🌤 Weather at Tappan Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–73 °F | 57–85 °F | 32–76 °F | 20–40 °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 Dennison Wtr Wks, 7 mi away, elevation 860 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Tappan Lake Park in Harrison County is run by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), not by Ohio State Parks. Spanning 2,350 acres and established in 1938, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| County | Harrison County |
| Park Size | 2,350 acres |
| Established | 1938 |
| Accessibility | The lake has two accessible fishing piers, and all cabins are handicap accessible, according to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. |
Things to Do
Tappan Lake Park has more than 500 campsites with full hook-up, electric and primitive sites, cabins, a swimming beach with a concession stand, an activity and nature center, picnic shelters, playgrounds and sport courts. On the water you have two public launch ramps, two kayak launches and two accessible fishing piers, with a 399-horsepower limit, and you can rent paddleboards, kayaks and bikes. The MWCD also lists a bike pump track, hiking trails and hunting on its land. The full-service marina is across the lake, off U.S. 250. Source: Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, as of October 2026.
Best Time to Visit
The swimming beach is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the same weeks in which the daily admission fee applies. The MWCD’s main camping season runs from April 1 to October 31, and boats may be docked at MWCD docks from April 15 to October 15 (as of October 2026).
Visitor Tips
Tappan Lake is run by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, not Ohio State Parks, so it is not free to enter and Ohio DNR reservations do not apply. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, daily admission is $5 for a single-occupant vehicle and $10 for a vehicle with two or more people. Campsites and cabins are booked through the MWCD.
Explore More Ohio State Parks
Looking for state parks in Ohio? Discover them in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Jefferson Lake State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Salt Fork State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Tappan Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
