OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has opened applications for its boat dock lottery, allowing residents to secure a public boat dock slip for next season and some of the most popular boating destinations in the state.
The boat dock lottery includes spots at 17 scenic parks: Alum Creek, Buck Creek, Buckeye Lake, Burr Oak, Caesar Creek, Delaware, Dillon, Guilford Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Milton, Mary Jane Thurston, Mosquito Lake, Paint Creek, Rocky Fork, Salt Fork, Shawnee and West Branch.
The lottery application period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31.
“Our state parks offer some of the best boating opportunities in Ohio, and the boat dock lottery gives more people the chance to enjoy these beautiful waters,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz in a release. “We’re excited to offer this convenient online application process, making it easier than ever for boaters to access the outdoor adventures waiting for them next season.”
Applicants can apply using the online form on ODNR's website. Residents must submit proof of watercraft ownership and current registration. There's only one application per household per park allowed.
Those who are selected will have the option to renew their dock rental annually each spring for up to five years, ODNR said. Those who get picked will be notified in November.
For more information about dock options at each park, here's how to contact officials:
- Alum Creek: (740) 548-4631
- Buck Creek: (937) 322-5284
- Buckeye Lake: (740) 527-4218
- Burr Oak: (740) 767-3570
- Caesar Creek: (513) 897-3055
- Delaware: (740) 363-4561
- Dillon: (740) 453-4377
- Guilford Lake: (330) 222-1712
- Indian Lake: (937) 843-2717
- Lake Milton and West Branch: (330) 235-0030
- Mary Jane Thurston: (419) 832-7662
- Mosquito Lake: (330) 637-2856
- Paint Creek and Rocky Fork: (937) 393-4284
- Salt Fork: (740) 432-1508
- Shawnee: (740) 858-6681