The Best 21 Beaches Near Columbus Ohio [August Updated]

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea breeze. While Columbus Ohio, may be far from the coast, there are plenty of nearby beaches that you can visit for a fun-filled day of swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best 21 beaches near Columbus Ohio, so you can plan your next beach getaway.

1. Alum Creek State Park Beach

Alum Creek State Park Beach is located in Delaware County, Ohio, just a short drive from Columbus. This beach is part of the Alum Creek State Park, which covers over 4,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, camping, and hiking.

2. Delaware State Park Beach

Delaware State Park Beach is located in Delaware County, Ohio, and is another great option for a day trip from Columbus. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,300-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

3. Buck Creek State Park Beach

Buck Creek State Park Beach is located in Springfield, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. The park covers over 4,000 acres and offers camping, hiking, and picnic areas.

4. Madison Lake State Park Beach

Madison Lake State Park Beach is located in London, Ohio, and is a great place for a day trip from Columbus. The park covers over 350 acres and offers a 300-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

5. Indian Lake State Park Beach

Indian Lake State Park Beach is located in Lakeview, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 600-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

6. Buckeye Lake State Park Beach

Buckeye Lake State Park Beach is located in Millersport, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,300-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

7. Lake Logan State Park Beach

Lake Logan State Park Beach is located in Logan, Ohio, and is a great place for a day trip from Columbus. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 527-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

8. Lake Hope State Park Beach

Lake Hope State Park Beach is a public beach located within Lake Hope State Park in Ohio, United States. The beach sits on the shore of Lake Hope, which is a 120-acre lake surrounded by forested hills and valleys.

The beach offers visitors a place to swim, sunbathe, and relax, with amenities such as picnic areas, changing rooms, and restrooms available nearby. The lake is also popular for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.

Lake Hope State Park is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for camping, hiking, and nature enthusiasts.

9. Caesar Creek State Park Beach

Caesar Creek State Park Beach is located in Waynesville, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,300-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

10. Hocking Hills State Park Beach

Hocking Hills State Park Beach is located in Logan, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and hiking. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 150-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

11. Paint Creek State Park Beach

Paint Creek State Park Beach is located in Bainbridge, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,100-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

12. Stonelick State Park Beach

Stonelick State Park Beach is located in Pleasant Plain, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 350-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

13. Rocky Fork State Park Beach

Rocky Fork State Park Beach is located in Hillsboro, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,000-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

14. Cowan Lake State Park Beach

Cowan Lake State Park Beach is located in Wilmington, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 700-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

15. Kiser Lake State Park Beach

Kiser Lake State Park Beach is located in St. Paris, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 500-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

16. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Beach

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Beach is located in Celina, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,200-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

17. Lake Erie Beaches

While Lake Erie may be a few hours’ drive from Columbus, it offers some of the best beaches in Ohio. Some of the top Lake Erie beaches include:

18. Headlands Beach State Park Beach

Headlands Beach State Park Beach is located in Mentor, Ohio, and is the largest natural sand beach in Ohio. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,500-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

19. East Harbor State Park Beach

East Harbor State Park Beach is located in Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,500-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

20. Maumee Bay State Park Beach

Maumee Bay State Park Beach is located in Oregon, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,500-foot swimming beach.

21. Cedar Point Beach

Cedar Point Beach is located in Sandusky, Ohio, and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is part of Cedar Point Amusement Park, and admission is required to access the beach. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a 1,500-foot swimming beach, chairs, and umbrellas for rent, and food vendors.

Conclusion

Ohio may not be known for its beaches, but it has plenty of great options for a day of fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax or a place to swim, fish, and boat, these beaches near Columbus are sure to deliver. So pack your sunscreen, grab your swimsuit, and head to one of these amazing Ohio beaches for a day of summer fun.

FAQs About Beaches Near Columbus

Are there any dog-friendly beaches near Columbus?

Yes, Alum Creek State Park Beach and Buck Creek State Park Beach both allow dogs on designated areas of the beach.

Can I rent water sports equipment at any of these beaches?

Yes, many of the beaches offer rentals for boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water sports equipment.

Are there any fees to enter these beaches?

Yes, some of the beaches require a small entrance fee, while others may require a state park pass.

Are lifeguards on duty at these beaches?

Yes, most of the beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer months.

Are there any camping options near these beaches?

Yes, many of the state parks that these beaches are located in offer camping options.

The Best 21 Beaches Near Columbus Ohio