Ohio boasts of nearly 50,000 lakes and small ponds. Most of them were formed naturally after the Last Glacial Period, between 120,000 and 11,500 years ago. Although these lakes are gorgeous and permit boating and fishing, a trip becomes memorable because of the state park that accompanies them. They offer plenty of recreational activities like golfing, camping, and hunting. You can also take a hike to explore the area fully. In this post, we’ve listed the best lakes in Ohio that will make your trip here genuinely pleasant.
Best Lakes in Ohio
1. Lake Erie
Lake Erie is one of the largest of the Great Lakes and the smallest by volume. It lies between Canada and the U.S. on the International Boundary. The lake has various islands, like Kelleys Island, South Bass Island, and Pelee Island, and offers many memorable fishing opportunities. Many notable museums are located near it. You can also relax on the beaches of the islands, spend a day at the lake’s waterfront, or attend one of the many festivals in the Erie region.
2. Grand Lake St. Marys
The Grand Lake St. Marys is the biggest artificial reservoir in the world. It stretches across 13,500 acres and keeps tourists entertained with activities like fishing, camping, boating, and swimming. The lake was completed in 1845 and became an Ohio State Park in 1949. Today, the park has many community-funded projects for public entertainment, like Splash Pad, K.C. Geiger Park, and St. Marys Miniature Golf Course.
Book Hotels Near Grand Lake St. Marys
3. Atwood Lake
Atwood Lake is one of the best lakes in Ohio for relaxing and spending time in nature. It is situated in northeastern Ohio and beckons tourists throughout the year. On this 28 miles of shoreline, you can engage in pleasure boating with your loved ones or sailing to get a view of the place. It has the largest inland campground in Ohio, featuring full hookups and primitive sites. The park also hosts the famous Alive Christian Music Festival and Atwood Fall Festival.
4. Alum Creek Lake
The Alum Creek Lake is the most expansive lake in Ohio, with a 134,815 acre-feet capacity. It was made to reduce flood risk and supply water for recreation, the Columbus metropolitan area, fish, and wildlife. There are boat launch ramps, season-long dock rentals, and camping opportunities at the Alum Creek State Park Campground. If you want to camp at the park, you need to make reservations six months in advance.
5. Salt Fork Lake
Salt Fork Lake, located in the hills of southeastern Ohio, stretches for 3,000 acres. It is one of the best lakes in Ohio for fishing and exploring aquatic life, like bluegills, crappies, and largemouth bass. This lake has a massive 2,500-foot inland beach in Ohio with modern bathhouses and snack bars. There is no limit to the horsepower of boats on this lake. Moreover, Salt Lake State Park is a hub for enjoyment with things like indoor and outdoor pools, Stone House for hiking, rental docks, and Kennedy Stone House. If you plan to shop, visit the charming town of Cambridge nearby.
read also: Weekend Getaways in Ohio
6. Indian Lake
When exploring the best lakes in Ohio to experience laidback relaxation, the Indian Lake is not to be missed. It has multiple restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, campgrounds, playgrounds, and short-term rental options. As a lake, it is renowned for its yellow perch, bluegills, and fair largemouth bass fishing. Indian Lake was originally a group of small lakes and wetlands. Later on, it was changed into a reservoir to gather water for the Sidney Feeder and send it to the Miami and Erie Canal. Over the years, this area has been strengthened by the community through the local efforts of state authorities, business owners, and students.
7. Mosquito Lake
The Mosquito Lake was created in 1944 by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers to combat flooding in Trumbull County and ensure the availability of clean drinking water. Since then, the 7,000-acre lake and the park around it have become a haven for tourists aching for some old-fashioned fun. The lake is home to abundant fish species that anglers would love to catch. If you love boating, rent a kayak to visit the island north of Marina and find beach glass and pieces of pottery. The Mosquito Lake State Park is full of hiking trails that provide scenic views of the lake and campsites.
8. Caesar Creek Lake
The 115 feet deep Caesar Creek Lake figures among the best lakes in Ohio for a day trip. The stunningly beautiful lake is a part of the Caesar Creek State Park. A unique feature is the fossil hunting area, where you can collect brachiopods made from a limestone layer that is millions of years old. Additionally, there are easy hiking trails, like the 3-mile Horseshoe Falls Trail. You can fish your heart out on the lake’s designated fishing area. Campgrounds, a nature centre, and special kid-friendly activities all make the Caeser Creek Lake one of the nicest water bodies in Ohio.
9. Punderson Lake
Punderson Lake, with a depth of 37 to 57 feet, is one of the few kettle lakes in Ohio. It is the largest and deepest lake, and it was made from glaciers during the Ice Age. The lake lies 25 miles east of Cleveland. Its abundant largemouth bass and rainbow trout make it ideal for summertime anglers. Craft boating and kayaking are two other popular ways to experience the water body’s beauty. A great place to stay here is the Punderson Manor State Park Lodge. It lies within the Punderson State Park, which also has family cottages, a golf course, and a campground. So, there’s no dearth of recreational activities for families when visiting this lake.
9. Pleasant Hill Lake
The Pleasant Hill Lake in Ohio shines with its clean waters. It is a fishing area with a depth of 35 feet. This unlimited horsepower lake lies close to Perrysville, Ohio, in Richland & Ashland Counties, and is surrounded by 1350 acres of land. It’s a great place for a weekend trip as recreational activities like boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, and kayaking can be done easily. The area around the lake also hosts special themed events for whole-family fun.
Book Hotels Near Pleasant Hill Lake
10. Summit Lake
The glacially-carved summit lake is situated at 3,886 feet elevation. It lies close to the Carbon River area of Mount Rainier National Park. This lake is strategically located in a way that exhibits all the year’s seasons in just four or five months. To get here, you need to pass a hike, the Hwy 165 from Buckley, through Wilkeson, which itself allows you beautiful glimpses of nature, like small creeks, Twin Lakes, and old-growth forests. The lake is ideal for paddling and watching the glorious Mount Rainier and the sunset over it. To its east is the small April Valley full of ponds. A trip here can also be combined with a visit to the Independence Mine State Historical Park, where you will find many campsites.
read also: Beaches In Ohio
11. Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake is a long and narrow Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District lake popular with tourists who crave a quiet vacation. This 25-foot deep lake is home to a variety of fish, like Bluegill, Black Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, and Hybrid Striped Bass. Visitors love camping, swimming, and staying overnight in cabins here. The park along the lake has various picnic areas and activities planned for campers. The lake is in proximity to towns like Lore City, Senecaville, and Buffalo. This region also has many famous wineries with a long history.
12. Rose Lake
Rose Lake may be last on this list of the best lakes in Ohio, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy. The lake, also called Fisherman’s Lake, is a 17-acre water body in Hocking Hills State Park. Paddling and riding electric motors are two popular activities on this lake. Although swimming is not permitted here, the pristine waters are beautiful to look at. You can catch trout, do paddle boating, or set yourself up for a long hike from here.
Conclusion
Lakes enrich Ohio’s beauty and make it a top tourist spot. The manmade and natural lakes and the accompanying parks give visitors a lot to enjoy. You can have a great family or solo trip visit, and be sure to come back with tales of adventure.
