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Dillon
Overview
Dillon State Park offers a refreshing escape into the rolling landscapes of southeastern Ohio. Spanning nearly 3,000 acres, this state park is centered around the massive 1,560-acre Dillon Reservoir, providing a picturesque backdrop for RV travelers. The park is well-known for its mature forests and diverse wildlife, creating a serene environment for those who want to disconnect from the bustle of city life. It is a destination where the natural beauty of the Muskingum County region is preserved, offering a classic state park experience that balances outdoor adventure with quiet, shaded campsites.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the small community of Nashport, the park is conveniently situated near the historic city of Zanesville. The surrounding area is defined by the Licking River valley, which carved the rugged hills and limestone outcroppings seen throughout the park. Travelers will find themselves immersed in a dense canopy of hardwoods that provides excellent shade and privacy. The proximity to Black Hand Gorge State Nature Preserve makes this location a central hub for exploring some of the most unique geological features in the state of Ohio.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Dillon is designed to accommodate a variety of setups, featuring over 180 electric-only sites along with several sites that offer full hookups. Visitors have access to modern amenities including clean shower houses, flush toilets, and a well-stocked camp store for last-minute supplies. For those traveling with children or groups, the park offers multiple playgrounds, a basketball court, and a popular disc golf course. The facility also includes a dedicated swimming beach and multiple boat ramps, ensuring that water access is never more than a few minutes away from your rig.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Activities at the park revolve around the water and the woods. Boating is a primary draw, with no horsepower limits in certain zones, making it a favorite for fishing and water skiing. Anglers often visit to find large-mouth bass and muskellunge. On land, the park boasts over nine miles of hiking trails and a highly-regarded mountain bike trail system that caters to various skill levels. Just a short drive away, the city of Zanesville offers a glimpse into Ohio’s pottery history and local dining, providing a nice contrast to the wilderness of the park.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal choice for family campers and outdoor enthusiasts who value a traditional, nature-focused atmosphere. It is particularly well-suited for boaters and fishermen who want easy access to the reservoir while staying in a wooded, quiet environment. Because of its spacious sites and abundance of recreational facilities, it is a great fit for mid-to-long-term stays where travelers can fully immerse themselves in the trail systems and lake activities. If you prefer the sound of wind through the trees and the lap of water against the shore, this Nashport gem will fit your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Cherie Stober
This park has a lot offer and feels new. We enjoyed tent camping with our family and gladly would return. We took advantage of hiking and time at the dam. Our campsite wasn't great for tents, there was a lot of sloping and holes but we made it work.
Thirteendays
This park would be a lot nicer if it was cleaned up. I saw at least 6 tires, along with beer cans, cigarette lighters, and all kinds of other trash. Is there a competition to dump tires here? Anyway, there are almost no signs at any of the intersecting trails, let alone maps. There are also a lot of mosquitoes here. Aside from that, there is charm to this park, but a few improvements could go a long way.
Duncan
Really fun hiking, but... That's how I would describe it, at least for hiking. Now, I'm willing to assume old age has set back my trail-reading abilities a tad, but come on. It was a MAZE of confusing interconnections and lack of meaningful signage. I have been hiking all over the country...there's just something I don't get about some trail systems here in Ohio. I was constantly trying to figure out where I needed to go next. But that still wasn't a major issue, and if you want some interesting trekking, then go for it. Just be sure to bring a boatload of breadcrumbs. Seriously though, at almost every trail juncture, I had to pull out my phone, the map, etc and make a best-guess as to where I would head next. Sure, maybe you will spot a trail color...or five. Maybe you will figure out it's a horse-only trail. Maybe you will realize you just ventured out onto a really popular mountain bike portion. Or...maybe not! My advice is this...if you are like me (heaven help you if so), then just use the direction pointer in Google Maps and keep heading in whatever direction you want to go. Also, be prepared to step off the trail when you hear bikes coming. To me, much of this park is simply superb mountain bike fun. I really enjoyed going when I did as I never saw another soul, but bet it would be fun to see some talented riders go through. Were I a younger man I would already be making my plans to upgrade my trusty rusty ride and go back in for some pedaling fun (and falls). The trails themselves were beautiful, sometimes narrow, sometimes rocky, and sometimes had a lot of roots. There was apparently some pretty big flooding recently. It looked like it reached about 30+ feet up the slope at times. The beach trails had a ton of previously-floating debris, and with it a bunch of trash unfortunately, which I'm sure was lake-trash that washed up. Lots of deer, annnnd lots of early-bird-gets-the-trail-webs. But hey, nothing is perfect. I went first light on a weekday in early spring. NOBODY around at that time. Covered 8 miles and never saw another person. Now, go at a busy time and I wouldn't be surprised if I notched this down to a 2. Unless I was on a bike. Then it would still be a 4. Enjoy :)
Meng Thao
Nice little state park. Peaceful. Not too busy. Some areas are trashy. Lots of good fishing places. Lots of people fishing. Beach area is nice. Water is dirty though. Good place to relax during sunset. Good place to walk, picnic with family and friends.
Stephanie
Dillon State Park is a beautiful place to hike. There are several hiking trails and trails available for horseback riding and biking. The trails are well marked and the blazes are easy to follow. It usually isn't busy and most of the time, you have the trail to yourself. You should wear appropriate footwear for hiking, the terrain changes frequently. The path can go from smooth to rocky and uneven. The trails at Dillon State Park have a lot to offer.