Kiser Lake State Park

The quiet and relaxing atmosphere of Kiser Lake State Park makes it a favorite Ohio getaway. 531 acres of rolling wooded hills and diverse wetlands add to the beauty of this scenic 396-acre lake known for its clean, clear waters.

History:

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.

Camping

76 total campsites are available.

20 electric sites
56 non-electric sites
8 sites are walk-in only
2 sites are ADA accessible
Picnic tables, fire rings, a trailer dump station and latrines are provided
Three group camp sites on the south side of the lake may be reserved for youth and adult organizations.

Activities

Boating

Sailing and paddling are popular at Kiser Lake as boats with motors are not permitted on the 396-acre lake. Four small launch areas and one boat ramp provide access. Boats, kayaks and canoes can also be rented at the park’s marina, which is open seasonally.

Fishing

Kiser Lake offers good catches of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie and wiper. Five fishing piers are located on the lake. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting

Hunting of migratory game birds is permitted when in season. Deer hunting is permitted by lottery only. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Several picnic areas with tables and grills are located in the park.

Swimming and 
Scuba Diving

A 300-foot swimming beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Refreshments are available at the marina (open spring until October).

Scuba diving is permitted in the lake except within the beach area. Divers must be accompanied by at least one person. Proper equipment and marking of the diving area are required.

Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only and only in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.

Trails

Five hiking trails are found at the park:

Possum Hollow Trail - 0.7 mile - Easy
North Bay Trail - 1.5 miles - Moderate
Pine Tree Trail - 0.5 mile - Moderate
Rabbit Run Trail - 0.6 mile - Moderate
Marina Trail - 0.11 mile - Easy
Wetland Trail (Nature Preserve Boardwalk) - 0.7 mile - Moderate
Red Oak Trail - 0.7 mile - Moderate
The park also features 10 miles of bridle trail (Moderate).

Winter Recreation

Under the proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice boating.

Recreational amenities are offered throughout the park, including a volleyball court and playground at the campground, and a basketball court at the beach Horseshoe pits are located at the Nature Center.