Boating, Camping, Beach Fun on Lake Erie
An introduction to Geneva State Park in Northeast Ohio on Lake Erie, a great place for water fun.
Geneva State Park is located on Lake Erie, about an hour east of Cleveland. Close to the town of Geneva and the summer resort spot, Geneva-on-the-Lake, there is plenty to enjoy at this vacation destination.
The park is off Ohio Route 534, which connects to Interstate 90. Once you enter the park, take the first right turn and follow the signs to the park office, where the helpful staff will provide with all the details in the park.
Beach
Since the park is next to one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, the focus is on the water. There is a 300-foot beach, guarded during the swimming season. There is a bathhouse, with restrooms and a changing area, but there are no concessions at the beach. The parking lot is not large and can be crowded during nice summer days.
Boating
Lake Erie offers excellent boating, with no limits on speed or size. There are six launch ramps in the park and 383 rental docks during the season at the marina, which also has a canteen and concession area. Gasoline, bait, and other boating essentials can be found there, to keep you supplied on fishing trips for Lake Erie walleye and perch. A valid fishing license is required.
Lodging
Within the park, there are 12 fully equipped cabins and 100 campsites, 93 of which have electricity. There are showers, flush toilets, and dumping stations. Pet camping is permitted at designated sites. Recreational equipment is available for registered campers. Reservations are required for the cabins and recommended for the campsites.
The Lodge at Geneva State Park is located inside the park, but accessible off Route 534, east of the main park entrance. The Lodge has 109 rooms, fine dining, a pool, exercise room, and spacious grounds along the lake. There are conference facilities, and a wine tasting room to sample the area product.
Activities
There are two picnic areas, Chestnut Grove and The Crabapple Picnic Area which has two shelter houses. In the park, there are three miles of multi-use trails. A new trail is being built from the Lodge to the campground. During the winter, the fun continues as the bike and hike trails turn into a snowmobile and cross country trails.
An 18-hole golf course is located in the park, along with volleyball and basketball courts. Hunting is permitted in designated areas with a valid license.
There are many wineries within a few miles of the park, and Geneva is host to the Grape Jamboree each September. Add in all the fun or Lake Erie, and Geneva State Park is another of Ohio’s great state parks.