Kokosing Dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, recreation and wildlife management. The lake was created by impounding the headwaters of the north branch of the Kokosing River for flood control purposes on the Upper Muskingum River Watershed. Construction began in June 1970 and was completed in May 1972. The dam has an impervious, waterproof, core with earth-fill and rip-rap rock covering.
Recreation Opportunities
Visitor Center
This facility does not include an office. There is a bulletin board at the dam site which provides basic information to visitors. During camping season (May through September), brochures and general information are available at the Kokosing Campground entrance station. For more information call Mohawk Dam at 740-824-4343, M-F, 7:30 to 4:00.
Boating
The 154-acre lake is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 6.5 feet. However, it is open to small craft boating. Idle speed and 10-HP Limit restrictions apply. A concrete 2-lane boat ramp is located beyond the Picnic Area. It has a pit toilet type restroom and a lighted parking lot. Boaters should take safety precautions as there are many tree stumps and other submerged hazards.
Camping
The Kokosing Lake Campground, located on the banks of Kokosing Lake, is leased by the Fredericktown Recreation District. It has an associated Picnic and Boat Launch Area. The campground offers 46 sites, partial and primitive hookup RV, tent camping, a large picnic area, playground, and a two-lane boat ramp. Most of the sites have electricity available. Contact the park office at 740-694-8366.
Day-use
The Picnic and Boat Launch Area is located off of Waterford Road, it provides picnic tables, cookers, trash receptacles, water fountain, a vault-type restroom (no running water inside), boat launch ramp and a large lighted parking area.
Fishing
Northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and bullhead are the primary game fish in the lake. For more information concerning Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) public hunting area, contact Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or call (614) 466-3337
Hunting
The majority of the property at Kokosing Lake is leased by the Ohio Division of Natural Resources for fish and wildlife management. The ODNR manages the 154-acre lake and 959 acres of public hunting area for a variety of fish and wildlife. The hunting area is a diverse mixture of habitat including woodland, fields and agricultural areas which are managed through crop rotations and field sizes to provide food and cover for upland species. Habitat is enhanced by various techniques for improving habitats and maintaining forage and cover.
Marinas
No marina exists at this project. A boat ramp is located at the Picnic Area, which has a large, lighted parking lot for vehicle and boat-trailer parking.
Swimming
There are no designated swimming areas associated with Kokosing Lake.
Trails
There are no developed hiking trails. Many people enjoy walking across the top of the dam and in the area surrounding it. The ODNR public hunting area is also conducive to hiking.
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
North Branch Kokosing River Lake
18350 Waterford Road
Fredericktown, OH 43019
pa2@usace.army.mil
740-824-4343