A Guide to Buckeye Lake State Park

The Short Answer

Buckeye Lake State Park is great for fishing, boating, hunting, and more. As Ohio's oldest state park, this 3,100–acre lake provides year–round recreation with multiple access points and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Buckeye Lake sits just 30 miles east of Columbus, making it a convenient destination for day trips or weekend getaways. Fairfield Beach on the south shore and Brooks Park on the north shore are popular spots for visitors to begin their lake adventures.

The park features multiple boat ramps that provide easy access to the water. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, and other popular game fish throughout the year. Boaters enjoy the wide-open waters perfect for skiing, tubing, and leisure cruising. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the park offers picnic areas, mini shelters, and open spaces for family gatherings.

The History Behind Buckeye Lake State Park

Buckeye Lake has a rich history that spans from a natural wetland to a popular recreation area. Originally a natural lake called Buffalo Swamp, the area transformed in the 1820s when Ohio needed water for its growing canal system.

From Swamp to State Park

Engineers converted the swamp into Licking Summit Reservoir, a feeder lake for the Erie Canal. Workers built a dam to create a reliable water source that connected the Ohio River to Lake Erie through an extensive canal system. The reservoir got its name from its location at Licking Summit, the highest point along the canal route in this part of Ohio.

The plan however didn't work since the reservoir ended up being too shallow to feed the canal for barge traffic. Instead, the Lake was used for a different purpose, and in 1894, it became Ohio's first state park. The name changed to Buckeye Lake, reflecting both its location in the Buckeye State and the trees along its shores.

The Amusement Park Era

The early 1900s brought the Buckeye Lake Amusement Park to the north shore. Opening in 1902, it featured roller coasters, a dance pavilion, and carnival games. Though the amusement park closed in 1970, its legacy remains a key part of the lake's history.

Natural Features and Surroundings

One unique feature of Buckeye Lake is its floating island – a cranberry bog that broke free from the lake bottom. This rare natural wonder hosts unusual plants not typically found in central Ohio.

The lake spans parts of Licking County, Perry County, and Fairfield County. Over time, the Village of Buckeye Lake grew alongside the park, with cottages and summer homes appearing around the 26-mile shoreline.

From its days as Licking Summit Reservoir to now, Buckeye Lake stands as a testament to Ohio's commitment to preserving nature for public enjoyment.

A Guide to Fishing & Boating in Buckeye Lake State Park

Buckeye Lake offers excellent water recreation throughout the year. This 3,100-acre lake provides plenty of space for fishing and boating.

Buckeye Lake Fishing Locations

Fairfield Beach: Access via the south shore boat ramp and fishing pier. Best for bluegill and crappie along the shoreline, with largemouth bass near underwater structures. The parking lot fills quickly on summer weekends.
North Shore: Launch from the wide ramp with ample trailer parking. The submerged amusement park foundations attract channel catfish and bass, especially during mornings and evenings in late spring.
Brooks Park: Well-maintained access with good facilities. The eastern section holds some of the lake's biggest channel catfish, particularly after sunset.
Liebs Island: Western access point with moderate parking. Known for trophy-sized largemouth bass and saugeye during spring and fall. Often less crowded than other areas.
Crane Lake: Small inlet with limited shore access. Holds significant numbers of crappie and yellow perch. The shallow waters warm quickly in spring, making it one of the first areas to become active after winter.

Ice fishing becomes popular when conditions permit, particularly near Fairfield Beach where crappie and saugeye are common catches. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources posts ice thickness reports during winter.

Boating Information

Buckeye Lake welcomes most watercraft from fishing boats to jet skis. The main lake has room for water skiing while coves provide calm waters for kayaking and paddleboarding. Key regulations include:

No horsepower restrictions on most of the lake
No-wake zones are marked with buoys, particularly near shorelines and fishing areas
All boats must have proper lighting from sunset to sunrise
Boats must travel counterclockwise when the lake is crowded
Maintain 200-foot distance from the dam structure at all times

Boat rentals are available from businesses near the Village of Buckeye Lake for visitors without their own watercraft.

