Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

[JimKW]

I have a Crownline 180BR and live just north of Columbus, OH. I want to take a one week vacation with the boat and stay at a house or cabin on a nice lake with a dock. I am willing to drive up to eight hours, but four to five hours is better. I have been looking at Lake Barkley/Kentucky Lake area, but now I'm thinking of possibly some place in Michigan, but not sure where. I don't want to be out on real rough water or even the possibility of rough water.

One place I really like is Deep Creek, MD where we used to go when we owned a boat in the No. Va. / DC area. To rent there now is just so darn expensive though and would really like to find some place different.

Any suggestions?

 

[milmat1]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Cumberland lake, KY....??

 

[JimKW]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

From my research I find that Cumberland Lake is more for house boats. I really want to rent a house with a dock where I can boat and swim, but have other things to do in the area.

 

[Ret USN CPO]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Deep Creek Lake southwest of Cumberland, MD is pretty nice. They have houses and cabins with docks right on the lake. There are also restaurants you can access from the lake.

Gets busy on the weekends. Gets insane on holiday weekends.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Salt Fork

Not far at all from where you are. We rented a cottage last summer and it was great. There was no dock right at our cottage so we just beached right there.

 

[JimKW]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Salt Fork looks like a good day trip or a long weekend. Been to Deep Creek several times more than 20 years ago and really like it there. It is definitely still an option, but I can't believe how expensive it is to rent a place for a week.

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

How about that motel (Holiday Inn) at the mouth of the Muskingum that has docks....lots of restaurants in the area...Marietta has alot of steamboat events, etc.....run up and down the Ohio.

 

[Bucks45]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Jim,

I live just outside of Columbus. I've been to Cumberland and Norris lake. Both have cabin rentals w/slips. There are a lot of house boats, but there are also a lot of runabouts and cuddies. Plenty of coves to tie off and hang out. It's a great time and well worth the trip. We've gone down and stayed in cabins, as well as rented house boats. Haven't been down in several years, but I know at one time Cumberland was pretty low due to some dam reconstruction. Not sure if you plan on having any adult beverages on/off of the boat, but if so, plan ahead. The county is dry.

If you're really interested in Michigan check out the Charlovoix and Walloon Lake area (dumps into Lake Michigan). It's a haul, but it's beautiful. My niece and nephew live on Walloon. There's a lot to do in the area. I don't gamble, but they even have a nice casino a few miles away.

 

[riversrme]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

How about that motel (Holiday Inn) at the mouth of the Muskingum that has docks....lots of restaurants in the area...Marietta has alot of steamboat events, etc.....run up and down the Ohio.

I second that suggestion. I have spent a lot of time boating in that area and it's great. I think that motel with the docks is a Best Western though. Marietta Harbor is also nice and a full service marina.

 

[stevenj]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

http://www.tygartlake.com/

A guy at work does a yearly trip to Tygart Lake

 

[JimKW]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Wife and I are not big on hotel rooms. I really want more of a house or cottage or a condo at least. Staying cramped up in a hotel room with her for a week would drive me crazy and drive her even crazier.

I was looking at a place on Lake Charlovoix that looks really nice. Very private with a dock and it's own private beach area. I sent them an e-mail asking about availability. Only problem is it's about 450 miles one way. Wonder if it would be worth the trip. I also have a place on hold until tomorrow in Cadiz, KY on Lake Barkley and it's about the same distance only the opposite direction.

I am going to try the Ohio River at Marietta for a weekend getaway one of these weekend, but not for a whole week. Looking for a place the weekend before the 4th of July.

THANKS EVERYBODY AND KEEP THE SUGGESTIONS COMING.

Somebody else might read this and get some great ideas also.

Think I'm getting ready to finally cut the grass and then head to Alum Creek for a few hours. It's only 20 mintues from the house.

 

[ExxWhy]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Allegheny Reservoir in PA is very nice, not sure about the cabin/house rentals, but I think there should be something available. Went there last fall and stayed in a national forest campground. Gorgeous views.

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

How about Lake Erie? It's probably closer than Cumberland or Norris and if you put in near Sandusky you would have the Islands to goto or even Cedar Point

 

[JimKW]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Isn't my boat kind of small to be out on Lake Erie?

 

[hubbard53]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

I got a couple jet boat friends that go to cumberland each year; seems nice.

As for lake erie, I can't say for sure but perhaps if you stayed in the bays, your boat would be fine.

I'm planning a trip there within the next few years (it was postponed due a pregnancy this year!) - I planned on renting a place in Sandusky, hanging in hte bay for a couple days and then venturing out to the islands if weather permits.

There are a lot of options for we central ohioans - how about grand Lake St. Mary's - a quick search came up with this cottage rental: http://www.vrbo.com/193235

 

[lovemylake]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Do you want CLEAR water? You should come to Higgins lake mich. It's like a 10 thousand acre swimming pool! A little closer to. 3:10 drive from oh/mi state line! If you have kids that like to fish they"ll be busy all day! Send me a PM I"ll get you more details.

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Interesting seeing how many 'iboaters' there are in Central Ohio.....Alum Creek, Delaware, Griggs & O'Shaugshey, Buckeye Lake, Indian Lake, Muskingum, etc... of course the state parks.....not exactly the Chesapeake Bay...but still interesting....Just to further indicate the strength of the boating community....the Columbus Sail and Power Squadron is the 2nd largest 'chapter' in USA! neat.

 

[JimKW]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Just booked a place on Lake Charlervoix for the last week of June. Place sits on 3 acres and has a private beach with a dock with a lift. It just sounded really nice and was getting tired of trying to decide. The price is kind of high, but she discounted it about $600 from her normal summer weekly rate because I can only get six days. Just sounds like an awesome place, but will take 7-8 hours to get there.

I am going to try several of these other places mentioned in this thread though.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Just sounds like an awesome place, but will take 7-8 hours to get there.

Make sure your trailer is up to a long trip like that-- tires, bearings, etc.

To keep on topic, when planning a trip to Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake is a better choice for a boater not familiar with the waters. Barkley has some areas with very shallow water.

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Where To Go From Columbus, OH?

Indian lake was a nice lake as stated above and its up by Lima Oh. Not very far from you. Its a shallower lake with lots of places to get food, gas, and party supplies etc. If you go there ask anybody on the lake about the restaurant that leans. I cant think of its name but they have the best burgers and everyone will know what your talking about.