Reservations, Fees & Passes
Camping reservations can be made at reserveohio.com or calling 866-OHIOPARKS
Campground Fee:
$25 per night - Sites 1-104
$21 per night - Sites 105-195
Day Use Fee:
$50 per night
Dillon Dam was completed in July 1961 and serves a drainage area of 748 square miles. The lake is impounded by a rolled earthfill impervious core dam, 118 ft. tall and 1,400 ft. long with an uncontrolled, partial concrete lined spillway near the left abutment of the dam. Primary project purposes are flood risk reduction, low flow augmentation and recreation. The outlet works include an intake structure with three sluice gates that discharge through a conduit into a stilling basin. Two conduits located around the gates of the outer sluices are used to maintain minimum pool.
The project averages 1.3 million visitors annually, contributing $37 million to the local economy, supporting 416 jobs. This represents a sizable component of the economy in the local community. The project hosts Dillon Lake State Park which includes a 195 site campground, 29 cabins, picnic shelters, hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The project has prevented over $1.8 million in flood damages in FY 2016 with a accumulative total of $728 million in damages prevented since construction of the project
Recreation Opportunities
Visitor Center
For a greener environment solar panels have been installed on our Visitor Center and shop. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Visitor Center is located at the Dam site area. The center features information of historical, fish and wildlife and flood management. Open Monday -Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m and intermittently during summer weekends; Memorial Day thru Labor Day.
Boating
Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located throughout the area, including the state park marina, and Big Run boatramp.
Camping
There is a large family campground, equestrian campsites, and group camp area. There is an abundance of shade and the lake, beach, and trails are just a short drive away.
Day-use
Picnic facilities are located at the areas above and below the dam including our new shelter next to the playground.
Fishing
A popular spot for fishermen is at the outflow below the dam, the pond area and lakeside at the intake, giving anglers an area all to themselves year round, unless closed due to severe inclement weather. Call (740) 454-6137 for updated lake and project information. The below dam area has been modified with paved roads and parking lots, a universally accessible fishing pier and restrooms. The area below the dam is well lit at night for the avid fishing persons.
Hunting
The wildlife indigenous to this area have benefited from the improved habitat in and around the lake. Deer, turkey, doves, waterfowl, squirrel and rabbit are the most popular game species around the lake area. Hunters must abide by Ohio State Hunting Regulations.
Marinas
Dillon State Park operates and maintains the boat ramps and 70 docks, which are available for rent on a seasonal basis. A marina in the park offers fuel and supplies seasonally.
Swimming
The swimming area and beach are located within the Dillon State Park. A children's wading pool is available. The beach is seasonal and is open from mid May to September. No lifeguards are on duty.
Trails
Bicycles are permitted on main roads and ODNR state campground areas and mountain bike trails. Contact a Park Officer for the location of areas conducive to off-road bicycling.
A fitness trail is located at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office and Visitor Center. The trail loop extends approximately 1/4 of a mile with stations for exercising.
Handicapped Access
Universally Accessible facilities are provided at the Project Office, including our playground, picnic area, fishing pier and most restrooms.
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
Dillon Lake
4969 Dillon Dam Road
Zanesville, OH 43701
pa2@usace.army.mil
740-454-2225