A Secret Tropical Beach in Ohio, the Water at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park Is a Mesmerizing Blue

Ready for a day of fun in the sun? We've got just the spot. Here in the Buckeye State, there’s a little-known quarry that locals like to call a little slice of heaven. Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville, Ohio, is a family-owned and operated park featuring a stunning quarry where you can swim, scuba dive, snorkel, camp, and more. It truly is a little piece of paradise. A beach day here is simply unforgettable, and it might just be the best beach with some of the clearest water in Ohio. So, if you're looking for clear lakes in Ohio for swimming, let's check out Nelson Ledges Quarry Park.

Hiding in Portage County, there's a little-known park where it's seemingly always sunny, and the spring-fed water is an unparalleled shade of deep blue, making you feel like you've stumbled upon a secret piece of paradise. It's the perfect place to grab your inflatables and float the day away, or go for a swim in its deep, cool waters with an average depth of 30 feet for some of the best swimming in Ohio.

You can certainly have the perfect beach day at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park. Red Cross-certified lifeguards are on duty daily, and you can even go SCUBA diving if you're certified. One visit here, and you'll believe it's one of the best lakes in Ohio.

If it's sunny and above 70 degrees, swimming is available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day throughout the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This little slice of heaven comes alive with activity during its festival season. Events like Sunny Days, Grateful Fest, Grassfire, and Classic Fest are just a few of the seasonal events that draw large crowds to Nelson Ledges during the warm-weather months.

You can also make a weekend of it and camp. This 250-acre park offers 750 primitive campsites and 60 RV sites, some with electric hookups. Just grab your camping gear or rent an RV and make a campsite reservation for an epic weekend adventure!

For those of you wishing to swim in clear lakes in Ohio this summer, Nelson Ledges Quarry Park is located at 12001 Route 282, Nelson Ledge Rd., Nelson Township/Garrettsville, OH 44231. You can stay updated on the park's festivals by following the Nelson Ledges Quarry Park Facebook page, and you can order tickets on the official quarry website.

Have you ever been here before? If not, maybe it's time to share this article with your favorite adventure buddy and let the planning begin! For some more recommendations, take a look at our list of the best things to do in Ohio in the summer.