The centerpiece of this 76-acre park is Lake Isabella, a 28-acre pay lake that’s stocked weekly (March-October) and offers fishing from the bank, dock, or a rental rowboat. There’s a full-service boathouse with rods, reels, baits, artificial and live fish as well as beer and snacks. See more.
Fishing
Surrounded by craggy High Desert terrain, Lake Isabella’s deep waters and 2,500-foot altitude offer plenty of fishing opportunities. A variety of species roam its shorelines, but the lake’s reputation as a bass-fishing hotspot largely rests on Florida-strain largemouth bass.
Local anglers also enjoy targeting stocked rainbow trout, especially during the cooler months. Crappies follow boom-and-bust cycles, but they’re usually abundant in the rocky habitat found near the back ends of both the North and South Fork arms of the lake as well as along the aptly-named Rocky Point.
Lake Isabella also harbors a healthy population of channel and bullhead catfish, which have been known to save the day when other fish refuse to bite. These feisty panfish often fall for small jigs or spinnerbaits.
Camping
There are plenty of places to camp at Lake Isabella, including the year-round Paradise Cove Campground, located off Loveland Madeira Road. One family household is permitted to occupy a campsite or cabin, which accommodates up to six people. Port-O-Let bathrooms are available, and parking is nearby. There are also hand carts to help you get your belongings from the car to the campsite.
The quiet 76-acre park packs a big bite when it comes to feisty catfish. It features a 28-acre pay lake that’s stocked weekly from March to October, and visitors can fish from the bank, dock, or rental rowboat. The park also has a full-service boathouse and a reservable Chart Room, Riverside Lodge, and Shady Elm Shelter for group gatherings. A valid Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter any of the Great Parks of Hamilton County, including Lake Isabella and Campbell Lakes Preserve. More about Cincinnati here.
Picnicking
If you are looking for a place to picnic that is secluded, quiet, and relaxing, then this park may be just what you need. The park offers a large camping ground with a lot of green space to run around and a lake to take in the scenery.
The lake is a 28-acre pay lake that is stocked weekly (March – October) with catfish, bluegill, and trout and can be fished from the bank, dock, or rental boat. There is a full-service boathouse that sells day and season passes as well as an assortment of rods, reels, lures, and artificial and live bait.
The park also offers a fishing pier, full-service boathouse, reservable chart room, riverside lodge, and Shady Elm shelter for group outings. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park, $10 annually or $3/daily.
Boating
In the heart of Symmes Township lies Lake Isabella Park at 10174 Loveland-Madeira Road. Enjoy a 28-acre pay lake stocked weekly from March through October and fish from the bank, dock, or rental rowboat. An Ohio state fishing license is not required. The full-service boathouse has an assortment of rods, reels, and artificial bait.
Great Parks crews stock the lakes with thousands of pounds of adult fish each year. Farm-raised rainbow trout are stocked in March and October, while channel catfish go in during the summer.
Motor, pedal, and pontoon boats can be rented at all Hamilton County parks. Canoes and kayaks are also available. A valid Great Parks of Hamilton County motor vehicle permit is required ($3/daily, $10 annually). Towing rules for water skiers, inflatables, and other craft apply; speed limits around trees are 5 mph.
Other Activities
Located in Symmes Township, Lake Isabella Park is a quiet 76-acre park that packs a big bite when it comes to fishing for feisty channel catfish. The pay lake is stocked weekly from March through October and offers fishing from the bank, dock, or rental boats.
The park features 24 primitive campsites tucked away in the shaded campground, a playground, and a canoe/kayak launch into the Little Miami River. Each site has a picnic table and communal fire ring. Campers also have access to the Lake Isabella boathouse where they can rent boats.
The Loveland Bike Trail is a scenic paved path that runs along the former Little Miami Railroad. Bring your bike, and a picnic lunch and enjoy the green space. Loveland Sweet Shoppe is a charming ice cream and candy stop. Check our next area of interest here.
Driving directions from At Your Service Roofing to Lake Isabella
Driving directions from Lake Isabella to Riverside Park