Caesar Creek Beach — Local services in Centerville

If you’re looking for one of the best dog-friendly swimming spots in Ohio, Caesar Creek’s dog beach is an absolute win for you and your pup. My dogs love it here — tails wagging the second we pull in — because it’s one of the few places where they can run, splash, and swim freely in a sectioned-off, safe area just for dogs. Rated 4 stars because it's not off leash friendly, dogs must be on leash while swimming.

The beach itself has a clearly marked dog section so your furry friend can enjoy the water without worrying about disturbing other beachgoers. Watching the dogs jump in, chase sticks, and paddle around is pure joy. There are two dog parks on site, but they’re currently under construction with no set reopening date — so for now, the beach is the main dog-friendly highlight.

A few things to know:

The “sand” here isn’t powdery — it’s rough, small rocks and pebbles. Not bad for the dogs, but something to keep in mind for your own comfort.

There are trails off to the right of the dog beach if you want to take your dog for a walk after swimming.

Poop bags are available, but they’re not always restocked, so bring your own just in case.

Parking tip: Arrive early and park at the first pull-off for the closest walk to the dog beach area.

Restrooms are on site for humans, which is a nice bonus.

There are no food or drink vendors, so pack a cooler with snacks for yourself and plenty of water for your dog, plus a bowl.

In the summer months, bring something to create shade for your pup and keep their paw pads cool.

Final word: If your dog loves water, this is a fantastic spot to spend the day. Between swimming, exploring the trails, and hanging out on the shore, it’s a great way to tire out your pup while enjoying the outdoors yourself. Just come prepared with your own supplies and you’ll have a perfect doggy beach day.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — A must for water-loving...

First visit to Caesar Creek State Park Beach and I loved it so much! This was my first time seeing Caesar Creek State Park. It was just less than one hour drive from Northern Kentucky. The beach was wide and even though there were a couple hundred people, it wasn't crowded and the vibe was peaceful and tranquil.

The brown sand was soft and clean. The lake water was clean and clear. There were plenty of parking spaces as the lot soread over the length of the large beach. There were plenty of restrooms. There were small shelters with picnic tables and charcoal grills. There was a playground with swings.

The swimming area of the lake was large with white posts marking off the swim area for boaters.

We saw so many different kinds of birds and bunnies. The marina was in view ro the right. There were signs marking no lifeguard on duty. They also havd a separate dog beach to the south.

I would recommend thinking about wearing water shoes because the shallow water had many medium and large rocks. The deeper water had a soft sand bottom.

This is a great day trip from Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. I would highly recommend it. I loved swimming and the sandy beach so much I did not check out the hiking, nature center, camp ground, marina, or Fossil area, but I hope to in the future. It would be fun for kids or any age if you like swimming in a calm, clean lake or playing in the sand. It was safe and...

Caesar Creek Beach offers a peaceful setting with scenic lake views, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. The surrounding state park provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and picnicking, but for me, the real highlight is the bird photography.

This beach is one of the best places in the area to photograph waterbirds, particularly coots and gulls. The open water and shoreline attract a variety of species, allowing for close-up shots and dynamic compositions. It’s my favorite spot for capturing these birds in action, whether they’re gliding across the lake or gathering in flocks near the shore. The lighting can be fantastic, especially during early mornings and late afternoons when the golden hues reflect off the water.

While the colder months can be a bit quiet, I’m eagerly waiting for the warmer seasons to return, when more migratory birds pass through, and the atmosphere becomes even more vibrant. Whether you’re a photographer, a birder, or just someone looking for a relaxing place by the water, Caesar Creek Beach is well...