Contact Information
5202 U.S. 23 North
Delaware, OH 43015
740-369-2761
Delaware State Park rests in the midst of the fertile agricultural till plains of Delaware County. In contrast to the surrounding farmlands, the park offers a variety of natural features. The area lies upon Columbus limestone. Formed over 350 million years ago, this bedrock outcrops in a north-south band through Ohio. The rock has been quarried for years and utilized in many ways including the construction of the state capitol building in Columbus.Delaware Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of a flood control dam in 1951. The flood control reservoir was dedicated as a state park later that year.
Attractions at Delaware State Park include a 214-site campground for tents and trailers. The campground features flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities and a dump station. Electricity is supplied at 164 of the sites. A group camp is available for organized youth groups on a reservation basis. Pets are permitted at designated sites. Three Rent-A-Camp units, consisting of a tent, sheltered picnic table and other equipment, may be reserved during the season.
A network of trails aid visitors in their exploration of the park. The trails connect the lakeshore with each of the four camping areas, transecting meadows, woodlands and wetlands.
Boating with unlimited horsepower is thoroughly enjoyed at the park. Boat-launching ramps are conveniently located around the lake. Boat and dock rentals are offered seasonally. A fully equipped marina offers fuel, fishing and boating supplies. Anglers find excellent catches of crappie, muskie and largemouth and smallmouth bass. In addition to lake fishing, anglers frequent the stocked ponds in the wildlife area adjacent to the park. Also, catfish anglers enjoy the small park pond that serves as an ice skating rink in winter.
The public beach at Delaware has been popular for several generations. Well-maintained facilities include bathhouse, showers, snack bar, and a large field conducive for Frisbee tossing.
Picnicking is enjoyed in several locations around the park including the open-sky beach area and areas offering tree-shaded canopies with lake views. A shelter is reservable for large gatherings; call the park office for details.
Waterfowl hunting is popular at Delaware. Duck blinds are issued by a lottery drawing. Hunting for other game is permitted in the wildlife area. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is required. Maps indicating hunting areas are available at the park office.
Visitors to Delaware State Park will find camping, pet camping, group camping, boat launches, waterskiing, day and night lake fishing, picnic sites, swimming beach, concession, full-service marina, fishing ponds, hiking trails, a nature trail, hunting opportunities, and acres of field and forest filled with wildflowers.
This state has four distinct seasons and a brilliant fall foliage display in it southern woods during mid October. Winter lasts from December through February with average temperatures near 25 degrees F. Low temperatures dip to single digits, but do not often drop below zero. Northern regions of the state receive average snowfall amounts of 55 inches, while the central and southern regions of the state receive lesser amounts with averages near 30 inches. This difference is caused by lake-affect moisture patterns.
Spring temperatures begin to warm the landscapes of Ohio by mid March and are in full swing by April. Temperatures range from 40 through 70 degrees F through the spring months. This season often brings the most rainfall, before the drying heat of summer. Summer can be extremely hot and humid in the interior of Ohio. Temperatures reach above 90 degrees F frequently through July and August. Cooler fall temperatures don't reach the region until mid to late September. This is a pleasant time to visit as the air is crisp with low humidity levels. Ohio's annual precipitation usually reaches slightly above 50 inches.
