15 Undiscovered Ohio Lakes That Feel Like The State’s Best-Kept Secrets
Ohio is home to countless lakes, but most people only know about the big ones like Lake Erie or popular spots that get crowded every summer.
What if I told you there are hidden gems scattered across the state where you can enjoy peaceful shores, excellent fishing, and stunning natural beauty without the usual tourist rush?
These lesser-known lakes offer the perfect escape for anyone seeking quiet adventures, waterside camping, or simply a place to relax and reconnect with nature.
1. Clendening Lake
Tucked away in Harrison County, Clendening Lake stretches across 1,800 acres of pure tranquility. I love how this spot remains relatively unknown despite offering some of the best bass fishing in eastern Ohio. The surrounding hillsides create a natural amphitheater that makes every sunset feel like a private show.
You’ll find multiple boat ramps and a marina that keeps things convenient without feeling commercial. Camping here means waking up to mist rolling across the water and hearing only birdsong. The lake was created in 1936 for flood control, but it’s become a paradise for kayakers and anglers.
If you visit during fall, the foliage reflecting on the water creates an almost magical scene that photographers dream about.
2. Leesville Lake
Located in Carroll County, Leesville Lake offers 1,000 acres of glassy water that feels like your own private retreat. What makes this lake special is how the narrow channels wind through wooded areas, creating countless hidden coves perfect for exploration. I’ve spent entire afternoons paddling through these quiet passages without seeing another soul.
The fishing here is outstanding, especially for crappie and catfish that grow to impressive sizes. Several campgrounds dot the shoreline, giving you options from primitive sites to spots with electric hookups.
When summer heat hits, locals know this is where you go to escape the crowds at more famous lakes. The water stays surprisingly clean, and swimming areas remain uncrowded even on weekends.
3. Piedmont Lake
Spanning 2,270 acres in Belmont and Harrison counties, Piedmont Lake somehow stays under the radar despite being one of Ohio’s larger reservoirs. The lake features several islands that you can explore by boat, creating an adventurous feel that reminds me of much wilder places. Wildlife thrives here, with bald eagles often spotted soaring overhead during winter months.
Marina facilities provide everything you need without the high prices of tourist traps. I recommend visiting the northern arms of the lake where the water narrows and feels more intimate.
Camping options range from lakeside spots to hillside sites with panoramic views. The muskie fishing attracts serious anglers, but casual fishermen also do well with bass and walleye.
4. Seneca Lake
Are you looking for a lake that feels completely removed from urban life? Seneca Lake in Guernsey County covers 3,550 acres but maintains an uncrowded, rural character that’s increasingly rare. The lake was created in 1937, and the surrounding Seneca Lake Park protects much of the shoreline from development.
I’ve found the fishing here to be consistently excellent, with saugeye being a particular highlight. The campground offers modern amenities while keeping that rustic feel that makes camping special.
Boaters love the wide-open spaces that allow for waterskiing and tubing without worrying about congestion. When autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into color, making this an ideal destination for fall camping trips.
5. Tappan Lake
Hidden in Harrison County, Tappan Lake covers 2,350 acres but feels much more intimate thanks to its irregular shoreline and numerous coves. The lake sits in a valley surrounded by wooded hills that provide natural beauty and excellent wildlife habitat. I particularly enjoy how the lake narrows into creek-like channels upstream, perfect for peaceful paddling.
Camping facilities include everything from tent sites to cabins, making it accessible for various comfort levels. The swimming beach stays clean and rarely gets overcrowded, even during peak summer weekends.
Fishing opportunities include bass, crappie, and catfish that keep anglers coming back. The marina rents boats if you don’t have your own, making this accessible for spontaneous visits.
6. Burr Oak Lake
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of Athens and Morgan counties, Burr Oak Lake feels more like a mountain retreat than a typical Ohio destination. The 664-acre lake sits within Burr Oak State Park, where rugged terrain creates dramatic scenery. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding forests, offering views that rival anything in neighboring states.
I’ve always appreciated how this lake attracts nature lovers rather than party crowds. The state park lodge provides comfortable accommodations if camping isn’t your style.
Fishing here focuses on bass and bluegill, with plenty of structure along the shoreline to hold fish. The relative remoteness means you’ll often have large sections of shoreline to yourself, creating that true escape feeling everyone craves.
7. Dillon Lake
Though Dillon Lake in Muskingum County spans 1,560 acres, it remains surprisingly quiet compared to more publicized destinations. The lake’s location in central Ohio makes it easily accessible, yet it never feels crowded. I find the combination of open water and protected coves creates perfect conditions for various water activities.
Anglers target saugeye, bass, and crappie with consistent success throughout the year. The campground provides lake views and convenient access to boat ramps.
What strikes me most is how the surrounding agricultural landscape creates a peaceful, pastoral setting different from heavily forested lakes. Sunsets here stretch across wide horizons, painting the sky in colors that make you forget about everything else. Swimming areas remain family-friendly and safe.
8. Pleasant Hill Lake
Located in Ashland and Richland counties, Pleasant Hill Lake covers 850 acres of beautiful water that lives up to its cheerful name. The lake sits within Pleasant Hill Lake Park, which protects the shoreline and maintains excellent facilities. I appreciate how the park balances accessibility with natural preservation.