Water Safety

When enjoying Buckeye Lake, always prioritize safety:

Be aware of water level variations and potential shallow areas
Life jackets are required for each person on board
Children under 10 must wear life jackets at all times
During summer weekends, the lake gets crowdedâ€”maintain safe speeds
Watch for underwater obstacles, especially near shorelines and the island

A valid Ohio fishing permit is required for anyone 16 and older. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources stocks the lake regularly to maintain healthy fish populations throughout Buckeye Lake.

Buckeye Lake State Park: Hunting & Other Activities

Beyond fishing and boating, Buckeye Lake State Park offers a variety of land-based activities for visitors to enjoy. From hunting to hiking, there's something for everyone in this historic park.

Hunting Opportunities

Buckeye Lake provides limited hunting options in specifically designated areas. Waterfowl hunting is the most common activity, with duck and goose seasons typically running from fall through early winter. Hunters should note that:

Hunting is permitted only in designated zones away from high-traffic recreational areas
A valid Ohio hunting license and appropriate stamps/permits are required
Special regulations apply to hunting within state park boundaries
Hunting from boats must follow specific watercraft regulations
Seasonal restrictions vary yearly based on wildlife management needs

Always check current regulations with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before planning your hunting trip. Access to hunting areas is generally best from the less developed sections of the park.

Hiking and Wildlife Viewing

Several walking paths around Buckeye Lake offer opportunities to explore the landscape and observe local wildlife. The shoreline areas provide excellent bird watching, especially during spring and fall migrations when waterfowl stop at the lake.

Look for great blue herons, osprey, and bald eagles that frequent the area. The varied landscape supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, foxes, and numerous small mammals. Early morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Picnic Areas and Family Activities

Buckeye Lake State Park features several well-maintained picnic areas perfect for family gatherings. These include:

Brooks Park: Offers mini shelters, tables, and open space with lake views
Fairfield Beach: Provides picnic tables near the swimming area
North Shore: Features shaded picnic spots near the boat launch

Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, Buckeye Lake hosts various events such as fishing tournaments, Fourth of July fireworks, fall harvest festivals, and winter ice fishing competitions. Check with local tourism offices for upcoming events.

Fishing tournaments during spring and summer
Fourth of July fireworks over the water
Fall harvest festivals in surrounding communities
Winter ice fishing competitions when conditions permit

Check with local tourism offices in Licking County, Perry County, or Fairfield County for upcoming events during your visit.

Overnight Accommodations

While Buckeye Lake State Park itself doesn't offer camping, several options exist nearby:

Private campgrounds that accommodate travel trailers and RVs
Vacation rentals in the Village of Buckeye Lake and surrounding area
Hotels and motels within a short drive

Many visitors bring their travel trailers to nearby campgrounds, using them as a base for multiple days of recreation at the lake.

Visit Vance Outdoors to Gear Up for Your Next Trip to Buckeye Lake

Before heading to Buckeye Lake State Park, make sure you're fully equipped for your outdoor adventure. Vance Outdoors has everything you need to make the most of your time at Ohio's oldest state park.

Our Hebron location is just minutes from Buckeye Lake and features an impressive selection of boats perfect for the lake's waters. From fishing boats designed to help you reel in largemouth bass and channel catfish to family-friendly pontoons for leisurely cruising, we have the right watercraft for your needs.

Beyond boats, we offer fishing gear specifically suited for Buckeye Lake success, hunting equipment, and outdoor recreation supplies. Our knowledgeable team can recommend the right equipment based on where you'll be fishing or what activities you're planning.

With locations in Hebron, Columbus , Springdale , Lebanon , and Obetz , there's a Vance Outdoors store convenient to your route. Stop by before your next trip to Buckeye Lake, and let our experts help you prepare for an unforgettable outdoor experience.