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, sail boater or pontoon family boater there is a spot on our reservoirs for your enjoyment. May 1st marks the annual return of boaters to the City of Columbus’ three large reservoirs: Grigg’s, Hoover and O’Shaughnessy. Although boating occurs year round, a major increase occurs when the three public marinas are open May 1st to October 31st each year for boaters who would rather not trailer their boat to the water every day. These watercraft enthusiasts are able to enjoy the beauty, serenity and recreational options provided by these water resources without any of the normal inconveniences of trailering and launching at public ramps.

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 our 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 our approved vendors?

Find more information here!

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

Find a list of all 2021 fishing tournaments here.

Security

Security at the marinas is a common concern of people considering a slip at one of these public areas. The City of Columbus addresses this issue in several ways. First and foremost is to encourage the boat owners to take an active part in this process by not leaving appealing items on their boats to be removed. All of the marina areas are secured with locking gates which have the tumblers changed every season to further increase this safety precaution. 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 filled to capacity in recent years so the lottery is no longer needed until we reach capacity on a regular basis. Starting April 15, 2021, new customers can come in to our office to reserve an available dock at any of our 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 2020 and renewed for 2021 before the deadline of April 1, 2021, 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, 2021. Please contact us 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 our 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 applicants 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 applicants 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

Marinas & Docks

MARINAS AND DOCKS

Griggs Reservoir

O’Shaughnessy Reservoir

Hoover Reservoir

General Information

Water Rentals

Watersports

Fishing Tournaments

Security

Public Boat Dock Lottery

Internal Switch Dates

Private Docks and Stakes

ODNR Division of Wildlife Maps & Information

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Rental Venues

Reservoir Information

General Information