Fishing opportunities include largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish that provide action for anglers of all skill levels. The campground offers both electric and non-electric sites, plus modern restroom facilities.
When you explore the shoreline by kayak or canoe, you’ll discover quiet coves where turtles sun themselves on logs and herons hunt in the shallows. The lake never gets the attention of nearby tourist destinations, which keeps it peaceful even during summer holidays.
9. Charles Mill Lake
How often do you find a 1,350-acre lake that feels like a well-kept local secret? Charles Mill Lake in Ashland and Richland counties offers exactly that experience. The lake was built in 1936 for flood control but has evolved into a recreational gem. Surrounding forests create a natural buffer that enhances privacy and wildlife viewing.
I’ve caught some of my best bass here, along with healthy populations of crappie and bluegill. The park maintains several boat ramps and a swimming beach that stays clean and safe.
Camping options include lakeside sites where you fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves. The area’s relative obscurity means you can often secure prime spots even with short notice during peak season.
10. Atwood Lake
Situated in Carroll and Tuscarawas counties, Atwood Lake spreads across 1,540 acres of pristine water that somehow avoids the crowds. The lake features an unusual amount of shoreline development compared to others on this list, yet it maintains a peaceful atmosphere. I find the combination of amenities and natural beauty creates an ideal balance.
Several marinas provide boat rentals and supplies, making spontaneous visits easy. Fishing focuses on bass, crappie, and catfish, with some walleye thrown in for variety.
The surrounding Atwood Lake Park offers camping, hiking, and picnic areas that keep families entertained for entire weekends. When you cruise the lake by boat, you’ll discover hidden beaches and coves perfect for anchoring and swimming away from developed areas.
11. Guilford Lake
It’s hard to believe a 396-acre lake can feel so secluded, but Guilford Lake in Columbiana County manages exactly that. The lake sits in Guilford Lake State Park, where mature forests surround the water and create a sense of isolation. I love visiting here during weekdays when you might have entire sections of shoreline completely to yourself.
The smaller size makes it perfect for kayaking and canoeing, allowing you to explore the entire perimeter in a few hours. Fishing targets bass and panfish, with plenty of structure along the banks.
Camping facilities remain basic but well-maintained, attracting people who prefer nature over luxury. The quiet atmosphere makes this ideal for families with young children or anyone seeking genuine relaxation without distractions.
12. Wills Creek Lake
Did you know that some of Ohio’s best fishing happens at lakes most people have never heard of? Wills Creek Lake in Coshocton and Muskingum counties proves this point with 900 acres of excellent water. The lake’s location in southeastern Ohio puts it off the beaten path for most tourists.
I’ve consistently caught quality bass and crappie here, along with saugeye that fight harder than you’d expect. The surrounding Wills Creek Lake Park provides camping and hiking opportunities.
What makes this lake special is how the narrow, winding shape creates countless fishing spots and exploration opportunities. Paddling here feels like discovering new territory around every bend. The uncrowded conditions mean you can actually relax and enjoy nature without constant noise and activity.
13. Jefferson Lake
Though Jefferson Lake in Jefferson County covers only 932 acres, it packs tremendous beauty into that compact space. The lake sits in Jefferson Lake State Park, where rolling hills and mature forests create a picturesque setting. I appreciate how the smaller size makes the lake feel manageable and less intimidating for beginning boaters or paddlers.
Fishing opportunities include bass, catfish, and panfish that provide consistent action. The campground offers lakeside sites with beautiful views and convenient access to swimming areas.
When you visit during spring, wildflowers bloom throughout the surrounding forests, adding extra color to your adventures. The park maintains hiking trails that offer elevated views of the lake, perfect for photography or simply appreciating the landscape from different perspectives.
14. Kokosing Lake
Located in Knox County, Kokosing Lake covers 480 acres of water that remains virtually unknown outside the local area. The lake was created by damming Kokosing River, and the resulting reservoir maintains a natural, undeveloped character. I find the combination of open water and narrow creek channels creates diverse paddling opportunities.
Fishing here targets bass, crappie, and catfish, with some unexpected lunkers caught each season. Limited facilities actually enhance the wilderness feel rather than detracting from the experience.
When you launch a kayak here, you can paddle for hours without encountering crowds or noise. The surrounding landscape mixes forests and farmland, creating varied scenery as you explore. This is where I go when I want true solitude and connection with nature.
15. Kiser Lake
Are you searching for a lake that combines natural beauty with convenient facilities? Kiser Lake in Champaign County offers exactly that in a 396-acre package. The lake sits within Kiser Lake State Park, where well-maintained facilities meet pristine natural surroundings. I love how the clear water and sandy beaches create an almost tropical feel in the heart of Ohio.
Swimming here ranks among the best at any Ohio lake, with designated areas that stay clean and safe. Fishing focuses on bass and bluegill, with excellent access from shore or boat.
The campground provides modern amenities while maintaining that outdoor atmosphere that makes camping special. Despite being a state park, Kiser Lake never gets as crowded as more famous destinations, making it perfect for peaceful getaways.
