Best Lakes Near Columbus, OH
9 lakes within 50 miles of Columbus, ranked on agency water-quality readings.
9 lakes within 50 miles of Columbus have nutrient and algae readings on record. Marysville Upground Reservoir in Union County leads the set on measured water quality. 0 of the 9 have a recorded public access point.
A moderate cluster of 9 measured lakes lies within reach of Columbus. Marysville Upground Reservoir has the lowest nutrient and algae readings of the set.
The lakes below are sorted on measured water quality. If you have a specific activity in mind, swimming, kayaking, ice-fishing, family-fishing, the activity-specific sub-pages will filter further.
| Lake | Distance | County | Clarity | Depth | Fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marysville Upground Reservoir | 30.1 mi | Union | — | - | 0 |
| New Lexington Reservoir | 44.4 mi | Perry | — | - | 0 |
| Lake Logan | 41.4 mi | Hocking | — | - | 0 |
| O'Shaughnessy Reservoir Lake | 15 mi | Delaware | — | - | 0 |
| Hoover Reservoir | 18 mi | Delaware | — | - | 0 |
| Alum Creek Lake | 22.6 mi | Delaware | — | - | 0 |
| Buck Creek Lake | 39.3 mi | Clark | 2.5 ft | - | 0 |
| Somerset Reservoir | 39.4 mi | Perry | — | - | 0 |
| St Joseph Lake | 39.9 mi | Perry | — | - | 0 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes are near Columbus?
There are 9 lakes with water-quality readings on record within 50 miles of Columbus, Ohio. 0 of them have a recorded public access point and 1 have a clarity reading.
What are the best lakes near Columbus for fishing?
0 lakes near Columbus have documented fish species data. The best fishing lakes combine favourable water-quality readings with diverse fish populations. 0 lakes within 50 miles have 5 or more documented fish species.
Where to stay near Columbus
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.