Going boating in Ohio? Ohio’s “backyard“ is an awesome playground for outdoor enthusiasts. During the warm weather season, it’s all about the boating!
This state boasts 74 State Parks and more than 130 State Nature Preserves. There are also several metro parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. More than 50 rivers and hundreds of lakes welcome boating, paddle boarding, fishing, and kayaking activities.
Indeed, there is lots of fun to be had in Ohio; you just need to pick your water venue!
So, where will you be boating? Will you be visiting a large city like Cincinnati near the Ohio River, in Cleveland alongside Lake Erie, or adventuring in one of Ohio’s State Parks? Or maybe you’ll be visiting a charming small town like Put-In-Bay, where cars are few and boats are many.
Wherever you are in Ohio, there’s sure to be a boating destination nearby for you to enjoy. Keep reading to learn more about boating in Ohio!
Best Lakes for Boating in Ohio
With popular boating and paddling options to be found all over Ohio, your boating and water sports options are limitless. We thought we’d name a few of our favorite places to go boating in Ohio to get you started!
Lake Milton State Park
In 1910, construction began on a reservoir to supply the area’s population with water. A 2,800-foot dam was completed in 1913 and impounded over 1,600 acres of water surface.
Lake Milton included a small amusement park at Craig Beach. It offers a swimming beach, roller coaster, boat trips, and a busy midway. The east side of the lake included taverns, a dance hall, and a skating rink. In 1986, the lake was drained, but within two years, it was reopened and dedicated as a state park.
Lake Milton State Park is a glaciated plateau that hosts a variety of forests, bogs, fields, streams, and lakes. The area includes cottontail rabbits, red foxes, raccoons, muskrats, and woodchucks. Bird life is diverse, with robins, warblers, pine siskins, hawks, and owls commonly seen. Reptiles found here include the midland painted turtle and the northern watersnake.
A major feature of the park is Lake Milton. It offers boating, swimming, and fishing. The ODNR Division of Wildlife has stocked the lake with walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Three launch ramps and seasonal dock rentals are available.
West Branch Reservoir
Located in Portage County, West Branch State Park’s 2,650-acre lake offers many forks and coves. It’s extremely popular with fishermen, boaters, and swimmers.
The lake is designated for unlimited horsepower and has a no-wake zone that extends 300 feet from all shorelines. You can access boat rentals, gasoline, and supplies from the marina. Five launch ramps provide boaters access to the lake, and docks can be rented seasonally.
The park is made up of 5,379-acres of meadows and woodlots provide an excellent backdrop for a plethora of outdoor activities. Year-round fishing at West Branch offers large and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, catfish and trophy-class muskellunge.
Fishing access is available at three paved and two gravel launch areas as well as numerous shoreline access points. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
The Ohio River
The Ohio River forms the entire 451-mile southern boundary of Ohio and covers 91,300 surface acres of water along its border. It offers plenty of opportunities for recreation, including pleasure boating, fishing, sailing, and water skiing.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began improving the Ohio River in 1824 by dredging sandbars and removing snags. The first lock and dam, about five miles below Pittsburgh, was completed in 1885, and 12 more were built in 1910. Channelization of the river was completed in 1929.
There are 53 locks on the Ohio River. Over 30,000 recreational boats lock through the Pittsburgh District’s locks each year. Numerous excursion boats also use the locks as they cruise the rivers, entertaining and educating area residents and tourists.
Many people use the navigation pools as a lake for pleasure boating without ever using a lock. Some don’t realize that the dams create miles of clear channels.
The quality of the water and the fish have dramatically improved over the past twenty years. As a result, in many areas, fishing is at an all-time high.
Seneca Lake
Boating is very popular at Seneca Lake, and with the 399 horsepower limit and 3,550 acres of water, there’s an abundant area to enjoy.
Ski boats, sailboats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks, and jet skis are among the various watercraft that share the water. This is the third-largest inland lake in Ohio.
Seneca Lake Marina offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals and dock space. The full-service marina also offers boat service and repairs, winterization, fishing license sales, and bait and tackle.
State Parks
Ohio has over 74 state parks and endless stretches of trails to hike or bike. Many lakes are also great for fishing, paddle sports, and boating activities. For these reasons, you should start your outdoor adventure in Ohio!
Hocking Hills State Park (rated one of “America’s 10 Best State Parks” by Fodor’s Travel) is a popular choice for paddlers, especially those who like to float among sandstone gorges, cliffs, waterfalls, and basins.
Power boaters will love the unlimited horsepower designation and 2,380-acre lake in Ceasar Creek State Park. Another favorite is Cleveland Lakefront State Park, which is conveniently located on the city’s side.
Fishing in Ohio
Ohio fishing is fantastic, and the DNR’s Division of Wildlife makes it easy for you to find fish. They offer interactive maps of Ohio’s lakes and reservoirs, rivers, streams, and Lake Erie and the Ohio River. Grab your gear and start reeling in those wall-worthy largemouth bass, muskies and northern pike!
Remember, an Ohio fishing license is required for all but a few game species. For more information about where to get a fishing license and state fishing regulations, contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Wildlife.
