Punderson State Park
Swimming hole in Newbury, Ohio · Bay & Coastal
Punderson State Park is a glacial lake beach swimming hole. It is at 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury, OH. Fee notes: No standard park entrance fee for beach day-use; lodge indoor/outdoor pools ~$12/person w…. Best season: Late morning on warm weekdays.
Typical season: Late morning on warm weekdays
About Punderson State Park
Punderson State Park in Newbury Township, Ohio, wraps a ~150-acre glacial lake about an hour east of Cleveland. one of the easiest “lake swimming near Cleveland” searches that actually has a **designated public beach** (~600 feet).
Swim only in the marked beach area. **Pets are not allowed on the swimming beach.** The manor lodge also offers indoor/outdoor pools that are sometimes open to the public for a fee (~$12). separate from free lake beach access. Cabins, camping, and a golf course make it a full day-use or overnight base.
Confirm beach hours and any temporary closures with ODNR before peak weekends. Bring shade for open shoreline and confirm the beach is open after strong storms or any posted water-quality advisories before you plan a full Cleveland day trip around the swim stop.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury, OH 44065
- Water type
- Glacial lake beach
- Water body
- Punderson Lake
- Fee
- No standard park entrance fee for beach day-use; lodge indoor/outdoor pools ~$12/person when offered to the public
- Nearest town
- Newbury
- State
- Ohio
- Coordinates
- 41.46130, -81.21930
- Best season
- Late morning on warm weekdays; summer weekends get busy.
- Access difficulty
- Easy beach access from parking.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Camping
- Campground and cottages available; reserve via Ohio State Parks systems.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Lake swimming, boating, fishing, camping, winter sports
- Facilities
- Beach, restrooms/changing areas (seasonal), lodge, campground, golf.
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Late morning on warm weekdays; summer weekends get busy.
- Access Easy beach access from parking.
- Facilities Beach, restrooms/changing areas (seasonal), lodge, campground, golf.
- Camping nearby Campground and cottages available; reserve via Ohio State Parks systems.
Highlights & features
- 150-acre glacial lake
- Haunted lodge with historical intrigue
- Full-service facilities for visitors
- Family-friendly swimming spots
- Seasonal activities including sledding
- Haunted lodge with paranormal stories
- Glacial lake with crystal-clear waters
- Seasonal sledding hills
How to get there
Address: 11755 Kinsman Road (SR 87), Newbury, OH 44065. Park office: (440) 564-2279.
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1. From Cleveland / I-271, take US-422 / SR 87 corridors east toward Newbury / Burton.
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2. Continue on Kinsman Road (SR 87) to signed Punderson State Park entrances.
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3. Follow park roads to the public beach parking for lake swimming.
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4. Use designated swim areas only — no pets on the beach.
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5. Lodge pool access (if desired) is a separate paid check-in at the manor.
Plan your visit
Punderson State Park works well as a day trip from Cleveland or Chagrin Falls. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Pictured Rocks or browse more Ohio lake spots in our directory. For the full list in Ohio, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via the main park entrance off Route 87. A parking fee or day-use pass may be required; contact the park for the latest fee structure as it is not confirmed. Park hours vary by season.
Top picks for this trip
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
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JOTO Universal Waterproof Case (2-pack)
For a few dollars, there is no reason not to keep one of these in your pack. Just clip it to something so it does not sink.
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What to pack for Punderson State Park
Gear we compare side by side for bay & coastal swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Punderson State Park?
Yes. A designated sandy beach on Punderson Lake is open in swimming season. Stay in marked areas; there may be seasonal lifeguard coverage — still supervise kids closely.
Is Punderson State Park free?
Ohio State Parks generally do not charge a vehicle entrance fee for standard day-use. Lodge pools are separate (~$12 when publicly offered). Camping/cabins cost extra.
Where is Punderson State Park?
11755 Kinsman Road in Newbury, Ohio — roughly 30–40 miles east of Cleveland near Chagrin Falls / Burton.
Are dogs allowed on the Punderson beach?
No. Pets are not permitted on Ohio state park swimming beaches, including Punderson.
Does Punderson have a lodge pool?
Yes. Punderson Manor has indoor/outdoor pools that are sometimes available to the public for a fee — confirm hours and rates with the lodge.
When is the swimming season at Punderson?
Beach swimming is a warm-season activity; exact open dates and hours change yearly. Check ODNR alerts before you drive.
Can you camp at Punderson State Park?
Yes. The park offers camping, cottages, and lodge stays — reserve early for summer weekends.
Is Punderson good for kids?
Yes for a managed lake beach day — bring shade, watch depth drop-offs, and keep pets off the sand.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
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Map & location
Culture & history
The park reflects Ohio’s history, from Native American heritage to European settlement, and even local folklore surrounding the haunted lodge.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect native species and maintain ecological balance.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.