Boating Information

Lake Roaming Rock is the heart of Roaming Shores, offering members and their guests the opportunity to enjoy boating, fishing, skiing, and other water recreation. To help protect the lake, shoreline, and everyone who uses it, all watercraft operators are required to follow the Association’s boating rules, State laws and safety guidelines.

This page provides an overview of boating on Lake Roaming Rock, including watercraft requirements, decals and fees, boat ramp access, rules, and helpful resources.

Lake Overview

Lake Roaming Rock is Ohio’s largest private-access lake at 550-acres featuring and over 22 miles of shoreline. The lake includes a 7-mile ski loop and marked no‑wake zones to balance recreation, safety, and shoreline protection.​Only Approved RRA Members who have paid their Dues and Assessments in full may apply for lake access. 

Fishing

Lake Roaming Rock has an excellent population of large and small-mouth bass along with great fishing for crappie, silver and channel cat, perch and bluegill.

A fishing license is required on Lake Roaming Rock. The only exception is if you are fishing from property that you own. There is a 5 bass (large and/or small mouth) daily limit.

Watercraft Decals & Restrictions

​​​All ​motorized watercraft and personal watercraft using Lake Roaming Rock must apply for lake access annually with the RomeRock Association and display a current membership identification decals and State Registration.

When applying for lake access, current State Registration must be presented each year. A title is required only the first time a watercraft applies for access.

Watercraft Exempt from the Titling Requirement:

  • Canoes and kayaks (Require State Registration and RRA Lot Number affixed)
  • Watercraft less than 14 feet in length without a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion
  • Watercraft less than 14 feet in length with a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion of less than 10 horsepower
  • Jet skis older than 1994

Length Restrictions:

  • Powerboats: 21ft
  • Pontoons: 28ft

Decal Information:

  • RRA Decals are required for all motorized watercraft.
  • RRA Decals must be visibly displayed on the watercraft as shown in the decal placement guide.
  • RRA Decals must be renewed each year.
  • State Registration expiring in 2026? You must renew first. The RRA will not issue membership decals for watercraft that are set to expire in the current year. Boat Registration Agents in Ohio.

Decal Fees:

Type of WatercraftFee
​​Watercraft over 10HP$125
​Watercraft under 10HP$0 – Must acquire RRA decal
Personal Watercraft (jet ski, ski doo, etc.)​$150
​5 or more WatercraftAdditional $100
Non-Powered Watercraft​N/A ​(ensure lot number is on ALL watercraft)
Key Fob (used for boat ramp access)​$10 (One Time)
$25 (Replacement)​

Decal Placement:

Boat Ramp Access

  • The boat ramp is located at 1 Marina Drive adjacent to the marina.
  • Access to the lake is restricted to Active RRA Members and their permanent and immediate family guests.
  • Active Members with current RRA decals may purchase a single key fob per membership unit from the RRA for the purpose of accessing the lake through the boat ramp gate.
  • Replacement fobs may be purchased in the event a fob is lost. The lost fob will be deactivated.
  • Key fobs may be deactivated by the RRA in the event that the member becomes inactive or does not apply for lake access in the current Membership year.

​

Boating Rules & Regulations

In addition to RRA Boating, Skiing, and Swimming Rules, all State of Ohio Boating, Skiing and Swimming Rules apply on Lake Roaming Rock.

​Key Rules at a Glance

  • Decals Required: Only watercraft displaying a current RRA watercraft decal are permitted on the lake. The owner is responsible for all operators of their watercraft.
  • Operator Education: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 operating a watercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower must have successfully completed an approved boating safety course or proficiency exam. This requirement applies to guests as well.
  • Direction of Travel: All powered watercraft must travel in a counterclockwise direction, except within 75 feet of shore where travel in either direction is permitted at idle speed.
  • No‑Wake / Idle Speed Areas:
    • ​Within 75 feet of shore
    • All coves and fishing arms
    • Areas marked by no‑wake buoys
    • Entire lake from sunset to sunrise
    • Fireworks night: entire lake no‑wake from 8:00 PM until sunrise
  • Speed Limit: No watercraft may exceed 50 MPH at any time.
  • Right‑of‑Way: Sailboats and non‑powered watercraft have the right‑of‑way. Powered watercraft must maintain at least 50 feet from non‑powered, stationary, or anchored vessels.
  • Noise Restrictions: Excessive or unreasonable noise is prohibited, including modified exhaust systems or amplified sound exceeding permitted limits.
  • Prohibited Watercraft: Certain craft types are not permitted on the lake, including air boats, hovercraft, houseboats, hydrofoils, motorized surfboards, and similar devices.

Violations of boating rules may result in fines, suspension of lake privileges, or removal from the lake as outlined in the Rules and Regulations of the RomeRock Association.

Boating Rules- Rev. 3 26 25Download

Enforcement

Security for Lake Roaming Rock is provided by the RomeRock Association’s Lake Patrol. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has the right to enter Lake Roaming Rock and inspect any watercraft. Lake Roaming Rock will abide by all State Department of ODNR rules and regulations for
this size lake.

Lake Patrol: (440) 563-8611
If you do not receive an immediate answer, there may not be a patroller on duty or they are on a call. In these cases, contact the office at (440) 563-3170.

Please provide a lot number (if visible), a description of the watercraft, explain what the watercraft is doing, and a location (i.e. swimming area in No Wake Zone by the dam or nearest lot number visible on people’s dock).

Safety & Courtesy on the Lake

​​​​Safety on Lake Roaming Rock depends on responsible operation and respect for others.

Required Safety Practices

  • A Coast Guard‑approved life jacket is required for each person on board.
  • Children under 10 years of age must wear a life jacket at all times while on a watercraft.
  • Operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.
  • All watercraft operating after sunset must display proper navigation lights.

Towing, Skiing & Tubing

  • ​Towing activities are prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
  • An observer at least 10 years of age is required when towing a skier or tube.
  • A red or orange flag must be displayed by the observer when someone being towed is down. The flag must be at least 12 inches square and attached to at least a 24-inch pole, mast or stick. The flag should be displayed as long as the skier/tuber is down in the water as a warning to other boaters.
  • Two seater personal watercraft may not tow skiers or inflatables.
  • Wake‑surfing boats must remain toward the center of the lake and at least 250 feet from shore.

Be a Good Lake Neighbor

  • Excessive wakes cause shoreline erosion and damage docks and seawalls.
  • Reduce speed near shorelines, docks, swimmers, and fishing areas.
  • Property owners are responsible for ensuring guests understand and follow all boating rules.

Documents

Helpful resources for boaters.

Questions or Need Assistance?

​If you have questions about boating on Lake Roaming Rock, watercraft registration, or decals, please contact the RomeRock Association Office.

RomeRock Association
Phone: (440) 563‑3170
PO Box 8
Rome, OH 44085
Email: office@roamingshores.org

For emergencies on the water, contact local emergency services immediately.
​
Lake Patrol: 440-563-8611