boardwalk to the water at Punderson State Park

At 741 acres, Punderson State Park is not the biggest state park in Ohio. But it can easily lay claim to being one of the most beautiful.

Situated just a 50 minute drive from Cleveland and Akron, the park is flanked around one of Ohio’s few natural lakes.

Spreading for 150 acres, the lake attracts day trippers and overnight campers from both these cities and beyond. Most of whom come here for the opportunity to go boating, swimming and fishing.

Away from the water, the likes of hiking, disc golfing and golfing are also popular. While the winter provides excellent conditions for cross-country skiing and sledding once the snow has settled.

Activities

Visitors to the park can engage in a wide range of outdoor recreational activities during their time there.

Presented below is a brief rundown of some of the main things you can see and do while visiting Punderson State Park.

Boating at Punderson State Park

The beautiful waters of Punderson Lake are a haven for those who enjoy boating.

Within the park you will find a boat launch ramp on its northern fringes close to the marina. This will enable you to easily get into the water.

If you did not bring your boat to the park you can rent one from the concession at the marina. If you did, you should be aware that ones with electric motors are the only types allowed on the water.

As well as the boats, paddling is a popular activity. Many people cruise around the lake on paddleboards, canoes or kayaks – which can also be rented out from the marina.

Swimming at Punderson State Park

For those who want to go for a swim there is a 600 foot long beach within the park which is the perfect place to do this.

It is not lifeguarded, so you will enter the water at your own risk. However, it provides a great way to cool down from the summer heat.

If you do plan to hit the beach, be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen.

hydrangea in bloom at Punderson State Park

Fishing at Punderson State Park

Anglers from all over Ohio come to Punderson State Park for the chance to cast a line all year round.

You will need to hold a valid licence if this is something you would like to do. However, the opportunity to catch the likes of bass, crappie and sunfish in beautiful surroundings should be enough of an incentive to get one.

While fishing at the park you can choose to do so on the shoreline or in a boat out on the water.

Trails at Punderson State Park

With more than 11 miles of multi-use trails available, the park offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities.

These trails differ in length and degrees of difficulty, but they all showcase the park’s stunning landscape.

When hiking, it is best to wear appropriate shoes, a hat and lots of sunscreen and mosquito spray. If biking, wearing a helmet is always a good idea.

Golfing at Punderson State Park

Golfing is a huge drawcard at Punderson State Park and it takes two forms.

For those who enjoy traditional golf there is an excellent 18 hole, par 72 championship course available to play on.

It features beautiful fairways, immaculate greens and also showcases the park’s stunning natural landscape.

If you are more of a disc golf lover, the park also has a lovely 18-hole disc course onsite. This course will provide a challenge to even the most seasoned of practitioners. Open all year round, it is unique in that it has the only island basket in the Ohio state park system.

Winter Activities at Punderson State Park

During the winter the park receives a lot of snow.

However, don’t let this put you off from going there because once it settles it provides excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing across six miles of trails.

The park also attracts many visitors during the winter who come here for sledding, dog-sledding and snowmobiling.

Pets at Punderson State Park

The park is considered to be pet friendly, although it does impose certain restrictions on the presence of your four legged friends.

To fully avail yourself with its pet policy prior to your visit, you might want to contact the main office.

Camping at Punderson State Park

Residing on land which once housed an Indian Village, the Punderson State Park campground provides visitors with plenty of accommodation options.

Overall there are 167 sites available. All of which are sandwiched between Punderson and Stump Lakes and come with 20-amp electricity. In addition to these there are also 20 full hookup sites that come with either 30-amp or 50-amp electricity.

To support these sites, amenities include flush toilets, shower houses and a dump station.

For those who would like to stay somewhere a bit more upscale there are also 26 furnished cabins available. Providing two bedrooms, a dining area complete with a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom that comes with its own shower, these cabins provide all the comforts of home.

If you are wanting something that offers an even more luxurious experience, the Punderson Lodge is a terrific option.

It offers 31 rooms furnished in an English Tudor manor style that features contemporary amenities and antique reproductions. Some of the rooms here even have their own Jacuzzi.

Should you come to the park as a big group, there is also a group camping accommodation available which comes with electric connections.

Park Location

Punderson State Park
11755 Kinsman Rd
Newbury Township, OH 44065
Phone: 440.564.2279

Park Website
Reservation

Map

Video

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