This Little-Known Lake Is Perfect For Easy Fishing, Boating, And Tubing In Ohio
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 30, 2024
×
Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
With its roaring rivers and Third Coast access, Ohio is full of opportunities for aquatic recreation of all varieties. What some folks don’t realize, though, is that even in the middle of the state — a place out-of-staters deem “flyover” territory — you’ll find some truly beautiful bodies of water. Hiding in Knox County, the heartland of the state (and Midwest), Apple Valley Lake is 511 acres of crystal-clear waters that’s perfectly suited for easy fishing, boating, and recreating in Ohio.
Nestled in the middle of Knox County, a region of Ohio known for expansive cornfields and, well, expansive cornfields, Apple Valley Lake feels like a mirage; a placid and gentle body of water that's impossibly clear and still.
Apple Valley Lake is a private lakefront community in Ohio that welcomes tourists, travelers, and families looking for a vacation or full time home. You can either stay at Apple Valley as a guest of the property owner or rent out a lovely home to experience lake living.
There are lots of amazing lakefront rentals from which to choose, each offering glorious vistas and an array of desirable amenities, from well-appointed kitchens to watercraft access.
I first visited Apple Valley Lake as a teenager over 20 years ago. My mom's aunt and uncle had purchased a retirement home right on the lake, and each summer on the Fourth of July weekend, they invited relatives from far and wide to come and stay at their lakehouse!
Unlike most inland lakes, Apple Valley Lake is crystal clear and has an average depth of 30 feet (for reference, most inland lakes of water in Ohio average 10 feet or less).
It is one of the few lakes in the area with no horsepower limit, and in the summer, the lake is buzzing with activity! There are three private beaches -- King Beach, Davis Beach, and Sutton Beach -- and all of them are equipped with picnic facilities, playgrounds, and a beach house with restrooms and changing facilities.
(If you're curious, Apple Valley Lake is 95% speed zone with no hp limit on inboard boats and a 300hp on outboard with a 25hp on a trolling motor.)
Of course, Apple Valley Lake is just as ravishing in the "off season" months. Whether you're into leaf peeping or a cozy winter getaway on the lake, you're sure to find everything you could possibly want -- and more -- at this gem of an Ohio lake.
Did you know about this glorious little lake hiding in Knox County, Ohio? The Buckeye State is full of surprises, and this delicious little lake is easily one of my favorite hidden gems in Ohio.
Please note that Apple Valley Lake is a private community; you can either stay at Apple Valley as a guest of the property owner or rent out a lovely lakefront Airbnb to experience this Ohio lake in all its splendor!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
