Looking for something a little unusual during your RV travels in Ohio? Check out Mohawk Dam. Located in Coshocton County, Mohawk Dam is a dry dam that only will fill with water during flooding conditions. The U.S Corps of Engineers built the dam in 1935 after extensive damage was done to neighboring towns during the early 20th century. Due to flooding in 1937, it was put to use before it was properly completed. The dam is 111 feet high and 2,330 feet long with the capacity to hold 285,000 acre-feet of floodwaters.
Visitors to the dam when the area has not been flooding will be greeted with a deep and wide grass surface that looks unchangeable. Since there is no constant water within Mohawk Dam, there are no recreational activities to be found. However, if you head below the dam, there are plenty to be had in and around the Walhonding River. These include boating, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching.
If you want to stay near the dam in your own or a rented rig, there is a campground located just south of the dam wall that is suitable for RV use. There are 31 sites available for you to call home at the Mohawk Dam Campground, all of which are equipped with electric hookups. Whether this is your first time RV traveling or you are a seasoned veteran, Mohawk Dam is an interesting spot to visit all year round.
Getting to and from Mohawk Dam is relatively easy since it is located directly off OH-715. This road is the only one that passes by the dam, and you can also use it if you want to find the entrance to the campground. It is kept in very good condition, so you shouldn't have issues when you are navigating it.
If you want to pick up some supplies before your visit to Mohawk Dam, there are a few towns within close proximity, including Warsaw (around five miles away), Danville (around 19 miles away), and Utica (around 27 miles away). The closest city to Mohawk Dam is New Philadelphia, which is 49.5 miles to the northeast.
Getting in and around the campground will be quite easy as it is relatively flat, and there are no tight turns to be made or overhanging branches that could damage your RV. During the wintertime, the area can experience a lot of show, so if you are planning on visiting during this time, call ahead to the office to confirm the roads will be open.
There are plenty of parking spaces located at the U.S Corps of Engineers office and within the campground.
Located just below the dam is a small RV friendly campground that is perfect for those wanting to stay as close to the dam as possible. The campground features level sites and grass pads with a total of 31 sites to choose from.
All of the sites at the Mohawk Dam Campground are equipped with electric hookups, but there are no water or sewer hookups. Other amenities within the campground include water collection points, restrooms, three gray water stations, and a dump station. You will also have access to the Walhonding River and be able to use the take-out point. You should also be able to get phone reception within the campground, and pets are allowed.
If you wish to stay at Mohawk Dam Campground, call the dam office to reserve a site. Mohawk Dam Campground should be open all year round, except for any major winter storms.
While you can't go boating within the Mohawk Dam, there are miles of river to explore both north and south of the dam walls thanks to the Walhonding River. The river is the most popular place for boating in the area, especially with canoers and kayakers. If you want to launch a boat near the lake, you can do so at the campground area, thanks to the take-out point. Large boats are not recommended, and you must bring your own or hire a private rental as none are available at the dam.
If you are looking to go for a picnic during your visit to Mohawk Dam, you will be pleased to note that there are multiple picnic areas to choose from. The tables are dotted around the grounds of the dam, and you can also find some great spots to enjoy the day below the dam wall along the Walhonding River. At some of the picnic areas, some grills are free for you to use, and they are perfect for cooking any freshly caught fish. None of the picnic areas can be reserved, so they are available on a first-come, first-served only basis.
Held during a weekend in October, Roscoe Village in Coshocton County is host to the three day Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival. The festival celebrates the harvest celebration and features over 100 different craft and food vendors, people dressed up in clothes of the past, musical performances, and, of course, homemade apple butter. If you are visiting Mohawk Dam during this time, we recommend you go and check out this family-friendly festival if you have the chance.
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to and from Mohawk Dam.
Along with being great for boating, the Walhonding River is also a superb place to throw out a line and try for some fish. Fishing is allowed below the dam and can be done all year round (barring severe winter conditions). The most popular species to target include catfish, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. If you don't have any fishing gear, you will need to buy some or rent some privately. Remember, you will also need a fishing license in Ohio to legally go fishing.
The area adjacent to Mohawk Dam is very popular with hunters due to its being open for the public to enjoy during the state seasons. The most popular animal hunted on this land are deer, and there have been some big bucks caught in the area. All of the state hunting rules and regulations need to be obeyed if you want to hunt in this area. Please note that hunting within 500 feet of any dam amenities is not allowed.
If you find yourself visiting Mohawk Dam during December, consider heading into the village of Roscoe and participating in the Roscoe Christmas & Candlelighting Ceremony. This family-friendly event features many activities, including a visit from Santa himself. The candle lighting ceremony begins in the early evening and is followed by group singing of songs such a silent night. For the exact dates of the festival you can check out the Coshocton County website.
