Madison Lake State Park

Picturesque Madison Lake State Park’s wooded hills and wildflower meadows surround a 106-acre lake within the Darby Plains of Madison County. This serene day park is only 25 miles east of Springfield and 30 miles west of Columbus.

Guests to this Ohio state park are welcomed with opportunities to boat, swim, hike, fish, picnic, and bird watch. Nearby Deer Creek State Park offers guests options for overnight accommodations: cozy campsites and a resort lodge overlooking the lake and surrounded by picturesque wooded hills.

Activities

You’ll be sure to have a relaxing day during your visit to Madison Lake State Park. Lakeside picnic areas with tables and grills are conveniently located near restrooms for added comfort. A nature trail, playground, basketball court and sandy volleyball court add to the day’s entertainment.

And, shelter houses with picnic facilities offer a perfect spot and beautiful backdrop for family gatherings and special events.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Madison Lake State Park:

Boating at Madison Lake State Park

Spend a relaxing day out on the lake during your visit to Madison Lake State Park. Bring your kayak, canoe, or boat of choice and access the lake from the park’s launch ramp. Most hand powered boats and boats with electric motors are permitted on this 106-acre serene lake.

Swimming at Madison Lake State Park

Spend some time swimming and floating in beautiful Madison Lake. And relax, soak up some sunshine, on the 300-foot sandy beach. Guests are encouraged to be cautious while swimming and stay within the designated areas.

Hiking at Madison Lake State Park

Madison Lake State Park features a 1 mile nature trail that winds through the picturesque woodlands and along the lake’s edge. This trail offers guests a chance to get a closer look at some of the native plants and animals that exist within the park.

Fishing at Madison Lake State Park

Catch bass, channel catfish, bluegill, bullhead, and crappie during your visit to Madison Lake State Park. Just don’t forget your fishing gear and pick up an Ohio fishing license before heading into the park.

Hunting at Madison Lake State Park

Madison Lake State Park allows waterfowl hunting within designated areas along the north end of the lake. Contact the park for more information and be sure to pick up an Ohio hunting license ahead of time.

Birding at Madison Lake State Park

Madison Lake State Park attracts many species of native and migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. Bird lovers will enjoy the sights and sounds that greet them as they walk along the lake and throughout the park.

A peaceful walk along the nature trail offers a chance to hear many beautiful songbirds, including the Eastern Meadowlark, Song Sparrow, Woodcock, and the Eastern Bluebird.

Nature and Wildlife at Madison Lake State Park

Farmlands, wildflower fields, creeks, and woodlands surround Madison Lake State Park in the heart of the Darby Plains of Madison County. This area is ideal for nature watching! Songbirds, frogs, turtles, snakes, white-tailed deer, woodchucks, red foxes, squirrels, opossums, rabbits, and skunks may be seen throughout the park and surrounding landscape.

Pets at Madison Lake State Park

Madison Lake State Park not only allows pets but they have a special dog swim area where dogs are to play in the lake without a leash. Otherwise pets must be kept on a hand held leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings or in the beach area.

Camping Near Madison Lake State Park

Enjoy a stress free day at Madison Lake State Park and then check into one of these nearby state parks that offer overnight accommodations and so much more:

• Deer Creek State Park, located at 20635 State Park Road 20 in Mt. Sterling, features a large family campground and a large resort lodge situated around the lake surrounded by wooded hills.

  The campground has 200 electric sites plus equestrian and group camping areas. And Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center offers visitors a choice of lakeview guest rooms, family cabins, or the historic lakeside Harding Cabin that sleeps 7-9 guests.

• Buck Creek State Park, located 1976 Buck Creek Ln in Springfield, features campsites and cabins nestled throughout the woods and near the lake.

  The pet friendly campground has 86 electric sites and 21 non-electric sites with nearby access to restrooms, showers, a dump station, a camp store, and a small beach area. Guests may purchase snacks, ice, firewood, and more inside the seasonal Camp Store.

  The cabins have 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and a screened in porch. Each of the 25 cabins also includes air conditioning, linens, a flat screen tv with cable, a picnic table, charcoal grill, and a fire ring.

Park Location

Madison Lake State Park
4860 E Park Dr
London, OH 43140
Phone: 740.869.3124

Park Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Madison Lake State Park: