Providing benefits of flood reduction, conservation and recreation since 1933
Recreation
The reservoirs of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) have the essential functions of flood reduction and water conservation.
But millions of people visit the reservoirs each year for outdoor recreation.
The MWCD manages 54,000 acres of property - including 16,000 acres of surface water (lakes) and 38,000 acres of land - most of which is open for free public access. Boating, fishing, hunting, hiking and other activities abound at the lakes.
Overnight boat docks are available for short-term and long-term stays, and the permanent lakes feature free public boat launch ramps that offer easy access to the water.
The MWCD has developed five lake parks - located at Atwood, Charles Mill, Pleasant Hill, Seneca and Tappan reservoirs - where overnight camping and stays in cabins are available, as well as a full slate of activities and events from Memorial Day through Labor Day each summer. Camping is available all year long at the parks, too.
Camping also is available at marinas operated at Clendening, Leesville and Piedmont lakes, as well as at the North Branch of the Kokosing River.
Tappan Reservoir serves as the headquarters location for the Buckeye Trail, a coordinated trail system that reaches throughout the state of Ohio.
Several reservoirs host various youth and organizational camps, which attract thousands of visitors each year.
The MWCD also offers 1,200 home sites at eight reservoirs, with residents leasing ground from the MWCD.
It's easy to learn more about the recreational opportunities available at the MWCD reservoirs, including free maps of many locations.
