LAKE LORAMIE STATE PARK
One of the original canal feeder lakes, Lake Loramie State Park offers visitors a quiet retreat in rural Ohio. Swim from the sandy beach, hike along the old canal towpath, stay a night in a shaded campsite or boat the lazy waters of Lake Loramie.
Although difficult to imagine, Ohio at one time had more than two-thirds of its surface covered by massive sheets of ice as much as a mile thick in places. At least three great ice sheets invaded Ohio's boundaries in the geologic past. The last one retreated 12,000 years ago. These ice advances directly impacted the natural features now evident at Lake Loramie State Park. Materials deposited by the glaciers included clay, sand, gravel and boulders of various sizes.
In the western half of Ohio where the land is generally level, these deposits resulted in some of the world's richest soils. A great forest emerged after the glacial era, covering 95% of the state. In the vicinity of Lake Loramie, the vegetation consisted of mainly beech forests which thrived in the moist, fertile soils of the region. Today, little can be seen of that mighty forest because development of the land for agriculture and other purposes has drastically altered the original vegetation. Small woodlots, grass plains, prairie and farmland are typical of the area today. The park's campground supports a colony of the unique bald cypress tree as well as a plantation of sweet gum dating back to the early 1950s. Waterfowl, including Canada geese, frequent the park along with various songbirds and small mammals. Wildflowers flourish in the forests and fields. On the lake, waterlily, cattail and a beautiful display of American lotus enhance the view. A trail leading to Blackberry Island will treat visitors to glimpses of nesting red-headed woodpeckers and barred owls. The park's meadows support a large population of eastern bluebirds.
Preceding the French and Indian War of 1754-1763, the Miami village called Pickawillany became prominent in this area. Over 400 Indian families lived here and it became the principal headquarters of the Miami Confederacy before being destroyed by the French in 1752 because the Miami Indians sided with the British.
Lake Loramie derived its name from the famous French-Canadian trader, Peter Loramie, who in 1769 established a trading post at the mouth of Loramie Creek near the west end of what is now Loramie Reservoir. Loramie first came to the area as a Jesuit priest to minister to the Wyandot and Shawnee Indians.
Loramie's store became the center of Indian mischief against the settlers, and Loramie became a bitter enemy of the Americans. General George Rogers Clark destroyed the post and a nearby Indian village in 1782 during an expedition in the Miami valley. Loramie emigrated west with a band of Shawnee shortly afterwards. In 1794, General "Mad" Anthony Wayne built a fort on the former trading post site.
Lake Loramie was originally constructed in 1824-25 as a storage reservoir to supply water for the Miami-Erie Canal system. A short feeder canal connected Lake Loramie with the main canal which furnished transportation from the Ohio River at Cincinnati north to Lake Erie. The canal system reached its peak of economic importance in the mid-1800s. Eventually, the advent of the railroads and destruction caused by the floods of 1913 forced the abandonment of the canals in that year.
Since that time, Lake Loramie and other canal lands became recognized for their potential to serve increasing outdoor recreational needs. In 1949, Lake Loramie became the possession of the newly created Division of Parks and Recreation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and has been maintained as a state park since.
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
GeneralLand, acres407
Water, acres1,655
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trail, miles8
Picnickingyes
Picnic Shelters, #3
Swimming Beach, feet600
Nature Centeryes
Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
Boating LimitsUnlimited HP
Seasonal Dock Rental91
Launch Ramps, #6
CampingPrimitive, #1
Electric Sites, #160
Pets Permittedyes
Flush Toiletsyes
Dumpstationyes
Showersyes
Rent-A-Camp Sites, #4
Group Camp, capacity110
Youth Group Camp, capacity115
Campground Beachyes
WinterSleddingyes
Cross-Country Skiingyes
Snowmobilingyes
Ice Boatingyes
Ice Skatingyes
Ice Fishingyes
Camping enthusiasts can choose from either electric or non-electric campsites, many of which are shaded waterfront sites. The campground features showers, flush toilets and a dump station. Several sites are equipped with boat tie-ups. There are three group camp areas available by reservation to organized groups. Three Rent-A-Camp sites consisting of a tent, dining shelter, cookstove and other equipment can be rented during summer months by reservation only.
Lake Loramie features a 600-foot sandy beach with adjacent picnic areas, playground and shelterhouse.
Boating is a popular activity at Lake Loramie. Unlimited horsepower boat motors are permitted. Dock rentals and launch ramps are provided. The entire lake is classified as "no wake" with the exception of the designated "speed zone" in the west end of the lake. Water skiing is prohibited.
Lake Loramie State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's 1,655-acre lake is home to several species of fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and saugeye.
The lake has been noted as one of the best lakes in Ohio for catching large numbers of quality-sized sunfish (bluegills). It also supports good populations of white crappies which are most often caught during spring spawning periods when they move into shallow water areas with brushy cover or other structure.
Largemouth Bass can be found throughout Lake Loramie but tend to concentrate around submerged structures such as fallen trees or weed beds. Channel Catfish are stocked annually by the Division Of Wildlife making it an excellent location for those targeting this species.
Saugeyes were introduced into Lake Loramie back in 1980s and have since become very popular among local fishermen due to their size potential - some individuals reaching up over five pounds!
Fishing at Lake Loramie State Park can be done from shorelines that offer easy access points along its banks; there's even a wheelchair accessible pier located near campground area providing everyone opportunity enjoy what this beautiful body water has offer! For more adventurous types who prefer getting out on open waters themselves - boat rentals available within park itself include rowboats motorized vessels alike allowing you explore every nook corner while casting your line wherever fancy takes you.
In addition to these amenities provided directly through state parks department visitors may also take advantage numerous privately-owned marinas situated nearby offering additional services like bait shops tackle stores further enhancing overall experience had here whether just passing through spending entire weekend away hustle bustle city life!
GREW UP CAMPING AT LAKE LORAMIE SIXY THREE YEAR OLD AN STILL CAMPING AT LAKE LORAMIE
I really loved camping in your park but the bugs were bad hope it gets better by Sept.as I hope to return then
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