Here in the Buckeye State, there’s nothing quite like a hot, summer day spent relaxing or recreating at one of the many beautiful lakes in Ohio. Truly: the best way to embrace the summer season is with as many lakeside days as possible! Last year, we highlighted some of our favorite lakes in Ohio. This year, we’d like to draw your attention to some others that are just as tranquil and beautiful. Here are 11 beautiful lakes in Ohio that are practically magical in the summer sun:

1. Portage Lakes (Summit County)
Portage Lakes, OH 44319, USA
John Stockton/Flickr
If fishing is one of your favorite summer activities, then Portage Lake is your ideal lake. Largemouth bass abound within these six lakes, which cover 2,000 acres and stretch for more than six miles of shoreline.
2. William H. Harsha Lake (Batavia)
William H Harsha Lake, Ohio, USA
Keith Robinson/Flickr
Formerly known as East Fork Lake and the site of two abandoned gold mines, William H. Harsha Lake is well-known for its beautiful falls and Ordovician fossil beds.
3. Tappan Lake (Uhrichsville)
Uhrichsville, OH 44683, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Near a restored Indian village at Shoenbrunn State Park and the outdoor historical drama, "Trumpet in the Land," Tappan Lake serves as a popular camping destination. While you're here, be sure to check out the Moravian Trail Scenic Byway in addition to the usual camping activities available here such as boating, swimming and hiking.
4. Caesar’s Creek (Waynesville)
Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village, 3999 Pioneer Village Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA
Ted/Flickr
Along a section of Caesar's Creek, near the Little Miami River, are dozens of swimming holes, accessible only by hiking trails.
6. Mogadore Reservoir (Portage County)
Mogadore Reservoir, Ohio, USA
cmcbrown/Flickr
This family favorite fishing spot near Akron is a prime spot for largemouth bass fishing and canoeing.

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6. Mosquito Creek Lake (Trumbull County)
Mosquito Creek Lake, Ohio, USA
Jack Pearce/Flickr
This large reservoir in northeast Ohio is a great spot for some peaceful boating, fishing and family time.
7. Salt Fork Lake (Guernsey County)
Salt Fork Lake, Ohio, USA
stateparks.com
One of Ohio's most beloved state parks is home to one of the state's most peaceful lakes in Guernsey County.
8. Mineral Springs Lake (Adams County)
Mineral Springs Lake, Meigs Township, OH 45660, USA
Mineral Springs Lake Resort Peebles Ohio/Facebook
Tucked away in Adams County, you’ll find the hidden gem of Mineral Springs Lake, a picturesque lake fed by natural spring water that’s loaded with nature’s healthy minerals. The lake covers more than 100 aces with five and a half miles of peaceful shoreline.
9. Dow Lake (Athens County)
Dow Lake, Canaan Township, OH 45701, USA
Ron Bailey/Flickr
Strouds Run State Park in Athens County features multiple hiking trails, cabin getaways and peaceful swimming and boating on Ohio's Dow Lake.
10. Rose Lake (Hocking Hills Reservoir)
Rose Lake, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
Mathieu Thouvenin/Flickr
Just outside of one of Ohio's most beloved hiking spots (Old Man's Cave) is the Hocking Hills Reservoir, locally named Rose Lake. It is a truly serene spot that's perfect for a peaceful canoe or kayak adventure.
11. Lake Erie
Lake Erie, Lake Erie
Mark K./Flickr
Ohio's very own Great Lake serves as our own special sort of ocean here. <3

What’s your favorite lake in Ohio? Did it make the list of most beautiful lakes in Ohio? Tell us about your go-to spots for a summer lake day in the Buckeye State!

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More to Explore

Beautiful lakes in Ohio

Sarah M. | June 12, 2022

What is the most beautiful lake in Ohio?

While the above contenders certainly qualify as some of the most beautiful lakes in Ohio, in terms of superlatives, we absolutely love our Lake Erie landscape, in particular, the stunning waters of Kelleys Island. Tucked away on the north side of Kelleys Island is a secluded and lovely 100-foot stretch of sand and a beach perfect for wading waist-deep in Lake Erie... and it's a hidden gem that you might have all to yourself! Another Lake Erie stunner is Cedar Point Beach. It's no secret that the shores of Ohio's Great Lake are pristine, and Cedar Point Beach really is an underrated treasure. Folks come here for the world-class roller coasters and water park, but you'd be surprised how many people don't know about Cedar Point Beach in Sandusky!

What's a hidden gem lake in Ohio to visit in the summer?

We mentioned if briefly above, but Natural Springs Resort in New Paris, Ohio, truly is a hidden gem lake in Ohio. Featuring a beautiful, spring-fed lake, it really is the picture-perfect place to take a dip on a sunny day or camp for the weekend. Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor is another standout gem; it is the largest natural sand beach in Ohio, and it features the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse, too, which is a beloved and iconic local landmark. The water is gorgeous, and the photo opportunities are endless!

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