Summertime can be one of the most exciting times in the Buckeye State, especially when spent at one of the most beautiful beaches in Ohio! There’s so much fun in the sun to be had, whether at one of Ohio’s lakeside beaches or swimming holes. The following 10 swimming beaches in Ohio have some of the clearest, most pristine water—and they’re some of our all-time favorite beaches and lakes in the Buckeye State. They just might be some of the best swimming holes and best beaches in Ohio.

1. Tappan Lake
Tappan Lake, Ohio, USA
Brian Rawson-Ketchum from Springfield, MI, US/Wikimedia Commons
Near a restored Indian village at Shoenbrunn State Park in Deersville, Tappan Lake serves as a popular swimming, boating and camping destination. The water is simply beautiful here.
2. Salt Fork Lake Beach
Salt Fork Lake, Ohio, USA
ohiostateparklodges.com
One of the best Ohio beaches with clear water is located at one of the state's most peaceful lakes in Guernsey County. The designated swimming area here is perfect for a day of family fun.
3. Cedar Point Beach
Cedar Point Beach, Cedar Point, OH, USA
shoresandislands.com
It's no secret that the shores of Ohio's Great Lake are pristine, but you'd be surprised how many people don't know about Cedar Point Beach in Sandusky. After a day (or two) of roller coaster mania, relax on the shores of Lake Erie at this beautiful beach.
4. Kelleys Island State Park Beach
Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
Eve Hermann/Flickr
Tucked away on the north side of Kelleys Island is a secluded and lovely 100 ft. stretch of sand and a beach perfect for wading waist-deep in Lake Erie.

Take a look at this video on Kelleys Island by @shoresandislands:
5. Lakeview Park Beach
1800 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052, USA
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
Another gorgeous lake in Ohio, Lorain County's beloved beach features a summer concert series, beach volleyball, the historic Rose Garden, a nearby cafe, and even stand-up paddle board lessons.

Take a look at this video of Lakeview Park by @joegavorski:
6. Headlands Beach State Park
Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
Janet Moore-Coll/Flickr
While Lake Erie is home to more than 30 beautiful beaches, Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor stands out among the rest. It is the largest natural sand beach in Ohio, and it features the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse, a beloved local landmark. The water is gorgeous and the photo opportunities are endless.
7. Maumee Bay State Park Beach
Maumee Bay State Park Beach, Oregon, OH 43616, USA
Becker 1999/Flickr
This half-a-mile-long beach in Oregon, Ohio, features an amphitheater for special entertainment, an inland lake for smoother swimming, a large inflatable water slide, beach volleyball, and boat rentals.

Take a look at this video on Maumee Bay State Park by @TheOhioDNR:
8. Buck Creek State Park Beach
Buck Creek State Park Beach, 22003000070001007, Springfield, OH 45502, USA
emma.kate/Flickr
This popular camping destination in Springfield features a 2,400-foot sand beach. It's one of the cleanest lakes in Ohio to soak up the sun on a hot summer day.
9. Mineral Springs Lake Resort
Mineral Springs Lake Resort, 160 Bluegill Rd, Peebles, OH 45660, USA
Mineral Springs Lake Resort/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. It's one of the cleanest lakes in Ohio.
10. Punderson State Park Lake
Punderson State Park, 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065, USA
Punderson State Park
This beautiful 150-acre natural lake in Ohio features a small swimming beach within Punderson State Park that's perfect for taking a serene dip.

Have you been to any of the places on this list? What do you think are the best swimming holes and best beaches in Ohio? Let us know!

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Best Swimming Holes in Ohio

April Dray | June 13, 2019

Where is the bluest water in Ohio?

There are several quarries that could arguably have the bluest water in the state of Ohio:

  • White Star Quarry in Gibsonburg is a little-known diving resort and swimming area, where the water is a jaw-dropping, deep blue.
  • Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville, is a family-owned and operated park that features a stunningly beautiful blue water quarry where you can swim, scuba, snorkel and camp.

 

Does Ohio have any manmade swimming holes?

There are several swimming lakes in Ohio, both natural and manmade. Many natural swimming holes in Ohio are tucked away in state parks along hiking trails, but most of these areas prohibit swimming. The best swimming areas in Ohio are lakeside, manmade water parks such as:

  • Longs Retreat Family Resort in Latham
  • Clay’s Park Resort in North Lawerence.

 

Both of these manmade swimming areas in Ohio feature sandy beaches, water slides, splash pads and other fun amenities.

What are the best beaches in Ohio?

It’s difficult to determine what the best beaches in Ohio are. The best sandy beach in Ohio is at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor. Headlands Beach is the largest natural sand beach in Ohio and it’s a little more than a mile long.

Do any Ohio beaches have waves?

There are several Lake Erie beaches along the coast of northern Ohio with small waves. The waves are usually not large enough for surfing, however, there are some notable exceptions where you can catch a wave in Ohio!

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