Harrison Lake State Park
Activities
During their time at Harrison Lake State Park, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor recreational activities. Here are some more details about the main things you can see and do whilst you are there.
Boating at Harrison Lake State Park
With its gin-clear water and stunning shoreline of oak and pine trees, Harrison Lake is a great spot to go boating and paddling. The only boats you can take onto the lake are electric. However, there is a ramp there which will help you easily get into the water. If you didn’t bring a boat with you to the park you can hire one out along with canoes and other watercraft whilst you are there.
Swimming at Harrison Lake State Park
For those who fancy a dip there is a lovely swimming beach on the lake’s shoreline. During the summer it provides a great way to cool off from the intense heat of the day. Unfortunately it is not lifeguarded, so you will have to exercise caution whilst in the water. When not swimming, the beach is a lovely spot for sunbathing or walking on.
Fishing at Harrison Lake State Park
Attracting anglers from all over Ohio and the surrounding states, Harrison Lake is a lovely place to fish. Spanning some 95 acres, the lake features an abundance of bullhead, white crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass. Most of which bite on a regular basis. If you would like to fish at the park you will need to procure an Ohio or tourist fishing license, depending on where you live. You can choose to fish on the shoreline or in a boat in the middle of the water.
Hiking at Harrison Lake State Park
One of the best ways to explore the park is via its hiking trail. While there is only one trail in the park, it extends for 3.5 miles. So you will be able to take in excellent views of the lake and its overall landscape, as well as the flora and fauna that reside within it. As the park can get very hot in the summer months you should only attempt the hike if you wear a hat and take plenty of water with you. It is also a good idea to don appropriate footwear and lots of mosquito spray and sunscreen. Dogs are allowed on the trail which means you can take your four-legged friend with you on the hike.
Winter Activities at Harrison Lake State Park
Whilst you can have a really enjoyable time during the summer, the fun doesn’t stop at Harrison Lake State Park in the winter. When the snow comes and the lake freezes over, a host of new outdoor recreational opportunities present themselves. This includes cross-country skiing and sledding, the latter of which takes place on the hills that feature within the park. The frozen lake also enables you to go ice skating and ice fishing. But before doing this, you should check and see if it is at least five inches thick. (Even then you will have to exercise caution).
Pets at Harrison Lake State Park
The park considers itself to be pet friendly although it does impose certain restrictions on the presence of dogs. This involves them being well behaved at all times and kept under control on a leash that is handheld and no longer than six feet in length. Dogs do have a specially designated swim area set aside from them close to the campground. However they are not allowed inside most of the buildings. The exception to this is service dogs who can accompany you anywhere within the park under federal law.
Camping at Harrison Lake State Park
For those who need overnight accommodation at Harrison Lake State Park there are two campgrounds available. These are the north and south campgrounds. At the North campground you will find 126 campsites that come with connections for electricity. This area is situated on Harrison Lake’s left side and features a range of amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, a dumping station and laundry. There are also barbecue grills and a picnic area with shelter and tables. In addition to these sites there are also a handful of yurts and cabins available. The swimming beach, as well as volleyball and basketball courts and soccer fields are also close to it. The South Campground, as you would expect, sits on the park’s southern area, just to Harrison Lake’s right side. Containing 59 sites it is split into two areas – those which are set up for electric sites and those which are non-electric. Overall, 26 of these sites are electric. Amenities include vault toilets, a picnic shelter and tables and barbecue grills.
Park Location
Harrison Lake State Park 26246 Harrison Lake Rd Fayette, OH 43521 Phone: 419.237.2593 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Harrison Lake State Park:
Northwest Ohio’s Hidden Gem
Tucked away on 142 wooded acres in Fulton County, Harrison Lake State Park offers a peaceful retreat with a 105-acre lake, sandy swimming beach, and excellent camping.
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Sites | 165 (electric & non-electric) |
| Amenities | Showers, flush toilets, laundry, dump station |
| Yurts | 2 available (May 1 – Oct 31) |
| Off-Season | Sites 61–83 open Nov–Apr (limited services) |
Reservations: Up to 6 months ahead at reserveohio.com or (866) 644-6727.
Fishing
The 105-acre lake supports bass, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, catfish, and carp. Ice fishing available when conditions permit. Ohio fishing license required (ages 16+).
Dog Beach
Dedicated dog swimming area separate from the main beach–a rare feature for state parks!
Is camping available in winter?
Yes, but limited. Only electric sites 61–83 remain open November through April. Showers and dump station are closed during this period.
Can my dog swim at the beach?
Yes! Harrison Lake has a dedicated dog swim area separate from the main swimming beach.
