Reservations, Fees & Passes
To make reservations go to Burr Oak State Park or call 740-767-3570
Campground Fee:
$19 (starting fee) per night - Burr Oak Campground
$17 (starting fee) per night - Equestrian Camp
Day Use Fee:
$40 (Starting fee) per day
Tom Jenkins Dam was completed in February 1950 and serves a drainage area of 32.8 square miles. The lake is impounded by a rolled earth dam, 84 ft. tall and 560 ft. long, with an uncontrolled saddle spillway near the left abutment of the dam. The outlet works include three sluice gates that discharge through a horseshoe tunnel through the left abutment of the dam into a stilling basin.
The project averages 285 thousand visitors annually, contributing $7.9 million to the local economy, supporting 87 jobs which represents a sizable component of the economy in the local community. The project has the ability to supply 8 million gallons of water a day with a National Economic Benefit of $8.8 million. The project prevented over $14 thousand in flood damages in FY 2016 with an accumulative total of $30.8 million in damages prevented since the construction of the project.
Recreation Opportunities
Visitor Center
No Visitor Center is available at this project.
Boating
Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at the State Park.
Camping
Camping Is prohibited at the dam site. Camping is available at Burr Oak State Park or U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds located near the dam site.
Day-use
Two picnic shelters are located at the dam site. Shelters are available on a first come, first served basis Restrooms and the picnic shelter at the dam are universally accessible.
Fishing
Fish and wildlife management is the responsibility of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. They manage the fish and wildlife programs by habitat improvement, nesting site development, and food-plot programs for the benefit of many fish and wildlife species. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has stocked the lake with Saugeye fry and channel catfish, there are also bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and perch.
Hunting
Game laws are enforced by Ohio Department of Natural Resources conservation officers. Public hunting and trapping is allowed on U.S. Forest Service land and some areas of Burr Oak State Park; contact the state park for details. Hunting throughout the dam area is prohibited.
Marinas
There are two marinas on Burr Oak Lake.
Swimming
There is no swimming within the dam area. A swimming area and beach are located at Burr Oak State Park. No lifeguards are provided!!
Trails
Bicycles are permitted on main roads at Tom Jenkins Dam; off-road bicycling is prohibited.
The Buckeye Trail and Burr Oak Lake Trail are accessible at the North and South ends of the dam.
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
Tom Jenkins Dam
23560 Tom Jenkins Dam Road
Glouster, OH 45732-9727
pa2@usace.army.mil
740-767-3527