Guilford Lake State Park Beach

Hanoverton, Ohio · on Guilford Lake · Guilford Lake State Park

Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified

WATER: lake
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: No fee found
SEASON: Best in summer

About Guilford Lake State Park Beach

Guilford Lake State Park Beach is a swim beach and swimming hole on Guilford Lake, a roughly 396-acre lake to swim in located in Columbiana County, Ohio, near the community of Guilford Lake and the town of Hanoverton. The lake was originally built in the 1830s as a canal-feeder reservoir and became an Ohio state park in 1949, with the beach serving as one of the park's main summer draws alongside its campground and boat launch.

The park sits around a mid-sized reservoir in rural Columbiana County in eastern Ohio, ringed by a campground, picnic areas, and a boat ramp, with the lake also noted as a stopover for migrating waterfowl in spring and fall.

Swimming at Guilford Lake State Park Beach

Camper reviews describe a swim beach with sandy/clean shoreline and shade, suited to casual lake swimming rather than deep-water or current-driven swimming; one reviewer specifically noted comfortable water temperatures in mid-June. Motorized boats on the lake are limited to 10 HP, which keeps the water relatively calm near the swim area.

The hike in

One camper review explicitly stated there are 'no hiking trails' at the immediate campground/beach area, while a separate source (Wikipedia) mentions the broader park offers 'a short walking trail' elsewhere on the property unrelated to reaching the swim beach. The beach itself is a drive-up/walk-up facility within the day-use area, not accessed via a trail.

No source gives a specific walk time from parking to the sand; treat as a short (well under 5 minute) walk typical of a state-park day-use beach.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

OK with supervision

Camper reviews describe a sandy, clean, shaded lake beach with calm water near shore (motorized boats on Guilford Lake are capped at 10 HP), which suits casual family swimming. However, no source confirms lifeguard staffing, one source states the swim beach may be limited to registered campers rather than open to the general public, and another source (unverified) claims the lake is closed to recreation into 2027 for dam rehabilitation -- current status should be checked before a visit.

Parking

Available

The beach sits within the developed day-use/campground area alongside the boat ramp and picnic grounds, implying on-site parking, but no source specifies a distinct lot, its capacity, or any parking fee. The official Ohio DNR park page could not be retrieved (404/blocked on all attempted URLs) to confirm.

Restrooms

Yes

Camper reviews describe campsites as being close to bathrooms within the campground; no source specifically confirms a dedicated restroom/bathhouse building at the swim beach itself, so exact beach-side restroom location is unconfirmed.

Swim smart

One camping-review source (TheDyrt) states the lake's water level has been lowered for dam rehabilitation work and that the lake was closed to recreational activities during the project, expected to conclude around 2027; this could not be independently corroborated with a news source or the park's own materials during this research, so its current accuracy is uncertain. Camper reviews also note resident geese leaving droppings on lakeside campsites/shoreline.

Rules: Ohio's 10 HP motor limit applies to boats on Guilford Lake per a camper review. Sources disagree on whether the swim beach is open to the general public or reserved for registered campers: one camping-review site (TheDyrt) describes it as 'a swimming beach reserved for registered campers,' while the park is also generally described (Wikipedia, Campendium reviews) as offering beach access as part of its broader recreation area without stating a campers-only restriction.

This is an informational listing, not an invitation. Conditions and access change; verify locally before you go. Visiting any swimming hole is at your own risk. See our Terms of Use.

On the water

KayaksCanoesPaddleboatMotorboats

Restrictions: Motorized boats limited to 10 HP lake-wide, per a Campendium camper review citing state regulation.

Sources mention kayak, canoe, and paddleboat use/rental plus a boat ramp for small motorboats; no mention of personal watercraft (jet skis), sailboats, or paddleboards specifically. One reviewer separately mentioned a pontoon-boat rental operating 'across the lake,' but no business name or details could be confirmed.

Rentals nearby

On-site park camp store (Guilford Lake State Park)

Kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rental, per Wikipedia and a Campendium camper review

At the park's campground/beach day-use area, Guilford Lake State Park, Lisbon/Hanoverton, OH

Backstory

Guilford Lake was built in the 1830s as a 'canal feeder' reservoir for the Sandy and Beaver Canal and is named for canal engineer Edward H. Gill. State park land purchases began in 1927, and the site achieved official Ohio state park status in 1949 following creation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and state park system. The lake covers about 396 acres (160 ha), the park about 489 acres (198 ha), and the dam is about 35 feet high and 3,200 feet long; as of 2026 the dam was undergoing rehabilitation to meet modern safety standards, reportedly reducing lake water levels.

Guilford Lake State Park Beach: FAQ

Is Guilford Lake State Park Beach kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Guilford Lake State Park Beach?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Where do I park for Guilford Lake State Park Beach?

Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Guilford Lake State Park Beach?

When is the best time to visit Guilford Lake State Park Beach?

Summer, based on a camper report of comfortable water temperatures in mid-June

What are the rules at Guilford Lake State Park Beach?

Ohio's 10 HP motor limit applies to boats on Guilford Lake per a camper review. Sources disagree on whether the swim beach is open to the general public or reserved for registered campers: one camping-review site (TheDyrt) describes it as 'a swimming beach reserved for registered campers,' while the park is also generally described (Wikipedia, Campendium reviews) as offering beach access as part of its broader recreation area without stating a campers-only restriction.

What water body is Guilford Lake State Park Beach on?

Guilford Lake State Park Beach is on Guilford Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.

Conditions right now

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Live data from the National Weather Service and USGS. Conditions at the water can differ, use your judgment.

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Managed by

Guilford Lake State Park

Official site · Ohio Department of Natural Resources

At a glance

Land access: Open to the public
Facilities: swim beach; restrooms near campsites; boat ramp; paddleboat/kayak/canoe rental; picnic areas; playground; campground; grill and banquet center (reopened 2025)
Highlights: Reservoir originally built in the 1830s as a canal-feeder lake for the historic Sandy and Beaver Canal; 396-acre lake with a 10 HP limit on motorized boats; Seasonal stopover for migrating waterfowl
Nearby towns: Guilford Lake (0.6mi); Guilford Lake Estates (0.7mi); Guilford (0.8mi); Winona (1.9mi)
Coordinates: 40.8033, -80.8836