Delaware State Park Beach
Delaware, Ohio · on Delaware Lake · Delaware Recreation Area
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $5
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Delaware State Park Beach
Delaware State Park Beach is an 800-foot public swimming beach on Delaware Lake, a roughly 1,330-acre reservoir about 30 miles north of Columbus, Ohio, giving the capital area a convenient swimming hole and a sizable lake to swim in. The lake and dam were built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (completed 1951) for flood control, with Ohio's Department of Natural Resources administering the surrounding state park, established in 1952.
The beach sits on the shore of Delaware Lake, a large Corps of Engineers flood-control reservoir surrounded by the 1,686-acre Delaware State Park, which also includes picnic areas, a campground, and a seasonal marina offering fuel and boat rentals along the shoreline.
Swimming at Delaware State Park Beach
Swimming is confined to a designated, roughly 800-foot sand beach area on the lake, described by visitors as calm and clean; a separate area of the lake is set aside as a dog-friendly beach. This is a developed, family-oriented lake swimming spot rather than a wild or secluded hole.
How to get to this swimming hole
Park entrance/main facilities are at 5202 US Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015, just north of the city of Delaware, Ohio.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. No hike is needed to reach the swim beach - it's a drive-up designated beach beside the day-use/picnic area. The park separately has five short, easy multi-use hike/bike trails described as connecting the lake to the campground (per islands.com), but none are required for or lead specifically to the swim area, and no trail names/lengths were published in sources found.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Designated 800-foot sand swim beach on a calm reservoir (no current, no cliffs/drop-offs reported); islands.com and americasstateparks.org both describe the lake/beach as calm and clean. No source found confirming lifeguard presence, so supervise accordingly.
Parking
Paid, $5 day-use fee for Ohio-plate vehicles / $10 for out-of-state plates (free for Delaware County residents), per americasstateparks.org
Beach/park is drive-up off US Highway 23 North (5202 US-23 N, Delaware, OH); exact lot layout (size, surface, distance to sand) was not confirmed in sources found.
Restrooms
Yes
Restrooms at the day-use beach/picnic area per americasstateparks.org (ADA-accessible amenities noted); islands.com separately notes 'clean bathrooms' at the campground.
Water clarity
Mostly clear
Published state-park and travel descriptions call the lake and beach water 'clean' and 'calm'; no first-hand visibility or turbidity reports could be located to verify further. Delaware Lake is a mid-size USACE flood-control reservoir, so clarity likely varies with recent rainfall and runoff.
Hours
8 AM to sunset, year-round (per americasstateparks.org)
On the water
Wikipedia confirms boats of unlimited horsepower are permitted on Delaware Lake (no no-wake/electric-only restriction found). americasstateparks.org notes a kayak-canoe launch is available separate from the beach, and a seasonal marina on the lake sells fuel and fishing/boating supplies.
Backstory
Delaware Lake's dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1947 and 1951 at a cost of about $4.3 million as a flood-control project; the reservoir was completed in 1951 and Delaware State Park was established the following year. The Delaware name derives from the Delaware (Lenape) people who historically inhabited the region before westward displacement.
Delaware State Park Beach: FAQ
Does Delaware State Park Beach charge a fee?
Day-use is free for Delaware County residents; non-residents pay a $5 (Ohio-plate) or $10 (out-of-state plate) fee during the March-November season, per americasstateparks.org.
Is Delaware State Park Beach kid friendly?
Designated 800-foot sand swim beach on a calm reservoir (no current, no cliffs/drop-offs reported); islands.com and americasstateparks.org both describe the lake/beach as calm and clean. No source found confirming lifeguard presence, so supervise accordingly.
Do I need to hike to reach Delaware State Park Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Delaware State Park Beach?
Beach/park is drive-up off US Highway 23 North (5202 US-23 N, Delaware, OH); exact lot layout (size, surface, distance to sand) was not confirmed in sources found.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Delaware State Park Beach?
Wikipedia confirms boats of unlimited horsepower are permitted on Delaware Lake (no no-wake/electric-only restriction found). americasstateparks.org notes a kayak-canoe launch is available separate from the beach, and a seasonal marina on the lake sells fuel and fishing/boating supplies.
When is the best time to visit Delaware State Park Beach?
Summer (June-August) is peak beach season; spring and fall offer fewer crowds for the broader park.
What are the rules at Delaware State Park Beach?
Swimming is permitted only in the designated swim area(s) on the lake. Dogs are prohibited from swimming/sunbathing beaches May 1-September 30 under Ohio law, though a separate dog beach area exists; leashed pets (max 6-foot leash) are allowed elsewhere in the park.
What water body is Delaware State Park Beach on?
Delaware State Park Beach is on Delaware Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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