Things to Do at Lake Isabella

This post is part of a sponsored partnership with Great Parks of Hamilton County. 

Lake Isabella is more than just a fishing destination. Yes, it’s known for being a great place to fish but there’s so much more!

Lake Isabella in Cincinnati

Gone Fishin’…

The main attraction is Lake Isabella, a 28-acre pay lake on which you can fish (with a purchased ticket from the boathouse). It is stocked weekly from March through October with catfish, bluegill, trout, and perch. You can fish from the bank, from the dock, or from a rental boat.

Row boats at Lake Isabella

There’s a boathouse where you can purchase an assortment of rods, reels, lures, artificial and live bait, as well as a snack bar and plenty of seating out on the deck.

boathouse at Lake Isabella
Lake Isabella Dining on the Dock

Friday Night Grill Outs

You can enjoy a Friday Night Grill Out at the boathouse on select Fridays in June and July (see dates and times here). They offer steaks, hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, and a variety of sides. The food is grilled outside and served inside (at the Chart Room). Drinks are available for purchase as well, including beer. Seating is available on the dock and some seating is available inside as well.

Lake Isabella Cook Out

We enjoyed a nice evening out at the Friday Night Grill Out. We sat on the dock and enjoyed live music (line-up changes each week). The food was good and reasonably priced. And I didn’t have to cook = WIN! ???? It was a great night to sit out on the lake.

Fishing from the dock at Lake Isabella
Fishing from the dock at Lake Isabella

Playground Fun

After dinner we explored the rest of the park. There’s a nice kids’ play area with a soft, padded play surface. This would be a great place to play, even after it’s been raining (no dirt or mulch). Benches surrounded the playground. There’s plenty of open field space there as well – great for Frisbee or a pickup ball game.

Playground at Lake Isabella

And new for 2018 – a campground!

Campground at Lake Isabella

The campground has 24 primitive tent camping spots. The campground is set amongst numerous large trees and is well shaded.

Lake Isabella campground

The campground is broken up into groups of four campsites. Each site has its own picnic table. Four sites share one fire pit.

Camping at Lake Isabella

The campground is close to the playground and within walking distance of the boathouse. Port-O-Let bathrooms are available with potable water and gray water amenities located on site. Parking at the campground is available and they even have carts you can use to get the goods from car to campsite. Be aware that reservations are required for the campground.

We had a great time at Lake Isabella and will return (with kiddie fishing poles in hand). Check it out the next time you want to explore a new spot!

Kids on the Dock at Lake Isabella

The park hosts fishing tournaments for adults and children, summer day camps and group fishing clinics. Find all the upcoming events at Lake Isabella here

Lake Isabella, one of the Great Parks of Hamilton County*, is located at 10174 Loveland-Madiera Road, Symmes Township, Ohio 45140

*Valid Motor Vehicle Permits are required for every vehicle entering a Great Park of Hamilton County.

Photo of author
About the Author
Bridgett Raffenberg
My name is Bridgett Raffenberg and I am the creator of 365Cincinnati. I've been uncovering and sharing all of the best things to do in Cincinnati since 2010. I enjoy exploring new spots, discovering local events, and meeting the people who call Cincinnati home!

3 thoughts on “Things to Do at Lake Isabella”

Comments are closed.