Lakes Near Columbus Ohio – Best Spots for Recreation Candice Harris, July 3, 2024June 4, 2024 The Columbus, Ohio, area is full of beautiful lakes that attract many people for fun. Places like Heron Pond Metropark and Antrim Lake offer peaceful settings for family times. Meanwhile, larger lakes offer boating and fishing activities. Each lake has its own special features, making outdoor fun in Columbus varied and rich. Key Takeaways Heron Pond Metropark and Antrim Lake are perfect for family outings and serene experiences. Lakes near Columbus Ohio provide diverse settings for outdoor recreation Columbus. Candlewood Lake offers lakefront homes ranging between $400,000 and $550,000. Buckeye Lake is an active spot with a range of home prices between $100,000 and $1,000,000. Lakefront properties at Hoover Reservoir are valued between $600,000 and over $1,000,000. Apple Valley Lake provides ample fishing and watersports opportunities. Choctaw Lake, just 35 minutes from downtown Columbus, presents homes priced between $400,000 and $600,000. Introduction to Lakes Near Columbus Ohio Lakes near Columbus offer cool escapes during hot summers. They provide fun activities all year. With about 50,000 lakes and ponds in Ohio, these spots are key for nature and community fun. They let visitors see natural beauty and enjoy many water-related activities. In Central Ohio, lakes suit everyone, no matter their age or likes. For example, William H. Harsha Lake covers 2,160 acres. It’s great for boating and fishing. Caesar Creek is in a large state park and has lots of trails. It’s perfect for people who love nature. Since 1960, Salt Fork Lake has been a favorite in southeastern Ohio. Its big waters draw families and those who love being outdoors. Kiser Lake State Park offers clear waters for swimming and kayaking. It has a 396-acre lake and over 5 miles of shore. Tappan Lake has 47 miles of coastline. Seneca Lake has over 3,500 acres of water. Both places are fun for fishing and picnicking. Near Columbus, Hoover Reservoir Parkland covers more than 2,000 acres. It’s great for watching birds, like the American Bald Eagle. These lakes offer more than just water fun. They’re about being together and enjoying nature. Hoover Reservoir was built in 1955. It has areas for picnics, hikes, and fishing. You’ll find sports fields, a disc golf course, nature areas, and places to hang out. It’s perfect for lots of outdoor activities. The lakes near Columbus are escapes from city life. They mix relaxation with adventure. You can go bird-watching, hiking, boating, or just enjoy the calm. There’s plenty of fun by the water for everyone. Hoover Reservoir Hoover Reservoir is in Columbus and is loved by both locals and visitors. It supplies water and offers recreational activities. Located within Columbus Built in 1955, Hoover Reservoir spans 2,818 acres. It’s surrounded by over 2000 acres of parkland, home to many birds including the American Bald Eagle. Boats up to 22 feet can sail here, with limits on speed and horsepower. It’s a peaceful place for boating and fishing, with no jet skiing, tubing, or swimming allowed. Activities at Hoover Reservoir There’s a lot to do at Hoover Reservoir. People enjoy picnicking, hiking, and bird watching. The area around the lake is perfect for those who love nature. Fishing at Hoover is a big draw. Anglers find catfish, saugeye, bass, and more. Some blue catfish even weigh over thirty pounds! The reservoir boosts the local economy by attracting tourists and helping businesses. During busy times, many come to launch their boats, especially on weekends. Alum Creek Lake Alum Creek Lake is a beautiful spot less than 30 minutes from Downtown Columbus. It’s a place where locals and visitors can enjoy various activities. With 3,387 acres to explore, its beauty and amenities make it a favorite. Pristine Beaches and Swimming Areas It has Ohio’s biggest inland beach in the state parks, at 3,000 feet long. You can sunbathe or play in the sand and swim in clear waters. Facilities like restrooms and outdoor showers are available for everyone. Recreational Activities There’s so much to do at Alum Creek Lake. You can play volleyball, have picnics, or fish for various species. With lots of “keeper” sized bass, fishing is great. For horseback riding fans, there are 38 miles