Splish-Splash, Ohio State Parks are a Bash: 7 Swimming Beaches You’ll Love
If you’re anything like me, the moment summer rolls around, you’re itching to dive into a cool body of water and soak up the sun. Luckily, Ohio’s got some fantastic state parks with swimming beaches that are perfect for making a splash. From the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, we’re divvying up the best state parks with swimming beaches that are sure to make your summer sizzle.
In this article, we’ll be diving into seven Ohio state parks with swimming beaches that’ll make you go weak in the knees. You’ll find everything you need to know about getting to these parks, the facilities, conditions, activities, prices, and even some insider tips on nearby accommodations. So grab your sunscreen and let’s get this beach party started!
1. Headlands Beach State Park
Headlands Beach State Park
Map from:
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE): 35 miles, 40-minute drive
- Mentor, OH: 10 miles, 15-minute drive
- I-90: 10 miles, 15-minute drive
Getting There from Headlands Beach State Park: Go eastbound on Headlands Rd towards State Park Rd, turn left onto State Park Rd, continue onto OH-306, take ramp onto I-90 East and then continue onto I-271 North
This little gem of a state park boasts one of the longest swimming beaches in the state – a whopping 35 acres, to be exact. With its soft sand, calm waters, and stunning views of Lake Erie, Headlands Beach State Park is a must-visit destination for beach bums and nature enthusiasts alike. You can soak up the sun on the beach, swim in the lake, or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline. For water sports enthusiasts, there are kayak and paddleboard rentals available.
There’s also a scenic hiking trail that takes you through the park’s beautiful woods. The beach facilities include picnic areas, food stands, restrooms, showers, and locking lockers. Admission is $10 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors, while Ohio residents pay just $5.
Nearby Accommodations:
There are plenty of hotels in nearby Mentor and Painesville. Some popular options include:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Mentor
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mentor
- Quail Hollow Resort
Reviews:
"Hands-down the best state park in Ohio! The beach is enormous and always so much fun. The hiking trails are great too – really pretty and not too difficult. Love this place!" – Rachel M.
2. Delaware State Park Beach
Delaware State Park Beach
Map from:
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH): 45 miles, 1-hour drive
- Delaware, OH: 10 miles, 15-minute drive
- I-71: 10 miles, 15-minute drive
Getting There from Delaware State Park Beach: Go northbound on Beach Rd towards OH-23 S, take ramp onto US-23 North then continue onto US-42 North
Delaware State Park Beach offers a serene swimming experience amidst beautiful rolling hills. The park features a 1,700-acre lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are many picnic areas with grills and tables nearby. A scenic bicycle path takes you through the woods and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
We highly recommend visiting the nearby Delaware Lake Campground to set up your camper or pitch a tent for an overnight stay. Additionally, explore the charming downtown area of Delaware, complete with unique shops and great eats.
Beach Admission:
Free
Rentals:
- Kayaks and paddleboats: $8-$12 per hour
- Bicycles: $10-$17 per day
Lodging: - Delaware Lake Campground (on-site)
- Hampton Inn & Suites Delaware (off-site)
Reviews:
"The Delaware State Park Beach is absolutely perfect! Such a wonderful place to spend time with family and friends, swimming in the lake and having a picnic. Highly recommended." – Emily M.
3. Hocking Hills State Park Beach
Hocking Hills State Park Beach
Map from:
- Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CMH): 62 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Logan, OH: 10 miles, 20-minute drive
- US-23: 5 miles, 10-minute drive
Getting There from Hocking Hills State Park Beach: Go eastbound on St. Rt. 664 towards State St, turn left onto St. Rt. 664 towards US-33 E, take ramp onto US-33 East then continue onto US-23 South
Get ready to experience the majestic Hocking Hills State Park Beach. With its serene lake surrounded by dense woods, this place has an otherworldly charm. Swimming in the lake and hiking the park’s famous trails are an absolute must. A favorite among photographers, the famous Hocking Hills scenery offers majestic waterfalls and breathtaking views.
Accommodation prices and the quality vary significantly based on proximity to the Hocking Hills State Park. In nearby Logan:
- Budget-friendly option: Super 8 by Wyndham Logan
- Mid-range option: Hampton Inn & Suites Logan
- High-end option: The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Facilities:
Beach includes picnic areas, concession stand, and restrooms
Park Hours:
Dawn till dusk
Reviews:
"Hocking Hills State Park Beach is breathtakingly beautiful! You’ll have so much fun exploring the trails and taking in the serenity of this lake. Highly recommend for nature lovers." – Rick F.
4. Kelleys Island State Park Beach
Kelleys Island State Park Beach
Map from:
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): 90 miles, 2-hour drive and then 20-minute ferry from Marblehead to Kelleys Island
- Toledo-Hancock Regional Airport (TOL) 95 miles, 2-hour drive and then take 20-minute ferry ride from Marblehead to Kelleys Island
- Kelleys Island General Express (Ferry) North Bay B, 231 Hurricane St
Getting There from Kelleys Island State Park Beach: Go northbound on Division St towards Toussaint St, turn right onto Water St then left onto Hurricane St onto the General Express Ferry
Escape the chaos of your busy city life and explore this gem of a park. For just a little added effort of catching a ferry, this 676-acre park features a beautiful sandy beach and picturesque scenery. Two beaches found on either side of a historic canal perfectly adorn these shores. Additionally, enjoy visiting the 137-acre forest nature preserve teeming with wildlife.
