With the 185-acre Eastwood Lake, smaller lakes and ponds — and the Great Miami River — the Miami Valley is home to many great boating locations. From rowing to sailing and powerboating to Jet Skiing, MetroParks offer a variety of ways to get out and explore nature on water.

Featured Locations

Eastwood Lake

1401 Harshman Rd., Dayton OH Directions >

Power boats, water skiers and fishing boats are permitted on the even-numbered days of the month; sailboats, personal watercraft (PWC, aka Jet Skis) and fishing boats at idle speed are permitted on the odd-numbered days. Rowers, canoers, kayakers and other nonmotorized boaters can use the lake any day of the month. PWCs must use the designated area marked with buoys at the west end of the lake, and there is a speed limit of 35 mph for all watercraft, with a 40-powerboat capacity. The PWC area is closed Wednesday mornings for maintenance. Eastwood Lake is occasionally closed for special events.

Great Miami River at Island MetroPark

The Great Miami River at Island MetroPark offers a long stretch of smooth, flat water that is ideal for rowing. You can park in the main parking lot and carry your boat over to the canoe and kayak access ramp, or you can contact the Greater Dayton Rowing Association for equipment, facility use and membership.

Englewood MetroPark's North Park

500 Old Springfield Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377 Directions >

The lakes at Englewood’s North Park offer a great opportunity to get out on the water to fish. The largest lake to the west of the drive has a boat access ramp on the north end for row or electric-motor boats.

Huffman Lake

4095 Lower Valley Pk., Dayton, OH 45424 Directions >

The lake at Huffman MetroPark has been a popular fishing spot for more than 50 years. Lake access at the Lake View entrance offers anglers and boaters the ability to put in row boats and other nonmotorized watercraft.

Boat in these MetroParks

Powerboats are allowed only on Eastwood Lake. See park information for specific restrictions. Only nonmotorized boating is allowed on designated lakes, ponds and river corridors in the following parks: