Laura's Travel Log - Indian Lake State Park, Lakeview, Ohio

So maybe I am not a world traveler (yet!) but I do find ways to take advantage of what is offered in my homestate and other neighboring states.  One of the activities my family greatly enjoys is camping.  Recently we took our maiden camping trip to Indian Lake State Park located about an hour east of Columbus, Ohio.  At one time the area was referred to as the "Midwest's Million Dollar Playground" which included dance halls and amusement parks back in the day.  At one time it was on the Toledo and Ohio Central Steamline and the ohio Electric Railway allowing easy travel to the area before automobiles were as accessible. 

The State Park campground is one of our favorite stays.  We stay in the "C" loop which is electric only (water is available at the dump station and different locations in the campground) as it is further from the actual lake side campsites.  The "A" loop is pets free area and the "B" loop is closer to the lake and contains a lot of large trees and the "D" loop contains waterfront and some full services sites.  Bascially we stay in C loop as it is usually the least occupied and we enjoy the quiet (though you will hear some road noise but we never mind).  There are camp hosts at frequent intervals and the park rangers also patrol.  The camp store contains the usual odds and ends as well as hard-dip ice cream that is a popular draw at reasonable prices.  The campground has it's own beach area which we enjoy because it is more family oriented than some of the public beaches.  We will pay the extra fee at times even if we are not camping to use this beach.  There is a dog beach adjacent to this as well.  Though our dog is not a fan of swimming.

The lake consists of 5800 acres and has unlimited horsepower which means skiing, fishing, all types of boating are allowed.  There are several designated boat swim areas as well.  Fishing requires an Ohio fishing license if you are 16 or older.  There is a 3-mile paved bike way that runs along the lake which is open to walkers and joggers as well.  And unfortunately in areas, Canadian geese (yuck).  Picnic areas including reservable shelter houses.  Just general activities you will find at most state parks with a lake. 

Outside of the State Park, there are numerous restaurants, pizza places, places to get donuts, flea markets, bars (including one with a swim up pool for those who find that exciting), entertainment and some shopping including a few antique stores.  Mostly we go to relax by the lake or at our campsite.  We visit the Donut Shop, Jack and Do's pizzaria and if the kids mention it, we will drive to West Liberty to Marie's Candies.  My husband and I took our bicycles and rode the approximate 19 miles around the lake (not all miles were within lakefront) one day and then the next day we rode another 17 miles through the numerous small communities and neighborhoods and then in the countryside as well.

I am an early riser whether I want to be or not but I find this is the best time to enjoy the quiet and solitude of the campsite.  I will sit in one of our camp chairs and sketch or write in my journal.  Or take the dog for a walk.  There are a few other early risers such as myself trying to get in a few moments of peace before everyone starts to waken.  If you prefer a more quiet stay, during the week (not a holiday week though) is the best time to camp.  Weekends are quite busy at this state park except very early in the season or late.  The best part for me is that we get away from home and I am forced to relax rather than attending to the neverending chores at home.  I find when I do this, I want to spend most of the afternoons, napping in our bunk or on the beach.  It's amazing how much I want to sleep when I'm not on task 24/7. 

Author's photos top to bottom - Campground Beach, Campsite C108 & Author's Camper, Sunrise at Campsite.