🏆 Official Guide: Pike Lake State Park — A scenic CCC-era park in the wooded hills of southern Ohio (Pike County) — featuring a 13-acre lake (hand-dug by the CCC in the 1930s), a sand swimming beach, 79 electric campsites, seasonal cabins + group lodge, 5 hiking trails (connecting to the Buckeye Trail), fishing (bass, catfish, bluegill), kayak/canoe/pedal boat rentals, 18-hole disc golf, nature center, and amphitheater.
Pike Lake State Park is a living monument to Depression-era conservation — where CCC workers hand-dug a 13-acre lake, planted hundreds of pines, and built the roads that still serve visitors today. Nestled in the rolling, forested hills of southern Ohio, the park offers a classic state park experience with swimming, camping, fishing, and trails that connect to Ohio’s legendary Buckeye Trail.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Pike County, southern Ohio — near Morgantown |
| Lake | 13 acres — CCC hand-dug (1930s) |
| Beach | Sand swimming beach with beach house |
| Established | State forest park (CCC era) → State Park 1949 |
| Trails | 5 hiking trails — Buckeye Trail connection |
| Disc Golf | 18-hole course — equipment rentals |
Accommodations
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Campground | 79 sites — electric hookups, dump station |
| Cabins | Seasonal — various sizes |
| Group Lodge | Large group accommodation |
| Amenities | Shower houses, camp store (seasonal) |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Sand beach — beach house with restrooms/showers |
| Hiking | 5 trails (0.4–1.2 mi) — Buckeye Trail connection |
| Fishing | Bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie — OH license req. |
| Kayak/Canoe | Rentals available — pedal boats too |
| Boating | Non-powered + electric motors (≤4.5 HP) |
| Disc Golf | 18-hole course — equipment rentals |
| Camping | 79 electric sites + cabins + group lodge |
| Nature Center | Educational programs + exhibits |
| Amphitheater | Park programs + events |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a motorboat?
Only boats with electric motors up to 4.5 horsepower are permitted on Pike Lake. No gas-powered motors. Canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats can be rented at the park.
What is the CCC connection?
During the 1930s Great Depression, Civilian Conservation Corps workers hand-dug the 13-acre lake, planted hundreds of pine trees, constructed roads, and built fire towers in the area. The park officially became a state park in 1949.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Paint Creek State Park (a short drive away) and Lake White State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Ohio state parks online at reserveohio.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pike Lake 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 Pike Lake 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 Pike Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Columbus
from $105
from $75
from $104