Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a novice adventurer, you must explore these magnificent lakes near Dayton, Ohio. Offering a blend of recreational thrills, serene beauty, and fascinating history, these lakes beckon all who crave the outdoors. Let’s get exploring!
Eastwood Lake
Located just a short drive from downtown Dayton, the 185-acre Eastwood Lake offers a vibrant mix of activities. This former flood control area, now part of Eastwood MetroPark, has transformed into a sought-after recreation site, with boating, trail-based activities, and fishing. Despite swimming restrictions, the lake welcomes a range of watercraft to explore the water.
Cowan Lake
Cowan Lake, located in Clinton County, serves as a hub for a multitude of outdoor activities nestled within the expansive Cowan Lake State Park. This body of water, teeming with muskellunge, crappie, and largemouth bass, sets a picturesque backdrop for engaging in fishing, boating, and sailing. Coupled with a variety of bird species, the park’s four-mile hiking trails, and cozy accommodations, Cowan Lake offers a well-rounded and gratifying nature adventure.
Caesar Creek Lake
Forty minutes south of Downtown Dayton lies Caesar Creek Lake, a gem within the expansive 7,530-acre Caesar Creek State Park. This lake is more than just a haven for boating, kayaking, and fishing; it’s an entire family experience. The area features a fossil collection zone, an array of hiking and bridle trails, the quaint Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village with its historic log cabins, and a nature center providing year-round educational programs.
Indian Lake
Journey 70 miles to the north of Dayton and you will discover Indian Lake, a scenic sanctuary dotted with countless islands waiting to be explored. Experience the thrill of endless boating adventures or participate in an exciting fishing contest along the lake’s vast 30-mile coastline. Indian Lake also offers a delightful selection of onshore activities including picnicking, horseback riding, and antiquing.
Acton Lake
A cherished gem in Southwest Ohio, Acton Lake boasts half a century’s worth of history and recreational allure, drawing in visitors from all corners. Situated just an hour’s drive southwest of Dayton, the lake, nestled within the verdant expanse of Hueston Woods State Park, is a hotspot for angling aficionados, teeming with diverse aquatic species from muskie to white crappie. The park’s offerings extend beyond the lake, featuring everything from quaint rental cottages and rustic camping sites to a myriad of activities including hiking trails, and even a sprawling 18-hole golf course.
Deer Creek Lake
Located slightly past Mount Sterling and an hour away from Dayton, you’ll find Deer Creek Lake. Spanning 1,277 acres, this locale provides summer excitement with unrestricted horsepower boating and numerous water activities that promise a thrilling time. Angling enthusiasts will enjoy their hefty catches of crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass. Beyond the water, the area features a marina, a welcoming beach, shooting and archery arenas, and horse trails for land-based adventures.
Grand Lake St. Mary’s
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, spread over a majestic 13,500-acre Lake in Mercer and Auglaize counties, Ohio, promises a blend of history and outdoor thrill. Engage in a wide range of activities, from boating to fishing for warm water species like crappie, bass, yellow perch, and bluegill, or simply enjoy a picnic beside the lake. Despite its current swimming limitations, the park’s modern campsite and numerous picnic spots ensure an unmatched lakeside retreat.
Kiser Lake
Located just 38 miles from Dayton in Southwest Ohio, Kiser Lake is a 400-acre recreational gem nestled within Kiser Lake State Park. The park invites guests to enjoy activities such as sailing, paddling, hiking, picnicking, and camping. The tranquility, ensured by the prohibition of motorized watercraft, permeates throughout, from the sun-drenched beach to the Kiser Lake Wetlands State Nature Preserve, a must-visit for avid nature enthusiasts.
Armco Park Lake
Dive into history and enjoy leisure at Armco Park Lake, a 110-acre body of water with a rich past rooted in the Shaker religious community. Positioned in Warren County, just over 20 miles south of downtown Dayton, this lake, once an Armco Steel Company retreat, now serves as a vibrant park. From a playground and sports fields to a dock and bait shop, the park supports a variety of activities, with fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish being a particular highlight.
Clarence J. Brown Reservoir
At the C.J. Brown Dam & Reservoir in Springfield, visitors encounter one of Ohio’s unique ecological settings with two distinct fen communities. The area is home to rare species such as the sundew and spotted turtle. Adding historical context to this natural bounty, the Crabill Homestead, managed by the Clark County Historical Society, offers insights into pioneer life.