The Top 5 Rustic Lakefront Communities in Ohio
There are dozens of lakefront communities spread across the state of Ohio, each one with it’s own setting and it’s own vibe. Generally speaking we can divide the settings into three different types; Residential, Rustic, and a Combination of the two. Each lakefront buyer has their own preference for what setting they want to be in, whether they want a modern updated primary residence, or if they want a small bungalow, or a log cabin. Today we will be talking about the top 5 rustic lakefront communities in Ohio.
5. Pleasant Hill Lake
Pleasant Hill is a lake located half way between Columbus and Cleveland in both Richland and Ashland counties. A lake owned by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, the agency keeps the shorelines and surrounding area lush with forestry. This man-made 850 acre lake is next to the magnificent Mohican State Park and this area provides the perfect setting for peaceful fishing, or wildlife exploring by kayak or canoe. Anglers enjoy searching for both large and small mouth bass, saugeye, or muskellunge to satisfy their trophy shelf while others enjoy catfish, crappie, yellow perch, and sunfish for dinner. The area boasts some of the best hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bike trails within the area. Pleasant Hill offers many of its own trails and leverages the nearby Mohican State Park. Within the park, you’ll find meandering trails through The Hemlock Gorge, woodland, and earthen dam trailheads.
Located in the heart of Amish country, Lake Buckhorn is a heavily wooded and remotely set private lake. Although the amount of homes present are more than other rustic lakes, the rustic lakefront communities itself is hilly, wooded and has an abundance of wildlife. You’ll find great views of the lake along with a plethera of large rustic cabins and lodges strung about the community. Although it is a private gated lake with some modern amenties, the setting and views will appease any lakefront buyer who wants to live in a rustic lakefront community.
3. Leesville Lake
The lake is owned by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and is kept in a permanent rustic state. Leesville Lake is regarded as one of the best fishing lakes in the state and is truly a wonderful place to experience a peaceful lakefront living lifestyle. The water and environment is quiet and still for the large volume of anglers that visit the lake every year. Residents can still enjoy kayaking and canoeing on the clear waters. The lake is well known as a fishing lake, and although several species can be found in the lake, Leesville is known as one of the top Muskie fishing spots in the state. Although Leesville is primarily a lake for fisherman there are several hundred campgrounds available for use as well as a vast area of public land nearby. The land has several hiking trails throughout it, and residents can find themselves in an area great for hunting and trapping.
Hide-a-way Hills is a 1650 acre private gated resort community situated in the wooded hill country of Hocking County, Ohio. The resort is within easy reach of the City of Columbus, only about 43 miles away. This lake community offers the “wilderness” atmosphere with it’s undulating hills, thick wooded terrain and adorable cabins in the woods! This rustic lakefront communities is filled with wildlife, wooded and hills, and most of the homes are small rustic cabins and cottages. Although considered a resort by many due to it’s vast amount of amenities, HAH is truly a rustic lake and residents there can experience a true rustic lakefront community.
Piedmont is a beautiful and rugged lake located in the Piedmont and Freeport area of Ohio. It belongs to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, and is well maintained as a rustic lakefront community. The lake is a premier fishing lake and is considered by many to be one of the most scenic lakes in all of Ohio, as it sits in rough, hilly and heavily wooded areas. Piedmont Lake is the perfect opportunity for the weekend get-a-way lake house! Residents can still enjoy kayaks, canoes, and other water activities. The lake is one of the state’s top fishing lakes, primarily for muskie and holds the state record for the largest muskie ever caught. The lake has over 80 full service campsites available and residents will find awesome opportunities for hunting and nature watching through the nearby MWCD land that is covered in hilly and wooded terrain.
For all the lakefront buyers out there who want to live in a rustic lakefront community these top 5 rustic lakefront communities are a good place to start. Talk to your lakefront specialist about which of these lakes would be right for. Life is Short- Buy The Lake House!
Written By Justin Shelton Lakefront Consultant – The Lake Team