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State Parks: Grand Lake St. Mary's

834 Edgewater Drive
St. Marys, OH 45885
Park Office (419) 394-3611
Camp Office (419) 394-2774
1-866-644-6727 for camping
and getaway rental reservations Get Directions

Location & description:

Originally constructed as a feeder reservoir for the Miami-Erie Canal, Grand Lake St. Marys was for many years recognized as the largest man-made reservoir in the world. This large lake is the gateway to swimming, boating, camping and fishing in one of Ohio's oldest state parks.

Camping:

Facilities include flush toilets, laundry, showers and a dump station. Pets are permitted. The campground also offers a “camper’s only” swimming beach, boat launch and boat docks/tie-ups.

• Non-electric Campsites - 68
• Campsites with electricity - 142
• Camper Cabins - 2
• Rent-A-Tepee sites - 2
• Cedar Cabins - 2

Boating

Boats with no limits on horsepower are permitted on the lake. Several private launch ramps also exist along the shallow shoreline. Fuel, boat rentals and seasonal dock rentals are available. A 300’ no wake szone has been established and is enforced around the lake’s 52 miles of shoreline. The state wildlife refuge, located on the southwest corner is off limits to boats at all times.

• Five state operated launch ramps
• Fuel available for purchase
• Boat rentals and seasonal dock rentals available

Fishing & hunting

Fishing is great year-round and anglers will enjoy excellent catches of crappie, bass and bluegill in the spring as well as record catches of yellow perch in the winter. Bait vending machines are available at the park. Hunting is permitted in designated areas. There are 90 seasonal duck blinds available by a lottery administered by ODNR Division of Wildlife. A valid Ohio hunting and waterfowl stamp is required.

Swimming:

Lifeguard coverage is limited to weekends and holidays.

• Four public swimming beaches and other swimming areas provided for boaters

Picnic areas:

Picnic areas with tables and grills are located in scenic areas around the lake. Some picnic shelters are on a reservation basis. Contact the park office for details.