Beach admission:
Free
Rentals:
Bicycles: $10-$20 per day
Kelleys Island offers several quaint hotels, inns, and cottages. An interesting option can be staying at:
- Kelleys Island Venture Resort
Reviews:
"Beautiful Kelleys Island State Park Beach offers just the right ambiance – quiet and serene. Definitely recommend exploring this incredible place if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful!" – Karen G.
5. John Bryan State Park Beach
John Bryan State Park Beach
Map from:
- Dayton International Airport (DAY): 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Yellow Springs, OH: 2 miles, 5-minute drive
- Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park: 4 miles, 10-minute drive
Getting There from John Bryan State Park Beach: Go northbound on St. Rt.598 towards Pike St then turn left onto Dayton St exit then continue onto Dayton Springfield rd
Travellers will appreciate visiting John Bryan State Park Beach. Situated around a lake in a vast campground area, this captivating place is simply waiting to bring you peace. The park features historic limestone gorge, the awesome Riverside scenic hiking trail, and swimming in the calm waters.
Take in all the fresh air as the hiking trails pass over bubbling streams and scenic ravines offering various incredible scenery. Offering food stands and golf courses along with a recreational camping option makes John Bryan State Park Beach an unforgettable adventure.
Rentals:
- Cabins: $65-$100 per night
- Camp sites: $15-$25 per night
Getting There:
Near Dayton: - Hampton Inn & Suites Dayton
Reviews:
"We took a quick trip to John Bryan State Park Beach and absolutely loved the camping area, it has modern basic facilities – such as electricity – comfortable grills, and fresh running water. Had an amazing hike through the forest and the trails with lovely scenery. One of our all-time favorites!" – Mark T.
6. Salt Fork State Park Beach
Salt Fork State Park Beach
Map from:
- Harry Clever Regional Airport (VI): 62 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Salt Fork Beach: Approx 9 miles, 15-minute drive
- Tuscarawas River Valley, Muskingum Rd SW, Zanesville Rd SE, Lakeside Rd SE head Lake Park Dr N
Getting There from Salt Fork State Park Beach: Go eastbound on Park Rd towards Wildlife Management, turn left onto Wildlife Management then right onto Wildlife Management then left onto Lakeside Dr NE towards Park Rd NE
If you’re a thrill-seeker, just head down to the southeast of Zanesville in Ohio and get to know the exciting giant Salt Fork State Park Beach! Get over yourself and unleash the child in you to show your swimming prowess with this three-thousand-acre reservoir. Salt Fork holds many aquatic sporting options including an endless thrill of skiing tubing to sailing or experiencing simply exquisite swimming in the calm waters.
Salt Fork is a nature-lover’s absolute haven – the forests complete with enormous trees are simply made for a picturesque Hike or forest trek. One could come across several charming forest wildlife species adding more unforgettable experiences in this adventure. Park houses small lakes providing ample opportunities for camping in the surroundings.
We recommend staying at Salt Fork State Park Campsites or simply stay in nearby Zanesville at:
Budget – Econo Lodge Zanesville Inn
Mid-Range – Best Western B. R. Guest Inn
High end -Cambria Hotel Hocking Hills
Rentals:
Campsites: $20-$40 per night
Reviews:
"Astonishing Salt Fork State Park Beach! Bring your beach umbrella on hot days and indulge in a romantic dinner date surrounded by the magnificent beauty and serene aura of nature making a treasured personal holiday, or an all-family adventure around Salt Fork State Park!" – Olivia N.
7. Madison Lake State Park Beach
Madison Lake State Park Beach
Map from:
- Madison Lake State Park Boat Ramp OH-323 (3 miles)
- West Jefferson: Approx 7 miles, 10-minute drive
- US-42: 7 miles, 10-minute drive
Experience unforgettable escapades as The Madison Lake State Park in Ohio is surrounded with water running through the forests. From 106 lakeside acres, Lakeview Dr S brings lovely walk-to-beach options on one side near excellent lakeshore retreat hiking trail walks and a charming drive on the shore on the opposing side near the Marina.
Day boat launching fees:
$5-$10
Rentals:
Cabin Camping: Start from $55-$75
Campspaces start from: Start from $13-$25
As you know the region may be dotted with lodging properties with a vast budget from Best Western London – Madison State Park near town to peaceful retreat options like London State Park Camping Ground. You could even stay in our personal recommended park itself on Madison State Park Cabins.
Reviews:
"Our surprise weekend to Madison Lake State Park Beach left us speechless – beautiful lake scenery with tree-lined walking/ bicycle paths enthralling everybody. One can rent excellent cabin accommodations available for lake-lovers – loveable adventure we did even in winter, and our spring trip awaits – keep calm and go – you won’t be disappointed!" – David K.
Conclusion
Get ready to indulge in an unforgettable experience at these remarkable spots in Ohio. Ensure you enjoy the natural charm and beautiful scenery. We hope this guide to Ohio State Parks with Swimming Beaches has made you aware of the excellent adventures you might be missing out on and is now all set – splashing you away into an exciting plan of state park exploration.
