Dillon State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dillon State Park is a recreational area located in the state of Ohio, United States.


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Summary

It encompasses 2,285 acres of land and offers a variety of outdoor activities to visitors. The park is situated on the western shore of Dillon Lake, which was created in 1961 by the construction of a dam along the Licking River.

One of the main reasons to visit Dillon State Park is for its outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, and picnicking. The park has a marina with boat rentals, as well as several boat launch ramps. Fishing is a popular activity, with species such as bass, catfish, and crappie found in Dillon Lake.

There are several points of interest within Dillon State Park, including the Dillon Dam and Overlook. This area offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The park also has several hiking trails, including the 2.5-mile Lakeshore Trail and the 6.5-mile Black Locust Trail.

Interesting facts about Dillon State Park include that it was named after John Dillon, a local businessman and politician who advocated for the construction of the dam and lake. The park was also used as a training ground for soldiers during World War II.

The best time of year to visit Dillon State Park depends on personal preferences and the activities one wishes to participate in. Summer is a popular time for boating, swimming, and camping, while fall offers beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures for hiking. Winter activities include ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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