Dillon State Park sits along the shores of Dillon Reservoir in the rolling hills of Muskingum County, Ohio. Spanning 3,845 acres of wooded terrain and open water, the park offers one of southeastern Ohio’s best combinations of lake recreation and forested trails.

The centerpiece is Dillon Lake, a 1,560-acre reservoir built by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control that doubles as a prime spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Anglers come for the saugeye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. A public beach provides summer relief, and a full-service marina rents boats for those without their own.

Hikers and mountain bikers share over 20 miles of trails that wind through second-growth hardwood forest and past sandstone outcrops characteristic of the Appalachian foothills. The Licking Bend Trail follows the reservoir shoreline and rewards with long water views, while the Kings Hollow Trail cuts deeper into the wooded interior.

The park’s campground features nearly 200 sites, including electric hookups for RVs and more secluded walk-in tent sites. A handful of rent-a-cabins offer a step up for those who prefer a roof. Facilities are well-maintained and the campground rarely feels overcrowded, even on summer weekends.

Late spring through early fall is ideal for water activities, while autumn brings spectacular foliage across the Muskingum County hills. Winter visitors find quiet trails and decent cold-water fishing. Dillon State Park delivers a genuine Ohio outdoor experience without the crowds of the state’s northern lakefront parks.

Explore Nearby

• Wayne National Forest — National Forest in Ohio
• Wally Road Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Ohio
• Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway — Scenic Byway in Ohio
• Fry Family Park — Dark Sky Site in Ohio
• Erskine Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania