Leesville Lake is within the Upper Tuscarawas 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. The dam was completed in October 1936 and serves a drainage area of 48 square miles. Land includes 161 fee acres and 4,001 easement acres. There are no Corps operated recreation areas. The dam is a rolled earth-fill with impervious core, 74 ft tall, 1,695 ft. long, 25 ft. wide at the top and 450 ft. wide at the base. The spillway is an uncontrolled concrete-lined saddle adjacent to the south abutment of the dam. The intake structure contains three 3.5 x 7 ft. gated sluices discharging through a 7 ft. horseshoe tunnel through the right abutment into a stilling basin. To maintain minimum pool, 1.5 ft. diameter siphons are located in front of the gates of the two outer sluices and discharge into the center sluice.
Recreation Opportunities
Visitor Center
No visitor center is available at this project
Boating
Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at each of the Marinas
Camping
Camping at Leesville Lake is available through the MWCD park. For more information contact Leesville Park Office (330)-343-6780 or mwcd.gov. Federal Recreation passes such as Golden Age, Golden Access, or America the Beautiful - National Park and Federal Recreation Lands Access Passes 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
The nearest picnic shelters are located at Atwood Lake, eight miles on State Route 212 West.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted from boats, the shoreline, and below the dam. Leesville is popular for muskie fishing.
Hunting
Public hunting is available on MWCD land. Maps for public hunting and fishing areas can be obtained from MWCD (330) 343-6647 or visit their website at mwcd.org.
Marinas
Two privately operated marinas are located on the lake.
Swimming
There is no designated swimming area at Leesville Lake. The nearest swimming area and beach are located at the MWCD park at Atwood Lake. MWCD has designated three swimming areas, (one is within the park & two are by boat access). For more information, contact Atwood Lake Park Office (330) 343-6780.
Trails
Hiking trails are located across from the MWCD campgrounds.
Handicapped Access
There are no universal access facilities available at this Corps of Engineers facility.
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
Leesville Lake
5037 Deer Road S.W.
Bowerston, OH 44695
pa2@usace.army.mil
740-269-2131