Deer Creek Lake is located among the pristine forests and rolling hills of south central Ohio. The lake, the result of the construction of Deer Creek Dam in 1968 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, spans 1,277 acres. The primary focus of the dam and reservoir was for flood control of the larger Ohio River Basin but the COE lake offers ample opportunities for tourism and outdoor recreation too.
The north shore of the lake is home to Deer Creek State Park which supplies tourists with miles of wilderness to explore. Animals like rabbit, coyote, skunk, beaver, and deer roam free. The popular water activities of swimming, boating, and fishing make this COE lake a highlight with visitors to Ohio's Pickaway and Fayette Counties.
The Army Corps doesn't have any camping options at Deer Creek Lake, but Deer Creek State Park welcomes RV campers at their well-equipped campground. When staying here, you'll find electric hookups, easy lake access, and many activities for the whole family. The COE lake and state park welcome many visitors during the summer months due to the proximity to Columbus so reservations for camping are a must.
Reaching Deer Creek Lake is uncomplicated on well maintained, paved roads. Travelers can easily follow the many signs pointing you to the dam and Visitor Center. If you're planning a trip during the offseason, be prepared to encounter more difficult driving conditions like snow and ice.
Parking is available for RVs and motorhomes at the campground and day use area at Deer Creek Lake State Park.
There are no COE campgrounds at Deer Creek Lake but luckily, campers can head to Deer Creek State Park for a lovely place to stay. This scenic state park on the shores of the reservoir allows RVs, trailers, and motorhomes that measure up to 45 feet. There are 224 sites with 50amp electric hookups and even three non-electric equestrian sites.
Most of the campsites have partial shade and they all have the standard fire ring and picnic table. The sites are available by reservation only. You'll find showers, restrooms, and a dump station here too.
The main feature at Deer Creek State Park Campground is the easy access to an abundance of activities. Use the boat ramp to get on the water or enjoy a refreshing swim. The kids can use the playground and various sports fields to stay busy for hours.
In the spring, anglers travel to Deer Creek Lake for its famous early spring saugeye fishing. The saugeye are stocked by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the best place to catch them is below the dam. Fishing for crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish is also common here.
Anglers can fish from the shoreline as well as from boats with a valid Ohio fishing license. Fishing areas include the COE lake itself as well as in Deer Creek both above and below the dam.
Equestrians will be happy they made the trip to Deer Creek Lake. There is a trail specifically for horseback riding that travels through most of the park. The trail is accessed from the parking lot adjacent to the campground. Visitors can also stay at one of the three horse-friendly campsites at the Deer Creek State Park Campground.
A stop in at the visitor center will provide more information about horseback riding in the area. There are privately-owned riding stables in the area if you did not bring your own horse.
Picnickers will find many different picnic areas scattered around this COE lake. The grassy areas close to the swimming beach, or the beach itself are great places to dine outdoors.
There are two reservable picnic shelters that are operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. They can be reserved online during the peak season and are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the offseason. These shelters can accommodate up to 100 people and are accessible. They are ideal spots for fishing due to their location below the dam, near the creek.
A unique feature at Deer Creek reservoir is that the lake permits boats with unlimited horsepower. Large boats and speed boats are welcome here so water skiing is an extremely popular pass time.
To get into the lake, boaters can use one of the two boat ramps. One of them is located at the marina and the other is near the Harding Cabin. The Deer Creek Lake State Park Marina offers boat rentals for visitors traveling without one. They also sell fuel and have dock rentals.
If you are planning to swim from your boat, just make sure you do it in one of the designated boat-swim areas. This is for your safety since the lake gets very busy in the summer with large, fast boats.
A fun activity during the hot Ohio summer is to spend a relaxing day at the beach. The Deer Creek Lake beach is located in the day-use area near the dam on Crownovermill Road.
The swimming beach is sandy and wide enough for sunbathers to set out a towel or two. There is also a large grassy area that may be more comfortable for larger families to spread out.
There are designated boat-swim areas for visitors who wish to take the plunge off their watercraft. You'll find one of these areas in the cove near the lodge at Deer Creek State Park.
For hikers interested in exploring the area around the lake, head to the Visitor Center run by the Army COE. Along with information on the history of the area and local wildlife, you can get trail descriptions and maps. The Visitor Center is only open during the peak summer months.
The main hiking trails at Deer Creek Lake are in the state park. There are trails near the cabins, lodge, and campground. The rocky shores of this COE lake are great places to explore the rugged terrain on foot. Although there is no official trail that travels all the way around the lake, you can easily start and stop where you please.
Lucky hikers can spot wildlife as they make their way on the trails. Watch out for hawks, foxes, deer, and rabbits.
