Top 4 Lakefront Communities close to Cincinnati, Ohio
Although Lakefront Living Realty The Lake Team started, and does tend to focus, in Central Ohio we are a state wide brokerage and have spent countless hours exploring and helping customers in various other regions of the state. Although Central Ohio does have the capital (Columbus, for those of you who skipped Geography class) and provides a good deal of clients looking for a lake home as well as more lakes within reasonable driving distance, there are other major cities in the state full of clients who need our services. So today we are going to do a brief run down of the top 4 Lakefront Communities close to Cincinnati, Ohio. Now to be clear, there are lakes across the state border that residents can seek out, and there are other lakes in Ohio nearby, however we focus on the lakes within the boundaries of Ohio, AND that allow Residential properties with water access. So here we go…
4. Rocky Fork
This state park / lake combo is approximately 1 hour and 20 minute drive east from downtown Cincy. The park has a rich Native American history and has been a large tourist attraction since as far back as the mid 1800’s due to its beautiful scenery. Rocky Fork has a 2,080 acre lake with no limit on horsepower allowing for wonderful skiing opportunities as well as kayaking, canoeing and tubing. The lake itself averages about 15 ft but can reach up to 40 ft and has a full service marina. The lake also has two public beaches which combine for over 800 ft of swimming area, as well as a separate boat/ swim area. Playgrounds can be found at both beach areas as well as volleyball courts and basketball courts. The park also maintains 6 different picnic areas across the lake available to the public. Rocky Fork also has an 18-hole disc golf course at the South Beach as well as a 7-hole course located at one of the campgrounds! The park also has two separate hiking trails; The Bird Observation Trail which is a 1/3 mile, and the Deer Loop Trail, a 1 mile trail. This lake happens to be the biggest of the four and therefore has the biggest lakefront views, however residents will quickly find that the park is very strict about shoreline development and boat docks. Most people, instead of owning private docks at their water’s edge, have to rent a dock from the park nearby.
3. Lake Lorelei
(Lake Lorelei, one of the top 4 lakefront communities close to Cincinnati, Ohio)
This private and gated lake community in Fayetteville Ohio, is just 45 minutes from Cincinnati. Lake Lorelei is 197 acres and includes 3 lakes, Grunwald, Fitchelberg, and the largest of the three, Lorelei. The main lake has no horsepower limit and does allow jet skis although a 35-mph limit is in place. There are two beaches at Lake Lorelei, one next to the clubhouse and one across the lake from the clubhouse. The community also has a privately owned and operated Marina next to the entrance with a mini grocery. Members of the community will find several playgrounds and a basketball court. There is also a lakefront pavilion and a clubhouse available to members for community and private events. Lake Lorelei also has several lake common areas spread across the lake that have picnic tables, green spaces, and public docks. There is also a lakefront restaurant named the Lake Lorelei Tavern where members can enjoy good food and a great view. Residents will enjoy the amenities the lake has to offer, and the additional security from the gate, but it does happen to be the smallest lake of the four.
Lakengren is a private lake in Eaton, Ohio, just minutes from the Indiana border and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cincinnati. It’s name is the Viking word meaning “lake of the emerald green hills”. The Lake community is a private and gated community comprised of several lakes, the biggest one being Lakengren, and it is the only lake that allows gas-powered watercraft. Lakengren is 207 acres with 9 ½ miles of shoreline and a depth ranging from 4ft to 60ft, with the average depth being approximately 15 ft. The main lake has no horsepower limit and does allow jet skis. The lake also has a beach with sand volleyball for member access, as well as a full-service marina. The lake offers several picnic and green-space areas throughout the community as well as a basketball and tennis court. Residents will also find a disc golf course, a driving range and baseball field that will provide ample opportunity for family fun. The community also has in place a brand-new walking path for residents to safely exercise that measures just under 1 mile. Members also have access to the Valhalla Lodge, a lovely place to host social events as well as to catch a good meal at the restaurant. There is a full sized pool at the community, along with a kiddy pool and snack stand open for residents. This lake does provide that extra layer of security for residents with it’s gated entrance, however, similar to Rocky Fork it has a longer driving distance from Cincinnati.
1. Lake Waynoka
Lake Waynoka is a private gated community located just 45 minutes from Cincinnati Ohio. The lake itself is around a 290-acres and, although doesn’t allow jet skis, doesn’t have a horsepower limit on boats. The lake also has a privately run full-service Marina that offers repairs, fuel and a general store for boating and fishing needs. Lake Waynoka also has a clean and wonderful beach with playground equipment, a bathhouse and a pavilion. There is a lodge and lounge open for rental, as well as a seasonal restaurant inside the lodge. There are also three outdoor pools during the summer months, two tennis courts, a basketball court and a baseball field. Waynoka also has a large campground with 261 sites, some of which are full service sites, as well as a pavilion with electrical hookups. Residents have access to the Health and Rec Center built in 2004. This building offers an exercise room, basketball court, volleyball, indoor heated pool and spa, a game room and many community classes, events, and athletic leagues. Potential buyers will love the gated aspect as well as the 24 hour security, the short drive from the city and that the lake is the largest private lake in the area. However, some residents will be disappointed in the rule against jet skis.
As you can see each of the 4 top lakefront communities close to Cincinnati, Ohio have different amenities, boating regulations and settings. Each lake has pros and cons regarding rules, size, location, etc and each buyer will need to make sure to check with their lakefront specialist before purchasing a home at the lake! We want to make sure that you get the right lake for you and the lake house of your dreams!
Written by Justin Shelton Lakefront Consultant – The Lake Team