Dillon State Park

Dillon State Park, surrounded by wooded hills and scenic valleys, is a 2,285-acre park in Nashport, southeast Ohio. The lake occupies 1,560 acres, offering a selection of water activities.

About Dillon State Park

Dillon State Park is located in Muskingum County, southeast Ohio. There are plenty of coves in the park and inlets on the lake. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, and fishing are some of the activities available at this park.

The rolling farmland of the area allows visitors to see some of the best wildlife that Ohio has to offer, including Wild Turkey and Deer.

The history of Dillon State Park is about the transportation in the area. The Licking River played an important role in Ohio’s history. The history can be traced back to the days of the Native Indians through to the age of the river canals.

The Licking River was important to the Native Indians as it provided access to the Flint Ridge. The Blackhand Gorge has a sandstone cliff with an old engraving of a human hand. This is thought to be a guide marker for Native Americans searching for Flint Ridge.

In 1803, Moses Dillon purchased land next to the Licking River. This land is now where the park is. Dillon was known for the design and construction of the ‘Y’ Bridge in Zanesville.

The Old National Road was constructed between 1811 and 1834. This road is famously the first federally funded road in United States history and helped develop Zanesville. After this development, thoughts were then turned to the river and the Erie Canal. The development of the river and the subsequent interurban railroad between Columbus-Newark-Zanesville helped the area’s continued growth.

In 1961, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the construction of Dillon Reservoir for flood control.

Natural Features

Dillon State Park is in an area of natural beauty. Hundreds of millions of years ago, this area was under the sea. As the sea slowly receded, the area eroded and mountains were formed. The bedrock also became the cliffs that we see today and this land helps support the hardwood forest that we see and admire.

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!

Dillon State Park has beautiful hiking with a variety of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. When I go hiking, I always bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the journey. It’s easy to underestimate how much water you need, especially on longer trails.

Activities at Dillon State Park

horizontal photo of the lake at Dillon State Park with moored boats along the shoreline

Boating

Unlimited horsepower boating is available on the lake. Access is provided by two boat ramps. Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent at the Camp Store.

There are over 90 docks available for lease on a seasonal basis, as well as four docks for overnight rentals.

Fishing

The lake has plentiful supplies of bluegill, catfish, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, saugeye, and crappie. A valid Ohio fishing license is necessary.

Swimming

There is a 1,360-foot swimming beach in the park close to the park office. There is also a wading pool that is ideal for visitors who are not swimmers, as well as for children. Swimming is allowed in the designated areas during sunlight hours only. There are two restroom facilities available at the beach.

horizontal photo of a trail at Dillon State Park

Trails

There are 8.9 miles of hiking trails, 19 miles of bridle trails, and 18 miles of mountain biking trails. Some portions of the trails are multi-use, clear markers show ‘no hikers’, ‘no bikes’, or ‘no horses’ where appropriate.

Blackberry Ridge | 0.6 Mile | Moderate
Bog Loop | 1 Mile | Easy
Eagle Ridge Loop | 0.8 Mile | Moderate
King Ridge Loop | 1 Mile | Moderate
Licking Bend | 4.4 Miles | Moderate
Ruffed Grouse Loop | 0.6 Mile | Moderate

Storybook Trail

This is an easy trail that is near the Black Locust Trail near the ball courts and beach area. The Storybook is presented along this paved trail and it changes throughout the year. At the beginning of the trail, there is a small free library where you can either take the book home or leave one for another visitor.

Storybook Trail | 0.5 Mile | Easy | Paved | allows bikes

Bridle trails take the rider all around the park, winding and looping for 19 miles. A downloadable map is available.

The mountain bike area is one of the state’s top three trails, and this park has one of the most challenging trails in the state. 18 miles of biking trails for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. The difficulty levels are color-coded on the online map.

Reservable Shelter Houses

There are six reservable shelter houses in the park:

Dillon Beach Shelter: 25’ x 50’ shelter house features lights, electric outlets, 14 picnic tables, a waist-high grill, and restrooms within 100 yds.
Dillon Big Run Shelter: 36’ x 36’ shelter house features lights, and one electric outlet.
Blue Rock Lower Shelter: 24’ x 20’ shelter house features 4 picnic tables inside and 7 outside, two waist-high grills, a fireplace, lights, and electric outlets. Latrine located within 25 yards
Blue Rock Upper Shelter: 60’ x 20’ shelter house features 12 picnic tables, waist-high grill, 2 fireplaces, and latrine within 100 yds
Blue Rock Fire Tower Shelter: 20’ x 24’ shelter house features 4 picnic tables, fireplace, lights, electric outlets and restroom within 100 yds

horizontal image of a cabin at Dillon State Park

Camping

Dillon State Park Campground offers a large family campground, equestrian campsites, and deluxe vacation cabins. Facilities in the campground include showers, flush toilets, a laundromat, Camp Store, ball courts and a playground. Pets are welcome at the campground.

Campsites

195 sites include full hookup, electric, and non-electric sites as well as 2 ADA sites. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table.

Equestrian Camping

This campground is separate from the family campground. There are 20 non-electric sites, each of which has a fire ring and picnic table. The restroom has flush toilets.

Cabins

The cabins are located away from the main campground. Some cabins allow pets. Each cabin has:

2 bedrooms, living room, bathroom with shower, all-electric kitchen, dining area
Linens and towels provided
Cable Television
Screened-in Porch
Charcoal Grill and Fire Ring

More Activities at Dillon State Park

Archery
Disc Golf
Hunting
Picnicking
Sledding in winter

Where is Dillon State Park Located?

Address: 5265 Dillon Hills Drive, Nashport, Ohio 43830-9568
Phone: 740-453-4377 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Dillon State Park

Let’s Visit Dillon State Park!

Have you been to Dillon State Park? What was your favorite part about it, did you participate in any of the activities? Leave a comment below, we would love to hear about your experience!

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Dillon State Park