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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Central Ohio Region
Kiser Lake State Park
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Kiser Lake State Park Kiser Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
Kiser Lake State Park Kiser Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
Kiser Lake State Park Kiser Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Entrance Sign
Kiser Lake State Park Kiser Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
Kiser Lake State Park Kiser Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic View of Lake
Kiser Lake State Park Birds at Sunset Kiser Lake © Chris Wild Dog Shook
The Birds reflecting off the water at sunset make a perfect touch to a lovely sunset reflection. Taken from the Marina end of Kiser Lake State park.
Kiser Lake State Park © Soni
Kiser Lake State Park © Dorotha Putnam
Kiser Lake State Park © Gene Shirk
Kiser Lake State Park © Gene Shirk
Kiser Lake State Park © Gene Shirk
Kiser Lake State Park © Gene Shirk
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KISER LAKE STATE PARK
KISER LAKE STATE PARK
4889 OH-235
Conover, Ohio   45317-9601
(lat:40.1982 lon:-83.9815) map location

Phone: (937) 362-3822
Reservations: 866-644-6727
The quiet and relaxing atmosphere of Kiser Lake State Park makes it a favorite Ohio getaway. The rolling wooded hills and diverse wetlands add to the beauty of this scenic lake known for its clean, clear waters.
Nature of the Area
The area surrounding Kiser Lake State Park is a gift of the ice age. Two natural phenomena caused by the glaciers helped shape the region into its present form. The gently, rolling wooded hills were caused by glacial deposits in the form of end moraines when the ice edge remained stationary for a period of time, creating a linear ridge along the ice front. One such moraine called the Farmersville surrounds the lake on three sides creating a hummocky elevation through the area. Moraine deposits contain boulders, some weighing many tons, carried from as far away as Canada. These boulders, called erratics, are a familiar sight at Kiser. Another geologic feature at Kiser Lake State Park is the kame field at the southeastern end of the lake. Kames are mounds of sand and gravel that are formed by meltwater flowing across glacial ice. The water deposits sediment into holes along the ice margin leaving behind hummocky mounds.

The wetlands at Kiser are in the form of fen and wet meadow habitat. These areas were formed when blocks of ice broke away from the glacier and became covered by sand and gravel. As the climate warmed, the ice melted and left a depression filled with water surrounded by glacial deposits. These areas are filled with many intriguing plants including pitcher plant, sundew, tamarack and spruce.
History of the Area
The Kiser Lake region in Champaign County was the home of Tecumseh, the great Shawnee warrior. He lived and hunted on Buck Creek near the site of present-day Urbana. It was also near here where Simon Kenton, the legendary frontiersman, was once held captive by the Shawnee. Kenton admired the Shawnee for choosing such a beautiful area in which to reside. He remembered the area well and returned later in his life. Around 1802, Kenton settled in Urbana for several years. His remains lie in Oakdale Cemetery, southeast of Urbana under an impressive monument.

Kiser Lake was a dream of John W. Kiser and other members of his family. Their idea was to create a lake in the Mosquito Valley area which was low, swampy and dotted with numerous springs. In 1932, the Kiser family offered to the state of Ohio several hundred acres of the Mosquito Creek Valley. In 1939, a dam was constructed and the new lake was named Kiser becoming part of what is now Kiser Lake State Park. The lake is nearly 2.5 miles in length and has 5.3 miles of shoreline.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres531
 Water, acres396
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles11
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #2
 Swimming Beach, feet600
 Beach Concessionyes
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits-3
 Seasonal Dock Rental45
 Launch Ramps, #5
CampingPrimitive, #108
 Electric Sites, #10
 Pets Permittedyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Camper Cabins, #1
 Group Camp, capacity250
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
 Ice Boatingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
A family camping area with 115 non-electric sites is open all year. Picnic tables, fire rings, a trailer waste station and latrines are provided. A group camp is available on the south side of the lake for youth and adult organizations on a reservation basis. Two Rent-a-Camp units, consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cook stove and other equipment, can be rented during the summer months by reservation.
Swimming
A 600-foot swimming beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A refreshment stand is near the beach. Scuba diving is permitted except within the beach area. Divers must be accompanied by at least one person. Proper equipment and marking of the diving area are required.
Boating
Sailing is popular at Kiser Lake as boats with motors are not permitted on the lake. A launch ramp and public docks are available. Boats can be rented at two boat rentals within the park.
Fishing
Kiser Lake State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing options for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's 396-acre lake is well-stocked with several species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and saugeye. Fishing can be done from the shore or by boat; however motorized boats are not allowed on Kiser Lake to maintain its peaceful atmosphere.

