Things to Do at Lake Logan State Park
Lake Logan is a 170-acre no-wake lake about a mile west of downtown Logan, Ohio, and it's one of those places that tends to surprise people. The state park along the southern shore is small by Ohio standards (no campground, no big lodge), but it packs a lot into a short stretch of waterfront. You can swim, fish, paddle, hike, and grill within about a quarter mile of one another.
If you've already booked a cabin in Hocking Hills, the lake is a good "in-between" day. Hike Old Man's Cave one morning, drive 15 minutes north, and spend the afternoon with your feet in the water. If the lake itself is the reason you're coming, you can build the whole trip around it.
Here's what's actually there and how to use it.
The swimming beach
The designated swimming area is on the south side of the lake, off Lake Logan Road. It's a sand beach with a roped-off swim zone, picnic tables, restrooms, and a changing area nearby. Lifeguards are not on duty. You swim at your own risk, which is standard for Ohio state park beaches.
A few practical notes. The water warms up slowly, so May and early June can still feel cold even on a hot day. By mid-June through early September you're in good swimming temperature. Mornings tend to be the calmest, both for water clarity and for crowds. By 1 p.m. on a July Saturday, expect families with coolers stacked along the picnic tables.
There's no concession stand on site, so bring your own water and snacks. The town of Logan is five minutes east if you forget anything.
Fishing the lake
Lake Logan is a popular fishing spot, and because it's a no-wake lake, you can fish from a small boat without getting tossed around by passing wakes. Bank fishing is also good. There are several pull-offs and informal access points along the shore, plus the main pier near the boat ramp.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources stocks Lake Logan and posts current fish surveys on its site. Rather than guessing, check the ODNR fishing forecast for Hocking County before your trip and you'll get an up-to-date list of what's biting. Standard Ohio inland lake species are present in good numbers, and locals fish it year-round, including through the ice when winter cooperates.
You'll need an Ohio fishing license if you're 16 or older. They're easy to buy online or at most bait shops in Logan. The town has a couple of bait and tackle stores within a few minutes of the lake.
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding
This is where the no-wake rule pays off. Paddling on Lake Logan is genuinely peaceful because there's no boat traffic to worry about. You'll share the water with other paddlers, fishing boats trolling along, and the occasional pontoon, all moving slowly.
Bring your own gear if you have it. There are two boat ramps on the lake, and a small launch area near the beach for car-top boats. If you don't have your own kayak, rentals are usually available seasonally near the lake. Hours and rates change by year, so call ahead. The Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center on Route 664 in Logan is a good first call for current rental info; they keep up with what's open and what's not.
A full loop around the lake takes most paddlers about two hours at a relaxed pace. The northern end of the lake is the quietest, with more coves and herons than people. Mornings, again, are the best window if you want still water for photos or for fishing from a kayak.
Hiking near the lake
Lake Logan State Park itself isn't a major hiking destination. There are short walking paths near the beach and around the picnic areas, good for stretching legs after a paddle but not a full hike.
For a real hike, you have two options within a short drive. Hocking Hills State Park is about 20 minutes south, and that's where the famous trails are: Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave (the largest recess cave in Ohio), Cantwell Cliffs on the north side, and Rock House, which is the only true cave in the state park. Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve is a separate site nearby with both a rim trail and a gorge trail.
If you want something low-key after a beach morning, the gorge trail at Conkle's Hollow is flat and easy. If you want the postcard hike, Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls is the classic. We keep a fuller list on our things to do in Hocking Hills page.
Picnicking and grilling
The state park has multiple picnic areas with tables and a few covered shelters. Some shelters can be reserved through ODNR; others are first-come. There are charcoal grills scattered around the picnic areas if you'd rather not haul your own.
The setup makes Lake Logan a solid day-trip pivot. Pack a cooler in the morning, drive over, swim or paddle until lunch, eat at a picnic table by the water, and then either stay for an afternoon round of fishing or head south to a hiking trail. It's an easy day to plan because everything is close together.
If you'd rather not pack a cooler, downtown Logan has a few good lunch spots within five minutes of the park.
Boat ramps and launching your own boat
There are two public boat ramps on Lake Logan. Both are state-maintained and free to use with a valid Ohio boat registration. Trailer parking is available at each.
Remember the no-wake rule. It's enforced. Electric trolling motors are popular, and small gas outboards are fine as long as you stay under wake speed. Anything bigger than a typical fishing boat will draw attention.
Personal watercraft like jet skis are not what this lake is for. If your group wants those, you're better off looking at one of Ohio's larger lakes. Lake Logan rewards the slower kind of day.
When to go
Summer weekends are the busiest time, especially Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. The beach fills up by midday and the boat ramps see a steady flow.
Early summer mornings on a weekday are the sweet spot for paddling and fishing. Fall is underrated: the lake stays open, the fall colors reflect off the water, and the crowds drop off as soon as Labor Day passes. Winter is for the ice anglers and a small handful of people who like an empty park.
Spring is variable. The water is cold, but if you don't need to swim, you can have the place almost to yourself in April.
Where to stay if the lake is the focus
Most cabins in Hocking Hills are 15 to 25 minutes from Lake Logan. That's fine for a day trip, but if the lake is your main reason for visiting, the easier setup is staying on it.
We have two lakefront houses about a five-minute walk from the state park. Lakeside 71 is a 3-bedroom that sleeps six, with a king, two queens, a hot tub, and a Weber gas grill on the porch. Lakeside 93 is a 2-bedroom that sleeps four, with direct lake access from the backyard for swimming and fishing and a year-round hot tub overlooking the water.
Both are within a short walk of the swimming beach and the boat ramps, which means you can carry kayaks down to the water without loading them on a car.
Not sure which lakefront house fits your group? Send us a note. We read every email ourselves. You'll get a real answer from people who know the houses.
