Relax on the Lake in Licking County, OH

Kevin Oakley/Escape to Buckeye Lake

The sounds of humming boat motors, laid-back conversations and strumming guitars cast across the rippling waters of Buckeye Lake, Ohio’s oldest state park and Licking County’s vacation haven.

Lake in Licking County Is a Community Center

Just about 20 minutes east of Columbus, this lake in Licking County spans over 3,000 acres across the surrounding communities, serving as a natural community center for outdoor recreation and celebratory events. 

Randy Torres is a partner at the Boatyard at Buckeye Lake, alongside Randy Coconis and Dave Moran. Torres has called Licking County home since 1975, but more specifically, has lived along the waters of Buckeye Lake since 2014. 

“I’ve been vacationing here since I was in high school,” Torres says. “I’ve watched the lake grow into the fun, family-friendly place it is now.” 

Want to see for yourself what Buckeye Lake has to offer? Here’s a loose guide to help you fill your days. 

Restaurants and Bars 

Waterfront views are what make for memorable dining experiences at the lake in Licking County, which largely includes locally owned restaurants and bars. 

“Buckeye Lake is one of the only state parks that has bars on it, and that’s a huge draw for people,” Torres says. “Lots of the bars have docks for people to boat up to as well.” 

Visitors flock to Papa Boo’s for the tropical-inspired atmosphere and live entertainment schedule (as well as the lengthy roster of frozen cocktails and fruity shots, of course). 

Down the shore, Torres and his partners prepare for busy summer weekends at the Boatyard at Buckeye Lake, a classic waterfront joint known for homemade tacos and hardy burgers. And, for dessert, Dips on the Lake is just next door. 

Only a few more minutes from Boatyard and Dips, Chef Shack serves up classic fish and chips, while Buckeye Lake Brewery pours cold craft beers. If a waterfront picnic is more your style, stock up on top-quality meats and cheeses at Rittberger Market at the Lake. 

Sports to Dive Into 

In between food refuels, vacationers and locals alike take to the Licking County lake as well as the paths and parks bordering it. “Water sports are huge here,” Torres says. “There’s jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking – you name it.” 

Not to mention, this lake in Licking County is well-known as one of the best fishing lakes in the state, especially for catching bass and saugeye. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says Buckeye Lake produces more saugeye over 21 inches than any other state lake. 

There’s a lengthy list of activities off the water as well, like golfing at Harbor Hills Country Club or exploring maintained parks or islands like Cranberry Bog State Nature Preserve (with the proper permit). 

Following the north bank, a paved 4-mile pathway encourages a breezy ride or walk along the glimmering waters. Don’t have a bike? Torres offers rentals at the Boatyard. 

January to July Celebrations 

Every day on the lake is a good one, and those who love lake living the most are sure to keep a full calendar, with events like July’s Buckeye Lake Area Star Spangled Tradition (BLASST) and January’s Winterfest. 

Perhaps most notably, residents wait all year for nature’s prediction for the beginning of spring. Will Punxsutawney Phil, the star of Groundhog Day, see his shadow? Doesn’t matter – in Licking County, locals listen to Benny the Bass. 

“Benny the Bass is our equivalent to Punxsutawney Phil. They bring him to the Buckeye Lake Brewery in a giant tank on his custom-made trailer, and they feed him bait. If he eats the bait, we’ll have an early spring,” Torres says. 

Benny’s seasonal prediction is the iconic kickoff to Winterfest, a one-day festival that draws upward of 30,000 to 40,000 people to Buckeye Lake. 

Aside from Winterfest, the lake sees most of its action during the warm months, resulting in a quiet off-season from vacationers. Some are already pulling together their savviest pirate costumes for the first annual Buckeye Lake Pirate Festival, taking place in May 2024. 

“Life on the lake can be leisurely, or it can be active. There are so many different atmospheres to choose from,” Torres says.