Free in Ohio: Beaches

When people think Ohio they think of the river, the lake, and nothing but farm land or forest in between. What they forget is that the state has many lakes and rivers. Some of those lakes have white sandy beaches similar to an ocean shore. Lake Erie beaches are even so far from the Canadian shore that it would be impossible to tell them from a sandy ocean shore if not for the fresh water. There are beaches at a lot of the state parks too. Most of the state is within an hour drive of one. A search on the ODNR website finds over 40 different parks with beaches. They are also great places to cool off, as Governor Mike Dewine stated:

State park beaches also offer a refreshing option for families. Swim areas are available at parks in every corner of the state.

• In Northwest Ohio, visit East Harbor, Harrison Lake, Indian Lake, Kelleys Island, Kiser Lake, Lake Loramie, Maumee Bay, or South Bass Island State Parks.
• In Northeast Ohio, swimmers can explore Findley, Geneva, Guilford Lake, Headlands Beach, Jefferson Lake, Lake Milton, Mosquito Lake, Portage Lakes, Punderson, Pymatuning, or West Branch State Parks.
• In Central Ohio, swim beaches are available at Alum Creek, A.W. Marion, Deer Creek, and Delaware State Parks.
• In Southwest Ohio, Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, Hueston Woods, Paint Creek, Scioto Trail, Stonelick, and Tar Hollow State Parks offer swim areas.
• In Southeast Ohio, Barkcamp, Burr Oak, Dillon, Forked Run, Jackson Lake, Lake Alma, Lake Hope, Lake Logan, Salt Fork, Strouds Run, and Wolf Run State Parks all offer swim areas.

https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/governor-dewine-shares-ohio-state-park-locations-offering-cool-options-for-residents-06152022#:~:text=In%20Central%20Ohio%2C%20swim%20beaches,State%20Parks%20offer%20swim%20areas.

Beaches can be fun but also have risks. As with any untreated water source, check the quality of the water. A great way to do so in Ohio is the Department of Health’s Beachguard. Remember, natural bodies of water will have uneven bottoms and unseen hazards. Most beach areas are maintained but are still natural. A lot of the lakes at state parks also have boating traffic. Only swim in designated areas. For more safety tips, visit the ODNR lake safety page. Lake Erie is so big it is similar to an ocean and has even more safety tips itself.