rugged hills and valleys.
Cost: Free entry; boating, camping, and hunting require permits or licenses.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for hiking and backpacking; summer for lake recreation and swimming.
Local tips: Bring plenty of water on long hikes. For hunting season, confirm access zones and check in with rangers—ADA hunting blinds are available.
Distance: About 40 minutes east of Cincinnati; 2.5 hours southwest of Columbus.
How to Get to East Fork State Park: Take US-125 E to OH-222 S, then turn onto Elklick Road and follow signs to the main park entrance.
Address: 3294 Elklick Road, Bethel, OH
Lakes For Photographers
9. Findley Lake - 1 hour northwest of Akron
Location: Wellington, OH (Lorain County, west of Akron)
Recommended For: Nature lovers, butterfly watchers, kayakers, and peaceful hikers seeking a forested escape.
What I Love: ♥ "Findley State Park feels like a secret woodland retreat. Paddle silently across the lake or hike beneath pines and hardwoods while butterflies drift along your path—serene, scenic, and unforgettable."
- Boat quietly on the 93-acre Findley Lake with only electric motors, canoes, and kayaks allowed to preserve its peaceful ambiance.
- Swim at the 435-foot beach with nearby concessions—ideal for summer relaxation and a cool dip.
- Hike or mountain bike across 16 miles of trails through secondary forests alive with wildlife and wildflowers.
Cost: Free entry; small fees may apply for rentals or camping.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for peak butterfly sightings and trail accessibility.
Local tips: Keep your eyes open for the rare Duke’s skipper butterflies. Early mornings are best for wildlife sightings like deer and red foxes.
Distance: About 1 hour southwest of Cleveland; 1 hour northwest of Akron.
How to Get to Findley State Park: From US-20 or OH-58, head toward Wellington and follow signs to the park entrance on State Route 58.
Address: 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH
10. Grand Lake St. Marys - 1 hour from Dayton
Location: St. Marys, OH (western Ohio, near the Indiana border)
Recommended For: Boaters, families, anglers, and travelers looking for lakefront fun and historical charm.
What I Love: ♥ “From its canal-era legacy to today’s lakefront recreation, Grand Lake at St. Marys is a vast aquatic playground—ideal for powerboaters, swimmers, and anyone who loves wide-open water and shoreline adventure.”
- Boat with unlimited horsepower across 13,500 acres—nine boat launches make access easy for every kind of craft.
- Swim at four public beaches or relax by the 52-mile shoreline that offers plenty of scenic views and sun-soaked fun.
- Fish for bass, crappies, walleye, and bluegill—ADA-accessible spots on both shores welcome every angler.
Cost: Free entry; some amenities (rentals or events) may have separate fees.
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall offer the best weather for boating, fishing, and outdoor play.
Local tips: Rent a bike to explore the surrounding shoreline and bring the kids for mini-golf, playgrounds, and nature center programs.
Distance: 1 hour from Dayton, 2 hours from Columbus, and 2.5 hours from Cincinnati.
How to Get to Grand Lake: From I-75, take US-33 west to St. Marys, then follow signs to the state park and marina facilities.
Address: 834 Edgewater Drive, St. Marys, OH
Plan Your Trip