🌤 Weather at Lake Loramie State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–73 °F | 59–84 °F | 32–78 °F | 18–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Sidney 1 S, 12 mi away, elevation 940 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Lake Loramie State Park — A historic canal-era reservoir in Shelby County, Ohio — originally built 1844–1845 as a feeder for the Miami-Erie Canal — featuring a 600-ft sandy swimming beach, 8+ miles of hiking trails (Blackberry Island, Lakeview, Miami-Erie Trail/Buckeye Trail), a large campground with full-hookup + electric + non-electric sites + ADA cabins, 6 boat ramps (no-wake lake), 4 fishing piers (2 ADA), crappie + bluegill + largemouth bass + channel catfish, an 18-hole disc golf course, kayak/canoe/bike rentals, 15 picnic areas, playground, and a new Welcome Center (opened September 2025) with canal-era exhibits.
Lake Loramie State Park blends canal-era history with modern lakeside recreation in western Ohio. Built in the 1840s as a water supply reservoir for the Miami-Erie Canal, the lake has evolved into a beloved state park offering a 600-foot swimming beach, excellent fishing, and miles of trails that trace the region’s rich transportation history. The brand-new Welcome Center, opened in September 2025, brings the Ice Age-through-canal era story to life.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Shelby County, OH — western Ohio |
| Lake Origin | 1844–1845 — Miami-Erie Canal feeder reservoir |
| Beach | 600-ft sandy swimming beach + picnic area + playground |
| Boating | No-wake lake (speed zone at west end) — 6 ramps |
| Welcome Center | Opened Sept 2025 — Ice Age through canal-era exhibits |
Camping
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Hookup | Water + electric + sewer sites |
| Electric | Electric-only sites available |
| Non-Electric | Primitive tent sites |
| Cabins | ADA-compliant cabins |
| Amenities | Showers, flush toilets, dump station, playground, bike/kayak/canoe rentals |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | 600-ft sandy beach — daylight hours |
| Fishing | Crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass — 4 piers (2 ADA) |
| Boating | No-wake — 6 ramps, adaptive launches for paddle craft + pontoons |
| Kayaking/Canoeing | Rentals available at campground |
| Hiking | 8+ mi — Blackberry Island (1 mi), Lakeview (2 mi), Miami-Erie/Buckeye Trail (1 mi), Little Turtle Trace (1 mi), Upper Loramie (2 mi) |
| Disc Golf | 18-hole course |
| Winter Sports | Ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling (conditions permitting) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water ski or tube on the lake?
No — Lake Loramie is primarily a no-wake zone. Water skiing and tubing are prohibited. There is a small designated speed zone at the west end of the lake, but the vast majority of the water is no-wake, making it ideal for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
What’s the history of the lake?
Lake Loramie was constructed in 1844–1845 as a storage reservoir to supply water to the Miami-Erie Canal, which connected Cincinnati (Ohio River) to Lake Erie. When railroads made the canal obsolete, the lake transitioned to recreation and became a state park in 1949.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Lake Loramie State Park (a short drive away) and Grand Lake St Marys State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Ohio state parks online at reserveohio.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Loramie 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 Lake Loramie 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
Plan your gear for Lake Loramie State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