There are two designated areas specifically designed for children under the age of 15 where they can fish without competition from adults. For those who prefer fly-fishing there's an area reserved exclusively for this purpose as well.

The park also hosts various fishing tournaments throughout the year which attract participants across different skill levels.

In addition to these opportunities at Kiser Lake itself , nearby streams offer trout fishing during certain seasons when stocked by Division Of Wildlife .

Fishing equipment such as rods and reels may be rented out at local bait shops around Champaign County if you don't have your own gear but still want to enjoy some angling action while visiting this beautiful state park in Ohio.


Location
Kiser Lake State Park is located near Bellefontaine, New Carlisle and Piqua

Picnicking
Four picnic areas with tables and grills are located in the park. Shelters are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. No open fires are permitted in these areas.
Bicycling
While biking isn't a primary activity, there are still options. Be aware that trails aren't specifically designed for bicycles.

The park's roadways offer an alternative to off-road cycling but be cautious of vehicular traffic.

Remember, the terrain can vary greatly so ensure your bike is suitable and always wear appropriate safety gear.

Please note: Bicycles are not permitted on hiking or bridle trails within this location in Ohio.

Respect other visitors by keeping noise levels down when bicycling around campgrounds or picnic areas.
Trails
Four hiking trails are located within the park and provide 4.5 scenic miles of walking pleasure. Red Oak trail is located in the family camp area at the east end of the lake. Pine Tree and Possum Hollow trails can be reached from the group camp area. The North Bay Trail follows the lake shoreline for 1.5 miles.
Birding
In this Ohio location, birding enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of options. The park's diverse habitats attract numerous species throughout the year. Its wetlands and lake are particularly attractive to waterfowl such as ducks, geese and herons while its woodlands provide shelter for songbirds like warblers or sparrows. Raptors including hawks and eagles may also be spotted soaring above open areas in search of prey. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars for optimal viewing opportunities.
Area Attractions
Kiser Lake Wetlands Nature Preserve, located within the park, consists of two separate areas on the south side of the lake. These areas are remnants of a 300-acre fen known as Mosquito Lake Bog which was created by the last glacier invading Ohio. Access is by written permission only from the chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.

The Simon Kenton Historic Corridor, located between Piqua and Mechanicsburg, is popular among tourists. Attractions along the route include: the Piqua Historical Area, A.B. Graham Memorial Center (Founder of the 4-H Clubs) and the Simon Kenton gravesite. Natural wonders along the corridor include Cedar Bog and Ohio Caverns.

The Air Force Museum can be visited in nearby Dayton.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 4 Beautiful Kayaking Lake by Soni
park review stars; one to five We had a great afternoon kayaking as a family. People were fishing nearby and everyone is so nice
May 9 Serene,Picturesque lake perfect ..... by Ducky,resident
park review stars; one to five Serene picturesque lake perfect for rowing and canoeing, If you miss the easy times of Mayberry, come here
April 29 trails
park review stars; one to five the horse riders/sportmans club, made those trails many many years ago, after years of fighting with ohio , HORSES got their trails back. as far as i know the horses dont go on the trail around the campsite area/side. they use the south side. so if you dont like horse poop, stay to the trails for people.
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Area Campgrounds
Rittenhouse Resort
4739 Woodville Pike
Urbana, OH
937-652-3400
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Four Seasons
5881 State Route 29 E
Sidney, OH
(937) 498-0100
Todd's Sports Shop
5726 N State Route 235
Rosewood, OH
(937) 362-3473
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
88.4 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
4885 N. St. Rt. 235, St. Paris, OH 43072

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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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