Kayak and canoe launch at Dillon State Park on a cloudy day

Kayak and canoe launch at Dillon State Park on a cloudy day. Photo: Park Facebook page.

Dillon State Park, nestled within wooded hills and picturesque valleys along a quiet lakeside, is located only 58 miles east of Columbus. This large scenic area in east central Ohio provides visitors with opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, mountain biking, stargazing, picnicking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and sledding.

Activities

Visit Dillon State Park, for a day or several nights, and enjoy all of that this peaceful wilderness area has to offer. Inside this 2,285-acre Ohio state park you will discover many lakeside activities, trails, picnic areas, a large family campground, cabins, a Marina, Camp Store, Disc Golf Course, Archery Range, and so much more.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Dillon State Park:

Boating at Dillon State Park

Canoe, kayak, sail, and more along the 1,560 acre lake inside Dillon State Park. Most types of boats are welcome to access this unlimited horsepower lake. So bring your own or rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board at the Camp Store. Two boat launch ramps allow guests to easily access the lake. An additional 90 docks are available for lease and 4 for overnight rental.

Swimming at Dillon State Park

Cool off during the summer at the 1,360 foot beach or the park’s wading pool. Restrooms are located near both swimming areas.

Hiking at Dillon State Park

Explore the picturesque trails throughout Dillon State Park. The park’s 9 miles of hiking trails wind along the lake and through the woodlands offering guests a closer look at a variety of landscapes. Trails are clearly marked for hikers, mountain bikes, or horses. While most trails are open to hikers it’s best to check carefully before proceeding along them.

Here are a couple of the trails at Dillon State Park:

  • The Storybook Trail – An easy 0.5 mile paved trail that showcases a children’s story broken into segments along a wooded pathway. The trail starts near the beach area and lies along the Black Locust Trail. The book changes frequently throughout the year. A small Free Library is located near the start of this trail and guests are encouraged to take a book or leave a book.
  • The Blackberry Ridge Trail – A moderate 1.2 mile loop through the woodlands, up a few hilly sections, with nice views of the lake and surrounding flora and fauna.

Biking at Dillon State Park

The mountain bike area inside Dillon State Park is considered one of the best in Ohio. One trail has even been awarded the most challenging in the state. These 18 miles of trails wind throughout the woods and around the park and are defined by skill level. Maps indicate these specific areas.

Horseback Riding at Dillon State Park

Bring your horses and escape to the wilderness for a few hours or days. Dillon State Park has 19 miles of trails, ideal for horseback riders, that extend throughout the woods surrounding the park. Some of these trails are multi-use and shared with hikers and mountain bikes. Signs indicate which trails allow horses. A private equestrian camping area is located near the main campground.

Archery at Dillon State Park

Dillon State Park provides an archery range with 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-yard targets for guests who bring their own archery equipment. The range is located near the Sled Hill parking lot.

Disc Golf Course at Dillon State Park

If you enjoy playing disc golf then you’ll be happy to know that Dillon State Park features an 18-hole disc golf course. Woodchuck Ridge is a 61-par course with various challenges. The course was created by a local Boy Scout Troop and is open to the public and free to use. Disc rentals, score cards, and maps are available at the Camp Store.

Fishing at Dillon State Park

Grab your angling gear, pick up an Ohio fishing license, and spend a relaxing day fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, saugeye, and hybrid striped bass during your visit to Dillon State Park.

Hunting at Dillon State Park

Dillon State Park permits seasonal hunting within designated areas. Contact the park for more information and be sure to pick up an Ohio hunting license ahead of time. Seasonal hunting is also allowed in the surrounding Dillon Wildlife area.

Birding at Dillon State Park

Bring your binoculars and pick up a bird list for a peaceful visit inside Dillon State Park. As you wander along the woodlands and near the lake you will hear and see many types of native and migratory birds.

Some commonly seen birds throughout this area are Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Blue Jays,Ring-billed Gulls, Hooded Mergansers, American Goldfinches, Mourning Doves, Pileated Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, White-throated Sparrows, American Robins, Northern Harriers, Blue-winged Warblers, Snow Buntings, and Summer Tanagers.

Nature and Wildlife at Dillon State Park

Hills, hardwood forest, and surrounding farmland around the lake and wetlands allow guests to glimpse various types of wildlife including waterfowl, white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons.

Pets at Dillon State Park

Pets are welcome at Dillon State Park and are allowed along trails, all campsites, and in some of the cabins. Pets should be supervised, cleaned up after, and kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Camping at Dillon State Park

Dillon State Park features a large family campground, cabins, and a separate equestrian camping area for guests who would like to extend their stay in the area.

The main campground has 195 mostly shaded campsites that are a mix of full hookup, electric, and non-electric. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and is pet friendly. Showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, and a dump station are located nearby.

The equestrian camping area, separate from the main campground, has 20 non-electric sites. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table and is within walking distance to restrooms with flush toilets.

The deluxe cabins are also located away from the main campground. These cabins, either standard or preferred style, have 2 bedrooms, a bathroom with a shower, kitchen (with utensils, microwave, and coffee pot), living room, dining area, and a screened in porch. Linens and cable tv are provided for guests’ comfort. Some cabins also have fireplaces, and some allow pets.

A Camp Store, located near the main campground, offers free WiFi and carries groceries and camping supplies.

Park Location

Dillon State Park
5265 Dillon Hills Dr
Nashport, OH 43830
Phone: 740.453.4377

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Dillon State Park: