Leesville Lake is a reservoir located on McGuire Creek in Carroll County, Ohio. McGuire Creek is a tributary of Conotton Creek on the Tuscarawas River. The Leesville Lake dam, named for the nearby town of Leesville, is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington District project completed in 1936 by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) to provide flood control for the area with subsequent operation being ceded to the Corps of Engineers who now operate and maintain the dam in conjunction with the MWCD.
The dam is rolled earth with an impervious core and stands 74 feet high and 1695 feet long.
The resulting reservoir lake pool covers 1000 acres at its highest point during the summer. The maximum possible level that can be retained is 977.5 feet, which would create a 1470 acre lake surface. Above normal levels can result in road and recreation area closures when excessive rain or snowmelt occurs. During the winter, engineers lower the water level to allow for more flood capacity and to discourage aquatic weeds. The reservoir lake and surrounding land also provides wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. Fishing and boating are perenially popular activities in the region, along with hunting.
The Corps dam site has no restrooms or visitor center. However, there are recreational facilities operated by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, including marinas, accommodations, and other amenities situated on Leesville Lake.
Interested in exploring the area on your next RV vacation? You can rent an RV through Ohio RV Rentals. State parks that are about an hour's drive from Leesville Lake include Jefferson Lake State Park and Salt Fork State Park.
To reach Leesville Lake recreation areas on the west side of the lake from New Philadelphia, Ohio, travel 15 miles east on State Route 39 to State Route 212, and then head southeast. Take route 116 east to access the areas on the west shore of the lake. To reach wilderness areas and recreation areas on the north and east side of the lake, use Route 332 and exit at Route 22 or 19.
Overnight camping is available at the Harrison State Forest campgrounds, which are approximately a 40-minute drive south from Leesville Lake. From the recreation areas on the westside of Leesville Lake take Route 22 south. Continue south onto Route 151, just west of Jewett, Ohio, and exit right onto route 9, continuing in a southern direction. From Route 9 head east, then take route 189 north to the campground, which is situated on the right side of the road.
Roads are paved and easy to traverse for RVs and tow vehicles. During winter months, sub-freezing temperatures when snow or rain is falling, create slick conditions on area highways and access roads. Slow down, brake and execute turns cautiously, and use winter tires to mitigate reduced traction.
Located a 40-minute drive south of Leesville Lake, RV camping is available at the Harrison State Forest in Harrison County. The State Forest occupies 1345 acres, and the park has 20 miles of hiking and bridle trails, and a 100-yard shooting range. Seven family campsites and twenty horse campsites are available in the park. Camping at the park is free, is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and campers must self register on-site.
Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables with well treed, shady, private spots, and can accommodate small to moderately sized RVs. There are no serviced campsites, nor a dump station located at the state park, however, there is a hand pump that supplies water. The water pump does not operate during the offseason when freezing temperatures prevent their operation, and may not be suitable for drinking water. Vault toilets are available on site. Pets are permitted.
The Algonquin Mill Festival takes place annually in October and highlights local historical buildings as well as providing demonstrations on past traditions. There are also antique steam engines. Hosted by the Carroll County Historical Society, the festival is a short drive from Leesville Lake. Alternately, you can visit the 1830s McCooks House, a museum nine miles from the dam in Carrollton, Ohio. The restored house has exhibits unique to the Civil War “Fighting McCooks” family. The museum is open year-round but has special displays at Christmas time.
Public lands around the Leesville Lake, managed by the MWCD, are available for hunting in the appropriate season, usually late fall, and in the Leesville Wildlife Area, which has 394 acres or wilderness habit where hunting is also permitted.
Species available for harvest include deer, wild turkey, grouse, gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, and waterfowl. Wild turkey and grouse hunting is best conducted in the wooded areas. The brush areas, uplands, and field edges are ideal for hunting rabbits and white-tailed deer. The area is open for both bow and gun seasons.
Outdoor winter activities, when lakes and ponds freeze over and snow blankets wilderness areas near Leesville Lake, are an excellent way to get some exercise when the temperature drops. Ice fishing is possible when lakes and ponds freeze solid enough to support fishing activities, and snow-covered trails make excellent cross country skiing and snowshoeing paths. Snowmobiling is permitted in designated areas in some Ohio State parks. When engaging in winter activities, dress in layers and don’t forget water as water supplies in recreational areas are not available during sub-freezing temperatures.
There are two private marinas located on the lake, the Leesville South Fork Marina and the Leesville North Fork Marina, that provide boat sales, rentals, repairs, docking spots, and fuel for boaters on the lake. Launch ramps are also located at the marinas that are accessible to the public. A limit of 10 hp motors is in effect in Leesville Lake areas.
Ensure you have life preservers on board for all passengers as per state regulations. Car top watercraft, canoes, and kayaks can also be launched from the shoreline of boat launches and are frequent sights on the lake.
Famous for its excellent muskellunge fishing, several record muskie catches have been recorded at Leesville Lake. Fishing enthusiasts can fish Leesville Lake from boats, the shoreline, and below the dam. Bait and tackle, as well as boat rentals, are available at the marinas. Species available in the lake include stocked muskellunge, channel catfish and saugeye, and natural populations of largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, brown bullhead, northern pike, pumpkinseed sunfish, and carp. An Ohio state fishing license is required.
There are several foot trails located across from Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District recreational areas, and natural trails in the Leesville Wildlife Area on the westside of Leesville Lake. Nearby state parks have extensive hiking trail systems.
When you head out on the trails, you will be treated to forested areas, lakeside, and riverside views, and the opportunity to see wildlife. There are some black bears in the area, so use caution. When hiking in the summer months, make sure you have insect repellent, and pack lots of water to stay hydrated.
