Reservations, Fees & Passes
Reservations can be made at Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
Campground Fee:
$40 per night - Primitive
$43 per night - Electric
$52 per night - Waterfront, electric
$60 per night - Premium full hook-up
$77 per night - Premium waterfront/view full hook-up
Other Reservation Fee:
$8 per site
Charles Mill Lake is within the Walhonding section of the Muskingum Area. It was authorized by Section 4 of the Flood Control Act (FCA) of 1938, as amended by Section 4 of the FCA of 1939. Primary project purposes are flood damage reduction, recreation, and fish and wildlife. Land includes 111 fee acres and 8,320 easement acres. Corps of Engineers recreational facilities include a day use area. The dam was completed August 1936 and serves a drainage area of 215 square miles. The dam is a rolled earth-fill with impervious core, 48 ft. tall, 1,390 ft. long and 20 ft. wide at the top and 380 ft. wide at the base. The spillway consists of two uncontrolled concrete overflow sections at the right abutment. The primary spillway discharges into the stilling basin. The secondary spillway discharges between the primary spillway and the right abutment. Three small saddles near Dike no. 2 serve as emergency spillways. There are five 3.5 x 7 ft. gated sluices through the primary spillway section and discharging into the stilling basin. The minimum pool is maintained by a control weir with stop gates in front of the sluices and one gated bypass conduit around the control weir. Other structures include the Pavonia Levee and two dikes, all rolled earth-fill. Pavonia Levee is located 6.5 miles northwest of the dam, 23 ft. tall, 980 ft. long, 8 ft. wide at the top and 125 ft. wide at the base. Dike 1 is located just west of the dam, 40 ft. tall, 1,358 ft. long, 20 ft. wide at the top and 290 ft. wide at the base. Dike 2 is located just west of the dam, 22 ft. tall, 325 ft. long, 20 ft. wide at the top and 180 ft. wide at the base.
Recreation Opportunities
Visitor Center
There is no visitor center available at this project. The project office can offer assistance.
Boating
There is no boating access to the lake or river at the dam. However MWCD offers a public launch ramp for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen at the Charles Mill Lake Marina. To get to that area from the dam proceed on Rt 603 to the village of Mifflin, turn left onto Rt 430, the distance is about 3 miles. The marina is open year round, there is a 10 hp limit on the lake. For more information call the marina (419) 368-5951. Canoeing is a popular activity, there are many suppliers in the area, call The Loudonville-Mohican Area Tourist Association at 800-722-7588 or in Loudonville call 800-766-2267.
Camping
The closest camping area to Charles Mill Dam is at Charles Mill Lake Park. The campground is run by MWCD call them at (419) 368-6885 or visit their website mwcd.org. The new Federal Recreation Pass or any others are not honored at MWCD facilities, but anyone over the age of 60 or those who have a Golden Buckeye Card receive a 10% discount.
Day-use
There is an exceptionally attractive Picnic Area at Charles Mill Dam. Located in the Day Use Area below the dam it is well shaded and offers picnic tables, grills and rest rooms, an accessible picnic table, and in 2006 an inviting new playground was installed. The bathrooms are also accessible. There are large open grassy areas for play as well as a stream and the river. Pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash and are cleaned up after. A pet ferret was a recent visitor with his family. This is an ideal place for the whole family to relax. For more information call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project office for Charles Mill Dam at (419) 368-4334.
Universally Accessible picnic table and grill, as well as the rest rooms, are provided at the Charles Mill Lake Day Use Area on a seasonal basis May through mid October.
Fishing
Fishing is a very popular activity at Charles Mill Dam Day Use Area; both below and above the dam. Below the dam the river is easy to get to, the setting is scenic and peaceful, and the restrooms and picnic facilities are convenient. Above the dam the fishing access is just a bit farther away from other recreation areas.
Hunting
Public hunting is available on Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) land.
Marinas
There is one marina located on the lake, which is operated by a private enterprise. For all boating inquiries contact Charles Mill Lake Marina (419) 368-5951.
Swimming
No swimming areas are available at this project. MWCD has one designated swimming area within it's park. For more information contact Charles Mill Lake Park Office (419) 368-6885.
Trails
Bicycles are permitted on all roadways in the Day Use Area at Charles Mill Dam and on all state road ways. Bicycles are also permitted in Charles Mill Lake Park, run by Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, it is located on Rt 430 about 3 miles from the dam. Take Rt 603 to the village of Mifflin, turn left onto Rt 430. Call MWCD at (419) 368-5951 or visit their web site at mwcd.org.
Limited hiking is available around Charles Mill Dam. For more information contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charles Mill Lake Project Office (419) 368-4334 or MWCD's Charles Mill Lake Park Office (419) 368-6885.
Rules & Regulations
General Policies
A full list of Federal regulations that apply to all US Army Corps of Engineers properties can be found in Title 36 of the United States Code (USC). Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects
Firearms
Possession of firearms in a federal facility, including locks, dams, power plants, ranger stations, buildings, switchyards, recreation facilities, warehouses, and offices is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes the storage or transporting of a personally owned firearm in controlled access parking areas or Government vehicles, heavy equipment, boats and vessels under the operational control of the District regardless of its location. Exceptions for Federal employees are only allowed for Federal law enforcement officers or where possession of a firearm is specifically authorized by law.
Fireworks
Fireworks, along with explosives, firearms and other weapons are prohibited on Government Property. Detailed information can be found in Title 36, The Rules and Regulations that Govern Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects, Section 327.13.
Contact
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Charles Mill Lake
2203 State Route 603
Lucas, OH 44843
pa2@usace.army.mil
419-368-4334