Hoover Reservoir

General Information

7701 Sunbury Road Westerville, OH 43081
Featured Facilities

Rules and Regulations

Maximum Length: 22 feet for power crafts, 25 feet for sail crafts

Maximum Horsepower: 10 horsepower

Maximum Speed: 10 mph*

Water Sports: Watersports are not permitted at Hoover Reservoir.

Prohibited: Jet skis, tubing and swimming are not permitted in any City of Columbus reservoir.

Watercraft: Don’t have a craft of your own? Check out our rental vendors!

Update

3/23/2022 The 1,500-foot boardwalk at Hoover Reservoir near Galena has been inspected by professional engineers, and it was determined that the boardwalk is not safe for individuals to use. Because it’s not safe to use, the boardwalk will be closed until it has been redesigned and rebuilt.

The next steps include conducting an environmental assessment of the area and doing public outreach with the community to learn what residents would like to see with the redesign of this boardwalk. Investing in this new boardwalk will create a more sustainable and accessible amenity for the local community. The new boardwalk will most likely be completed and open to the public in 2024.

About

Information

Hoover Reservoir offers over 4,700 acres of peaceful and serene landscape just North of Columbus. The park and lake provide guests with a range of recreational activities from picnicking, hiking, boating and fishing. For bird-watching enthusiasts, the park offers a wide variety of bird types ranging from common to rare. This includes frequent sightings of the American Bald Eagle throughout the year. The reservoir is an important feature for tourism, but also for the water it provides to the City of Columbus.

History

Hoover Reservoir was constructed as a water supply facility by the city of Columbus in 1955.

Amenities

  • Over 4,700 acres
  • Bird Sanctuary
  • Boat Ramp
  • Wetlands
  • Woods and Wildlife Area

*Before launching a vessel with a motor in excess of 10 horsepower on Hoover Reservoir, which is limited to 10 horsepower and 10mph, the motor must be tilted up and remain tilted while on the reservoir. Motors in excess of 10 horsepower may remain in a non-tilt position provided the prop is removed prior to launch and remains so while on the waterway. This rule is per City of Columbus Ordinance 921.01 and is subject to enforcement by any officer authorized per state code, including State watercraft officers. For questions, please contact the Columbus Department of Public Utilities, Watershed Management Office at (614) 645-1721 or e-mail watershed@columbus.gov

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