Kiser Lake State Park

Kiser Lake State Park is in Conover, Champaign County in southwest Ohio. This 531-acre park has a lot of activities available, many of which are water activities on the 396-acre Kiser Lake.

About Kiser Lake State Park

Kiser Lake State Park is a favorite for people who like to spend the day fishing or paddling. There are several boat ramps along the lake’s 5 miles of shoreline. This park has 531 acres of woodland and wetlands as well as the 396-acre lake, which is nearly 2.5 miles long with 5.3 miles of shoreline.

History

The Kiser Lake region was home to Tecumseh, the great Shawnee warrior. He lived and hunted on Black Creek, near present-day Urbana. Simon Kenton, a legendary frontiersman, was held captive here by the Shawnee. Kenton admired the area and remembered it and returned to it later in his life. Kenton settled in Urbana for several years and his remains lie in Oakdale Cemetery under an impressive monument.

Kiser Lake was the dream of John W. Kiser and his family. They wanted to create a lake in Mosquito Valley that was low, swampy, and had numerous springs. In 1932, several hundred acres of Mosquito Creek Valley were offered by the Kiser family to the state of Ohio. A dam was constructed, and the new lake was named Kiser Lake, becoming part of Kiser Lake State Park.

Natural Features

Two natural phenomena caused by the glaciers of the Ice Age helped shape the area of Kiser Lake State Park into its present landscape. The wooded hills were caused by glacial deposits left when the glacier stops advancing (called an end- or terminal-moraine) either completely or for a time. This creates a linear ridge along the front of the ice. A moraine occurred on three sides around the lake area, creating an elevation with boulders called erratics – a familiar sight at Kiser Lake State Park – across the area.

The other feature is a kame field at the southeastern end of the lake. Kames are mounds of sand and gravel formed by meltwater flowing across glacial ice.

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!

Kiser Lake State Park is a location that very active, outdoor-loving people will enjoy! There are a lot of activities here, from gentle fishing to boating, swimming, and hunting. The trails here are quite short, from 0.5 miles to the longest at 1.5 miles. As with all natural State Parks, Kiser Lake has beautiful scenery, wildlife, wildflowers, and forests.

Activities at Kiser Lake State Park

There are many activities available here, including water activities and some short but beautiful hiking trails.

Boating

horizontal photo of rentable boats at the marina at Kiser Lake State Park

Sailing and paddling are popular activities at this park. Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and canoes at the marina by calling 937-362-3565. Please note that the marina is open on a seasonal basis.

Fishing

Kiser Lake has good stocks of largemouth seabass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and wiper. Access is available to five fishing piers on the lake. Please note that Ohio fishing regulations apply and a valid Ohio fishing license is required. The license holder must also be at least 16 years of age.

Video of Fishing at Kiser Lake State Park

Swimming

A 300-foot beach is available for swimming and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year. Swimming is available during daylight hours only and pets are not permitted on the beach. There is a basketball court at the beach.

Trails

horizontal photo of a hiking trail at Kiser Lake State Park, completely surrounded by tall green trees

There is a 10-mile bridle trail as well as five hiking trails. There is also one interconnecting hiking trail in Kiser Lake Wetlands Nature Preserve.

Bridle Trail

10 miles | Moderate

Hiking Trails

Marina Trail – 0.11 miles | Easy
North Bay Trail – 1.5 miles | Moderate.
Pine Tree Trail – 0.5 miles | Moderate | *Temporarily closed at the time of writing
Rabbit Run Trail – 0.6 miles | Moderate
Red Oak Trail – 0.7 miles | Moderate | Interconnects with Boardwalk Trail
Boardwalk Trail – 0.6 miles | Moderate | In Kiser Lake Wetlands Nature Preserve

Hunting

The hunting of migratory game birds is available when in season. Deer hunting is available by lottery only. Please note that Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations apply. A valid Ohio hunting license is also necessary.

Picnicking

The park also offers areas where visitors can relax with a picnic. Several picnic areas with tables and grills are located in the park.

Camping

The Campground offers three campsites. The campsites are Electric, Non-electric, and Tent-only campsites. There are also two other options, the Sherman Cabin and Camper Cabin options and a Group Camp. Make reservations online or by calling 866-644-6727. There is a volleyball court and a playground at the campground.

Winter Activities at Kiser Lake State Park

Under the correct winter conditions, park guests can enjoy sledding, ice fishing, and ice boating.

Where is Kiser Lake State Park Located?

Address: 4889 N State Route 235 Conover, Ohio 45317
Phone: 937-843-2717 | Website

Let’s Visit Kiser Lake State Park!

Have you visited Kiser Lake State Park? What did you do while you were there? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience!

If you enjoy State Parks as much as we do, some of our favorites include: Great Seal State Park, Scioto Trail State Park, Forked Run State Park, and Lake Alma State Park

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Kiser Lake State Park