MARINAS AND DOCKS

The marinas provide a terrific opportunity for everyone in the Central Ohio area to enjoy these waterways. Whether you are a fisherman, waterskier, sailboater, or pontoon family boater, there is a spot on the reservoirs for your enjoyment. May 1st marks the annual return of boaters to the City of Columbus’ three large reservoirs: Griggs, Hoover, and O’Shaughnessy.

Although boating occurs year-round, a major increase occurs when the three public marinas open from May 1st to October 31st each year for boaters who would rather not trailer their boat to the water daily. These watercraft enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty, serenity, and recreational options these water resources provide without any of the normal inconveniences of trailering and launching at public ramps.

Griggs Reservoir

O’Shaughnessy Reservoir

Hoover Reservoir

General Information

Public boat docks are available to rent at the Griggs, Hoover and O’Shaughnessy reservoirs.

The public dock season runs May 1 through October 31 each year.

We accept new dock customers starting April 15 of each year.

Dock fees for the season are $550 at all three of the reservoirs.

To obtain a dock for the current season, call the office at 614-645-3337.

Water Rentals

Want to have fun on the water but don’t have a craft of your own? Interested in becoming one of the approved vendors?

Watersports

Skiing and wakeboarding are permitted at Griggs and O’Shaughnessy Reservoirs.

Jet skis, tubing and swimming are NOT permitted on any City of Columbus Reservoir.

Fishing Tournaments

If you want to host a fishing tournament, please email parkrentals@columbus.gov for details.

Security

Security at the marinas is a common concern for people considering a slip in one of these public areas. The City of Columbus addresses this issue in several ways. First and foremost, we should encourage the boat owners to actively participate in this process by not leaving appealing items on their boats to be removed. All marina areas are secured with locking gates, and the tumblers are changed every season to increase this safety precaution further. On shore, lights shine on the docks at night, and a watchful vigil is maintained by the Columbus Marine Park Police at Grigg’s and the Columbus Watershed Rangers at O’Shaughnessy and Hoover. At all three reservoirs, the patrol watercraft are based adjacent to the marinas, and the watchful eye of these officers coming and going contributes to the low incidence of problems at the marinas.

Public Boat Dock Lottery

The marinas have not been filled in recent years, so the lottery is no longer needed until we reach capacity regularly. Starting April 15, 2022, new customers can come into the office to reserve an available dock at any of the three marina locations (not including Red Bank Marina) on a first-come, first-served basis.

New customers must provide a valid boat registration to obtain a dock permit. Bills of sale will fulfill this requirement until registration is processed. The dock and boat must be in the same name.

Internal Switch Dates

For dock customers who obtained a dock or stake permit in 2021 and renewed for 2022 before the deadline of April 1, 2022, if you wish to change your public dock location (either a different slip at the same marina or to switch marinas), we will offer one week in which you can request this change. The dates open for moving your slip/marina will be April 8–April 14, 2022.

Please get in touch with them at 614-645-3337 to see what is available. In addition, the waitlist for Red Bank Marina has been created. If you would like to be added to this list to have the chance to move to this location when availability allows, let the office know, and we will reserve your spot in line.

Private Docks and Stakes

The permitting of private docks, stakes and moorings is governed by Title 9: “Streets, Parks, and Public Properties Code”; Chapter 921: “Watercraft on Reservoirs” of Columbus City Code.

921.01-8 (L)(1) – Minimum qualifications when applying for a private dock permit: “The applicant’s property, at a minimum, must be contiguous and parallel to undeveloped city-controlled property for one hundred (100) feet” and “must own real property contiguous and parallel to undeveloped city property within two hundred and fifty (250) feet of the ordinary high water mark.”

921.01-8 (L)(2) – Minimum qualifications when applying for a private stake permit: “The applicant’s property, at a minimum, must be contiguous and parallel to undeveloped city-controlled property for ten (10) feet” and “must own real property contiguous and parallel to undeveloped city property within two hundred and fifty (250) feet of the ordinary high water mark.”

Columbus, Ohio Code of Ordinances

Further information and eligibility requirements
614-645-3337

ODNR Division of Wildlife Maps & Information

ODNR Division of Wildlife

ODNR Boating Rules