There are endless things to do in Columbus, Ohio, and outdoor recreation is a top contender. With fishing, wildlife, and picnicking, nothing beats a day at the lake! You may be surprised to learn that there is an abundance of lakes near Columbus, Ohio, with just a short drive between residents and nature galore.
Here are our top five destinations for memorable lake days. Bring your swimsuits and grab your fishing poles!
Antrim Lake is located within Antrim Park, a 122.62-acre park surrounded by trails. Stocked with trout once a year, this lake is a popular spot for fishing, which can be done off an accessible dock or the banks. Swimming and boating are not permitted; however, this park and lake are known for their athletic facilities and biking trails.
Address: 5800 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43235
Located 22 miles from Columbus in Delaware County, Alum Creek Lake is a man-made reservoir that offers boating, camping, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Visitors can rent kayaks and canoes or opt for a nice swim at the beach. Around the lake, you can also gather for a picnic or hunt in designated areas. There is so much to do at this destination, making this one of our favorite lakes near Columbus, Ohio!
Address: 3400 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Thirty miles outside Columbus, Buckeye Lake is Ohio’s oldest state park. Boasting a 3,100-acre lake, this destination provides impressive fishing, swimming, and boating. If watersports aren’t your thing, hike the 4.1-mile trail with a shoreline view. There is so much to do around this area — you may want to make a weekend trip out of it! Buckeye Lake offers the most extensive recreation of all the lakes close to Columbus, Ohio.
Address: 2871 Liebs Island Road, Millersport, OH 43046
Spring Lakes in Greene County, Ohio, is often considered the best spot for fishing. Explore the wildlife in this quaint spot while fishing for the family. Enjoy a fresh cookout with your loved ones with on-site grills and tables.
Address: 2191 Ferry Rd, Sugarcreek Township, OH 45305
Indian Lake is a popular resort park where visitors can fully immerse themselves in lake life. Two beaches provide access to the lake, and visitors can also go boating and fishing. Other available activities include archery, camping, disc golf, walking trails, and picnicking. This lake is about 1.5 hours from Columbus, so why not make it a vacation?
Address: 13156 State Route 235 N, Lakeview, OH 43331
There is so much more to discover! We hope you’ve found this list of top lakes near Columbus, Ohio, helpful. If you want to continue exploring the Columbus area, check out our blog — you’ll never be bored in The Discovery City!
Indian Lake in Ohio is known for its clear water, perfect for swimming and fishing.
Columbus, Ohio, has several lakes in the city, including Antrim Lake and Alum Creek Lake. With just a short drive outside the city, you’ll find an abundance of lakes outside of Columbus.
The closest body of water to Columbus, Ohio, is the Scioto River, which runs through central and southern Ohio.
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