🌤 Weather at Dillon State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–73 °F | 59–84 °F | 31–78 °F | 18–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Springfield Wtp, 7 mi away, elevation 951 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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:
Explore More Ohio State Parks
Dillon State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Ohio. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks in Ohio: Brush Creek State Park and Muskingum River State Park. See the full Ohio state parks guide.
⛺ Camping at Dillon State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 195 sites — 195 campsites in a mix of full-hookup, electric and non-electric service, 2 of which are ADA accessible; each site has a fire ring and picnic table. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Cabins are located on two roads in their own area away from the main campground. Each is a renovated 'preferred' cabin with two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom with shower, an all-electric kitchen and dining area, a microwave, coffee pot and kitchen utensils, linens and towels, cable television, a screened-in porch with Adirondack chairs, and a charcoal grill and fire ring; some cabins have a fireplace. Only cabins 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15 allow pets. |
| Pets | Pets are permitted on all campsites. In the cabins, pets are allowed only in cabins 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15. |
| Reservations | Campsite reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance; cabin reservations may be made up to one year in advance. Book online through ReserveOhio or by calling 1-866-644-6727. |
| Special sites | A separate equestrian campground on its own road, away from the family campground, has 19 non-electric sites and 1 premium site with a shelter, each with a fire ring and picnic table, and a restroom with flush toilets; availability is limited during the winter season (November-March). |
| Season notes | As of July 2026, during the off-peak season (November 1 to April 1), only shower house A and the dump station are available, with no rinse water; water can be accessed from the side of shower house A with a 75-foot hose. Area A, covering sites 1 through 104 and 184 through 195, stays open in the off-season. Cabins 16 through 29 are closed mid-December through April 1. |
Camping questions about Dillon State Park
Can you camp at Dillon State Park?
Yes. Dillon State Park has 195 campsites. 195 campsites in a mix of full-hookup, electric and non-electric service, 2 of which are ADA accessible; each site has a fire ring and picnic table.
How do you reserve a campsite at Dillon State Park?
Campsite reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance; cabin reservations may be made up to one year in advance. Book online through ReserveOhio or by calling 1-866-644-6727.
Are there cabins at Dillon State Park?
Cabins are located on two roads in their own area away from the main campground. Each is a renovated 'preferred' cabin with two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom with shower, an all-electric kitchen and dining area, a microwave, coffee pot and kitchen utensils, linens and towels, cable television, a screened-in porch with Adirondack chairs, and a charcoal grill and fire ring; some cabins have a fireplace. Only cabins 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15 allow pets.
Are pets allowed at the Dillon State Park campground?
Pets are permitted on all campsites. In the cabins, pets are allowed only in cabins 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
Source: ohiodnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Dillon State Park
Park policy: Dillon permits pets on every site in the family campground, so you do not have to hunt for a designated pet loop. Among the deluxe cabins the picture is different: only numbers 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15 allow them, and the remaining cabins stay pet-free.
- Pets allowed?
- Pets welcome on all 195 campsites; only five of the cabins accept pets
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not to exceed 6 feet in length, in hand and under control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No pets allowed at swimming beaches; some parks have designated dog swim areas and dog parks
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly cabins available at select parks (Buck Creek, Cowan, Dillon, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, Pymatuning); maximum two pets per cabin; $10 added fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 added fee for pet-friendly cabins (charged whether pets come along or not); no pet fee for day use or camping
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated leash-free dog exercise areas exist at some parks; no bathing of pets in campground shower houses
Are dogs allowed at Dillon State Park?
Pets welcome on all 195 campsites; only five of the cabins accept pets.
Beyond that, Ohio’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via ohiodnr.gov. More: Ohio state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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