of trails. Winter offers sledding, ice skating, and more. The park’s facilities and fun options make it top-notch for recreation. Whether you’re basking on its vast beaches, playing volleyball, swimming, or fishing, Alum Creek Lake is memorable. Its size and amenities make it perfect for fun and relaxation. It’s a prime spot for everyone’s outdoor activities. Buckeye Lake Buckeye Lake, located in Ohio, is only 45 minutes from Columbus. Built in 1826, it’s known as Ohio’s oldest state park. It offers many fun activities for everyone. The lake covers 3,100 acres, offering plenty of water sports. You can enjoy boating, fishing, or having a picnic. For those who love the outdoors, there’s a 4.1-mile trail for walking or hiking. Proximity to Columbus It’s easy to reach Buckeye Lake from Columbus, just 30 minutes away. The lake stretches 35 miles along the shore. It covers Fairfield, Licking, and Perry counties, providing big space for exploring. Dining and Entertainment Buckeye Lake is not just about natural beauty. It also offers great food and fun. There are many lakeside restaurants. Papa Boo’s is one of the favorites for dining by the water. Fairfield Beach and Crystal Beach offer swimming from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There’s more than food and swimming here. The park is filled with history and natural sights. You can see a floating Cranberry Bog and places where waterfowl live. Buckeye Lake State Park is a great place for fishing, swimming, or just looking at the view. Griggs Reservoir Griggs Reservoir Columbus is a beautiful place for a peaceful escape. It boasts scenic views and calm surroundings. Covering six miles with a 15-mile long shoreline, it’s perfect for paddle sports and fishing. The reservoir has a 35 feet tall dam with a 500-foot spillway off State Route 33. Boating is great here without power limits, but there’s a 40 MPH speed cap. It welcomes boats over 22 feet for exciting activities like skiing and tubing. Griggs Reservoir spans 387 acres and is a top bass fishing spot in Ohio. It’s a favorite for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass, saugeyes, and crappies. Fish caught include largemouth bass up to 5 pounds, smallmouth bass to 15.5 inches, and crappies to 12 inches. Fish Species Common Locations Size Range Largemouth Bass Shorelines, under docks, submerged rocks Up to 5 lbs, 19.3 inches Smallmouth Bass Retaining walls, bluffs Up to 15.5 inches Saugeyes General reservoir areas Up to 24 inches Crappies Throughout the reservoir Up to 12 inches The Columbus Department of Parks and Recreation manages Griggs Reservoir Park. Spanning 521 acres, it sits in urban Columbus. This reservoir is a treasured spot for Columbus fishing spots and paddle sports lovers, offering beautiful views. Deer Creek State Park Lake Deer Creek State Park Lake is a piece of outdoor paradise in Pickaway and Fayette Counties. It stretches over 1,277 acres, offering a perfect spot for camping in Ohio. The park boasts over 200 electric campsites, five primitive spots for horseback riding enthusiasts, and two group sites for up to 100 guests. It comes with seasonal amenities like showers and laundry facilities to make your stay comfortable. Pets are also welcome here. This makes it a great place for families to explore nature together. Camping and Lodging Deer Creek State Park Lake has something for every camper. You can reserve a site up to six months in advance, either online or by calling (866) 644-6727. Choose from fully-equipped electric sites or go for the simpler primitive sites. There’s a picnic shelter available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plus, you can enjoy activities like volleyball, basketball, and miniature golf. Bike rentals are also available for exploring. Fishing and Boating Deer Creek State Park Lake is well-known among Ohio’s fishing lakes, especially for saugeye fishing in the early spring. You can also catch catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie here. The best time for crappies is in April and May, using minnows and jigs around brushy areas. Boating fans will love the two launch ramps for easy access to the water. The lake allows unlimited horsepower, welcoming all kinds of boaters. It’s ideal for those seeking both relaxation and adventure on the water. News