Ohio’s Hidden Gem: A Lake State Park Near Cleveland with Family Cottages, Scenic Campgrounds, and Ample Recreation Options

Cleveland is one of Ohio’s best tourist destinations — after all, the city is home to a vibrant and lush secret garden park, renowned museums, an elegant indoor mall known as the “Crystal palace,” and, of course, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, Ohio also has a lot to offer those seeking fresh air and adventure outside of the urban centers, especially in its serene and underrated state parks. From the towering trees of Mohican State Park to Deer Creek State Park’s slice of outdoor paradise, Ohio’s state parks have so much natural beauty. In fact, one of the Buckeye State’s best kept secrets is a scenic escape just 40 miles east of Cleveland: Punderson State Park.

Occupying 741 acres of land, Punderson State Park is a sprawling recreational paradise fit for the whole family. The park hosts a wide variety of accommodations, including more than 190 campsites, 26 family cottages, and an elegant 31-room lodge. At the center of it all lies Punderson Lake, a massive 150-acre waterbody that is the largest and deepest natural kettle lake in Ohio. An idyllic hangout for both Ohioans and out-of-staters, Punderson Lake has its own sandy beach and marina, making it a perfect spot for water sports and activities — including boating, swimming, and fishing. Visitors have the option of renting a boat from the park marina, or bringing their own and leasing a seasonal spot at the dock. 

Beyond the waterfront, Punderson State Park offers a wide range of other recreational activities and experiences for guests of all ages. The varied landscapes of the area make it an excellent location for birdwatching, with some 150 avian species living in the park’s forests, meadows, and wetlands. Punderson is also a great getaway for hikers and bikers, with 14 miles of scenic hiking trails and a 1.2-mile multi-terrain cycling trail that leads to various stunning vistas throughout the park. Golfing is another popular activity at Punderson, with a championship-rated 18-hole course open to the public seven days a week (reservations are required for weekend play, however).

While spring and summer are the perfect time to take advantage of the plethora of warm weather activities the park has to offer, there is just as much fun to be had in the colder months as well. Autumn is a great time to visit to take in the views of the brilliant fall foliage surrounding the lake. Also, Punderson State Park is recognized as one of Ohio’s best winter sports parks. Those traveling with little ones should check out the Punderson Sled Hill, which is open daily for riders age 5 and older. While guests are responsible for bringing their own sleds on weekdays, snow tubes are available for rent on weekends and come with use of the sled hill’s tow lines. True snow sports enthusiasts also flock to Punderson in the winter to enjoy ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and even riding snowmobiles.