🏆 Official Guide: A.W. Marion State Park — A quiet park in Pickaway County, Ohio, centered around the 145-acre Hargus Lake — featuring a 5-mile perimeter lake trail, 7-mile multi-use trail (hiking + mountain biking), fishing for largemouth bass, muskie, bluegill, and channel catfish, electric-motor-only boating, seasonal marina + boat rentals, and a self-guided nature trail.
A.W. Marion State Park is a peaceful day-use and camping destination in central Ohio — built around the 145-acre Hargus Lake. The electric-motor-only boating policy ensures quiet waters perfect for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The park’s 12+ miles of combined trails make it one of the better hiking and mountain biking options in the Pickaway County area.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Pickaway County, central OH |
| Lake | Hargus Lake — 145 acres |
| Boating | Electric motors + hand-powered only — NO gas motors |
| Swimming | No designated beach — boat swim areas only |
| Marina | Seasonal — NW side of lake, boat rentals |
Trails
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| Hargus Lake Perimeter Trail | 5 mi — circles entire lake, scenic shoreline views |
| Multi-Use Trail | ~7 mi — hiking + mountain biking |
| Squawroot Nature Trail | 1 mi — self-guided, near campground |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fishing | Largemouth bass, muskie, bluegill, channel catfish |
| Boating | Electric motors + hand-powered — marina + rentals |
| Kayak/Canoe | Quiet, no-wake lake — ideal for paddling |
| Hiking | 5-mi lake loop + 7-mi multi-use + 1-mi nature trail |
| Mountain Biking | 7-mi multi-use trail |
| Dog-Friendly | Designated off-leash lake access area |
| Picnicking | Day-use areas with shelters |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gas motor on the lake?
No — Hargus Lake only permits electric motors and hand-powered vessels (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards). Gas motors are prohibited, keeping the lake quiet and clean.
Is there a swimming beach?
There is no traditional swimming beach. Swimming is permitted only in designated “Boat Swim” areas for boaters on the water. The park does have a designated off-leash dog swim area.
More parks nearby: Rockbridge State Nature Preserve is a short drive away, while Lake Logan State Park lies a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Ohio state parks online at reserveohio.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at A.W. Marion State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not to exceed 6 feet in length, in hand and under control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No pets allowed at swimming beaches; some parks have designated dog swim areas and dog parks
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly cabins available at select parks (Buck Creek, Cowan, Dillon, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, Pymatuning); maximum two pets per cabin; $10 added fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 added fee for pet-friendly cabins (charged whether pets come along or not); no pet fee for day use or camping
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated leash-free dog exercise areas exist at some parks; no bathing of pets in campground shower houses
Are dogs allowed at A.W. Marion State Park?
Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ohiodnr.gov. More: Ohio state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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