Lake trip · Ashland County, Ohio
Where to stay at Charles Mill Reservoir
Charles Mill Reservoir covers 1,350 acres in Ashland County and carries a water-quality grade of NR (Not rated). Compare cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals below. The grade measures nutrients and algae — it is not a stay-or-skip rating. Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
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Places to stay near Charles Mill Reservoir
Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Charles Mill Reservoir in Ashland County, Ohio — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.
Top-rated places to stay near Charles Mill Reservoir
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
About the water
Charles Mill Reservoir grades NR for nutrients and algae — Not rated. Not rated for swimming — there is not enough monitoring data to judge this lake. Water clarity is about 0.9 ft of visibility. The letter is not a reason to skip cabins and rentals around the lake.
Best time to visit
Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Check the National Weather Service forecast for Charles Mill Reservoir →
About Charles Mill Reservoir
Fishing & license
Ohio fishing license
A fishing license is required to fish Ohio public waters at age 16 and older; persons under 16 fish free (including taking frogs and turtles). Ohio residents age 65 and older (born on or after January 1, 1938) qualify for discounted Resident Senior licenses ($10.00 annual), and residents born on or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a free license. Free licenses are also available by application for mobility-impaired anglers, certain permanently disabled veterans, former POWs, and residents of state/county institutions. All Ohio residents may fish without a license on Free Fishing Days (June 20-21, 2026). · Fishing is open year-round in Ohio with no closed statewide season; species-specific daily limits and site-specific rules apply (e.g., Lake Erie walleye/yellow perch limits are set annually and run May 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027). Annual licenses are valid 365 days from the date of purchase, and the current regulations booklet is effective March 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027.
Prices as published by Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, 2026-27.
Camping & RV near Charles Mill Reservoir
Search public campgrounds and RV sites near Charles Mill Reservoir on Recreation.gov, then compare cabins, resorts, and rentals on the map above.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals around Charles Mill Reservoir in Ashland County, Ohio are on the map above with live availability and nightly prices. Waterfront rentals put you on the dock; lodging in the nearest town is usually cheaper with more choice.
Charles Mill Reservoir is not rated for water quality — its monitoring record does not meet the evidence bar. Not rated for swimming — there is not enough monitoring data to judge this lake. Always check local health-department advisories before swimming.
Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Explore Charles Mill Reservoir
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LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)
Free trip-planning guide for Charles Mill Reservoir: how to pick a clean lake, the water-quality signals that matter, best swimming and fishing windows, and where to stay.
Lodging availability and prices are provided by Stay22 and its booking partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia); LakeQuality may earn a commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Water-quality grades are independent of lodging listings. Always check current health-department advisories and managing-agency conditions before you travel.