Recreation

Boating

Get out on the water today!

Enjoy a beautiful day on a Great Parks lake fishing, boating, or taking in the view. 

Winton Woods, Sharon Woods, Miami Whitewater Forest, and Lake Isabella all offer opportunities to enjoy nature to the fullest.




Boating at Great Parks

Boat Rentals

Park visitors can rent pedal, pontoon, row and motor boats - as well as canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards - at Miami Whitewater Forest, Sharon Woods and Winton Woods. Row boats are available to rent at Lake Isabella.

Boat Rental Guidelines

Fishing

Great Parks of Hamilton County manages four lakes that are ideal for fishing and boating.

Learn More

Canoes and Kayak Launches

Canoes and kayak access to the Little Miami River is available at Little Miami Golf Center’s Bass Island, Lake Isabella and Otto Armleder Park & Recreation Complex.

Upcoming Events

  • Lake and River Access

    Ohio River access is available via the boat launching ramp at Woodland Mound, which is open when river conditions permit.

    Licensed private canoes and kayaks are permitted on Miami Whitewater Forest Lake (85 acres), Winton Woods Lake (156 acres), the four lakes at Campbell Lakes Preserve (6, 15,18 and 21 acres) and Sharon Woods Lake (35 acres). In addition, licensed car-top boats are permitted at Campbell Lakes Preserve.

  • Privately-Owned Watercraft Regulations

    Sharon Woods, Miami Whitewater Forest & Winton Woods

    1. Public launch ramps for trailered boats and trailer parking is not available or provided. Designated launching areas are only accessible by foot. Watercraft must be portaged (carried) from the nearest parking area.
    2. Launching of privately owned watercraft is permitted at designated launch locations only. Fishing is not permitted at launch areas.
    3. All watercraft must comply with the regulations in effect in the owner’s state of residence. Out-of-state residents using unregistered boats must carry identification in the form of a valid driver’s license or state ID.
    4. Water toys and other floating objects not designed or intended to be used as a means for transportation are prohibited on Great Parks’ lakes. Examples include, but are not limited to air mattresses, tubes and beach/pool accessories.
    5. The use of privately owned gasoline or electric motors are permitted as follows:
      1. Outboards up to six horsepower at Winton Woods Lake. 
      2. Outboards up to four horsepower at Miami Whitewater Forest and Sharon Woods Lakes. 
    6. Wind-powered watercraft are permitted.
    7. User of privately owned watercraft assumes risk and is responsible for its safe operation.
    8. Ohio Division of Watercraft Rules and Regulations must be adhered to at all times. (ORC 1547 & 1548).
    9. Privately owned watercraft are not permitted on the lake when there is ice present, lake levels rise to cover the launch area or severe weather conditions exist.
    10. Swimming is prohibited.
    11. Use of privately owned watercraft is permitted from dawn to dusk.
    12. Watercraft users are responsible for knowing and observing all fishing regulations and catch limits.
    13. Great Park rangers, at their sole discretion, may require immediate removal of any watercraft or occupant deemed unsafe, disruptive or in violation of Ohio law. 


    Campbell Lakes Preserve

    1. Due to the limited parking available, trailers of any kind are strictly prohibited. Launching areas are only accessible by foot. Watercraft must be portaged (carried) from the parking area.
    2. All watercraft must comply with the regulations in effect in the owner’s state of residence. Out-of-state residents using unregistered boats must carry identification in the form of a valid driver’s license or state ID.
    3. Water toys and other floating objects not designed or intended to be used as a means for transportation are prohibited on Great Parks’ lakes. Examples include, but are not limited to air mattresses, tubes and beach/pool accessories.
    4. As a nature preserve, boating at Campbell Lakes is restricted to human-powered watercraft only. Gasoline motors, electric motors and wind-powered watercraft are prohibited.
    5. User of privately owned watercraft assumes risk and is responsible for its safe operation.
    6. Ohio Division of Watercraft Rules and Regulations must be adhered to at all times. (ORC 1547 & 1548).
    7. Privately owned watercraft are not permitted on the lakes when there is ice present, lake levels rise to prevent safe launching or severe weather conditions exist.
    8. Swimming is prohibited.
    9. Use of privately owned watercraft is permitted from dawn to dusk.
    10. Watercraft users are responsible for knowing and observing all fishing regulations and catch limits.
    11. Great Parks’ rangers, at their sole discretion, may require immediate removal of any watercraft or occupant deemed unsafe, disruptive or in violation of Ohio law. 
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