Bicycles are permitted on main roads and ODNR state campground areas and mountain bike trails. Contact a Park Attendant or Ranger for the location of areas conducive to off-road bicycling.
Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at Big Run Boat Ramp, Marina Area, and Sportsman Area.
Camping at Dillon Lake is provided by the State of Ohio; discounts available with the Ohio Buckeye Card. Cabins are available year round. Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are not accepted. For more information you can contact the Dillon State Park Office @ (740) 453-4377.
Resource Manager @ (740) 454-2225, Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or leave a message. Call (740) 454-6137 for a daily recorded message providing updated lake and project information. Environmental and Water Safety programs as well as Tours of the Dam and Flood Control Facilities are available for schools, civic groups, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, and individuals. Contact Park Ranger Robert W. Cifranic @ (740) 455-4170.
Dillon Lake is approximately 6 miles northwest of Zanesville, Ohio and twenty miles east of Newark, Ohio. Access to the lake is provided by State Route 146 via State Routes 16 and 586 from the north and US 40 and Interstate 70 from the south.
A popular spot for fishermen is below the dam, giving anglers an area all to themselves, year round, unless closed due to sever inclement weather. Call (740) 454-6137 for a daily recorded message providing updated lake and project information. Game laws are enforced by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources conservation officers. The Corps’ Resource Managers and their Ranger staff at all Corps lakes are authorized under federal law to issue citations to individuals for specific violations, including the improper operation of vehicles and boats, littering, and swimming and camping in restricted areas.
Naming of Dillon Lake followed a long standing US Army Corps of Engineers tradition of naming the lake after the closest town. Dillon was started by Moses Dillon, a Quaker from Maryland. While on his way to bring Christianity to the Indians in the early 1800s he saw the falls on the Licking River and noticed that nearby there was coal and iron ore. He settled here and built what was one of the worlds largest iron foundries. Restrooms are located at the Project Office and opened during office hours and throughout the Dillon State Park Recreational Areas.
Universally Accessible entrance is provided at the Project Office. This does not include restroom facilities.
Foot trails (Hiking) are located within the Dillon State Park recreational areas. All trails are marked.
The Adena people lived in this region from approximately 1000 BC to 4000 AD They lived in semi-sedentary villages and hunted game and gathered wild fruit for subsistence. The Nashport Mound, a large conical-shaped earthen structure, has been attributed to the Adena culture. The mound, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was excavated by the Ohio Historical Society. Dillon Dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938. Work began in June 1946 but was delayed due to insufficient funds and later the outbreak of the Korean Conflict. Construction of the Dam itself began in June of 1958 and was completed in September 1961. The cost of the whole project totaled almost 30 million dollars.
Horseback riding trails are available within Dillon State Park. Areas are available to accomodate parking for horse trailers.
The fish and wildlife indigenous to this area have benefited from the improved habitat in and around the lake. Muskie, bass, crappie, and saugeye abound in the stream below the dam, and in the lake. Deer, turkey, doves, squirrel and rabbit are the most popular game species around the lake area.
The marina at Dillon Lake has been torn down due to the condition of the building. Dock services, food/snacks, and boat rental, is available at the Dillon State Park camp store. The State Park office phone number is (740) 453-4377.
Picnic shelters are located within the State Park. Contact the State Park office for reservations @ (740) 453-4377. Picnic tables are located at all recreation areas on the Dillon Lake project including the area below the dam.
The swimming area and beach are located within the State Park. The bath house, showers, and snack bar, have been torn down due to the condition after the 2005 flood. A children’s wading pool is available. The beach is seasonal and is open from mid May to September. No lifeguards are on duty.
The 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.
