Contact Information
20635 Waterloo Road
Mt. Sterling, OH 43143
740-869-3124
Madison Lake State Park lies within the Darby Plains of Madison County. These plains, before settlement, resembled smaller versions of the Great Plains found in the West. In 1946, a small tract of land in the area was deeded to the state of Ohio for the purpose of developing a lake. Under the supervision of the old Division of Conservation, a dam was constructed across Deer Creek. The lake was filled by 1947, and in 1950, the 106-acre Madison Lake was turned over to the newly created, ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation.
Eighty acres of land and a 106-acre lake comprise Madison Lake State Park. The lake is ideal for sailboats, rowboats and canoes. A launch ramp is provided. Electric motors only are permitted on the lake. Anglers enjoy plentiful catches of bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and bullhead. Picnickers will find tables, grills, playground, latrines and non-reservable shelters on both the east and west shores. A 300-foot sand beach is perfect for sunbathers and swimmers. Changing booths and latrines are provided. Hikers can enjoy a newly developed half-mile trail that explores the woodlands and the lake's edge. Hunting for migratory game birds is permitted at the park's north end. A valid Ohio fishing and / or hunting license are required when pursuing the sports.
Madison Lake State Park is a day use park offering sailing, canoeing, fishing, hiking, swimming, and hunting.
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.
