Beartown Lakes Reservation

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beartown Lakes Reservation is a beautiful natural area located in Geauga County, Ohio.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The reservation covers over 400 acres and offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. It is a popular destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the main attractions at Beartown Lakes Reservation is the nine-acre lake, which is stocked with fish and offers a great place to go fishing or boating. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the forested hillsides and around the lake, offering visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and other small animals.

Other points of interest at Beartown Lakes Reservation include the Beaver Pond Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits and programs, and the picnic areas, which are great for a family outing or a romantic picnic. The reservation also has several campsites that are available for overnight stays.

Interesting facts about Beartown Lakes Reservation include that it was once a private hunting and fishing ground for a wealthy landowner, and that it is now managed by the Geauga Park District. The park is also home to several rare and endangered plant and animal species, including the red bat and the yellow lady's slipper.

The best time of year to visit Beartown Lakes Reservation is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and the lake is stocked with fish. The park is also beautiful during the fall, when the leaves change color and the wildlife is active.

Overall, Beartown Lakes Reservation is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves nature, hiking, fishing, or just spending time outdoors. With its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and variety of outdoor activities, it is a great destination for families or anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References