Looking to beat the summer heat with some of the best swimming spots near Central Ohio? You don’t have to travel far to find your perfect swimming hole—there are plenty of hidden gems right in your backyard (please don’t look out your back windows, they’re not actually in your backyard… but they’re closer than you’d think)!
Dive into our list of the top swimming spots, featuring sandy beaches, serene lakes, and refreshing places to take a dip.
Whether you’re searching for a quiet cove, a bustling beach, or just a cool spot to relax after a day of outdoor fun, we’ve got you covered. These must-visit swimming destinations near Central Ohio will help you make the most of your summer splash.
If swimming in lakes gives you the heebie-jeebies, check out our guide to pools and splash pads around Central Ohio here.
From family-friendly spots to secluded hideaways, there’s something for everyone. So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready to dive into the best swimming spots Central Ohio has to offer!
Lake Hope
27331 State Route 278, McArthur, OH 45651 | 1 hr 10 min from Columbus
If you’re HOPEful to find the perfect splash spot near Central Ohio, look no further than Lake Hope. This hidden gem boasts a 600-foot swimming beach that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Located near the dam, the beach offers all the essentials: a beach house with restrooms (because nobody likes a mid-swim scramble), a sun deck for soaking up those rays, and a patio with an Instagrammable lake view. Plus, there’s a boathouse with a shelter that’s first-come, first-served, so get there early! Just remember, Fido will have to sit this one out—pets aren’t allowed on the swimming beach. Dive in and enjoy, but swim safe, folks!
Swimming Location: Park Rd 9, New Plymouth, OH 45654
Lake Logan
30443 Lake Logan Rd, Logan, OH 43138 | 45 min from Columbus
If you’re craving a swimming adventure that’s not too crowded, Lake Logan is your go-to spot. Nestled on the north shore, this 527-foot public swimming beach is the perfect place to make a splash. While the amenities are minimal (restrooms only, folks), the natural beauty more than makes up for it. Just pack your sunscreen, a picnic, and a sense of adventure. Swimming is only allowed in designated areas during daylight hours, so plan accordingly and be safe!
Swimming Location: 29704 Lake Logan Rd, Logan, OH 43138
Strouds Run State Park
11661 State Park Rd, Athens, OH 45701 | 1 hr 15 min from Columbus
Looking for a place to cool off and maybe even feel a little rebellious? Strouds Run State Park is the spot. This 700-foot sand beach on the east side of the lake is a summer haven, open from sunrise to sunset. Ohio University students know it well—it’s the ultimate spot for a sneaky sun-soaked “study break.” With changing booths, drinking water, and restrooms on hand, you’ll have everything you need for a day of fun. Just remember, swim in designated areas and keep your furry friends at home—pets aren’t allowed on the swimming beach.
Swimming Location: 12927 Strouds Run Rd, Athens, OH 45701
Salt Fork State Park
14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755 | 1 hr 25 min from Columbus
Nestled in eastern Ohio, Salt Fork State Park is a nature lover’s paradise with forested hills, open meadows, and misty valleys crisscrossed by winding streams. Whether you’re a swimmer, hiker, or picnic enthusiast, this park has something for everyone. Boasting one of Ohio’s largest inland beaches at a whopping 2,500 feet, this is the place to stretch out and soak up the sun. The beach comes complete with a concession stand, changing rooms, restrooms, and outdoor showers, so you’ll be set for a full day of splashy adventures. Swimming is allowed during daylight hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the crystal-clear water and the beautiful scenery.
Swimming Location: Unnamed road, use this Google Maps Link for assistance
Alum Creek State Park
3615 S Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015 | 30 min from Columbus
For a splash-tastic day near Ohio’s capital, Alum Creek State Park is the place to be. Known for its boating and camping, this park also boasts the largest inland beach in Ohio’s state park system at a whopping 3,000 feet. With a changing area, outdoor showers, restrooms, beach vendors, and sand volleyball courts, you’ll have everything you need for a day of fun in the sun. When you’re done splashing around, explore the park’s family-friendly mountain bike trail or the half-mile Storybook Trail with the kids. And if you’re camping, enjoy the camp store, boating access, and nature center.
Swimming Location: 3400 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035
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