Piedmont Lake, in southeastern Ohio, is the reservoir formed as a result of the US Army Corps of Engineers' construction of the Piedmont Dam across Stillwater Creek. The lake provides flood control for the surrounding area as well as several outdoor recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat preservation. Approximately ten miles long and offering over 2,000 acres of surface water, Piedmont Lake is a popular destination for camping, boating, swimming, and game fishing.
Although initially constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers, Piedmont Lake is now part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. They manage all activities, including the campgrounds here. The lake is famous for large catches of muskie and catfish, and the Piedmont Lake Marina is the hub of the lake. It's where you can get your fishing license, rent a boat, get supplies, and find additional information on the COE park.
The camping at Piedmont Lake accommodates RVs up to 35 feet and offers all the amenities of home, including laundry. A stay here is an ideally situated base for further exploration around this scenic area of Ohio. You can easily get to Salt Fork State Park and Hillman State Park. The Egypt Valley Wildlife Area borders much of the eastern part of the lake. For some city life, your vacation can also include stops in Columbus, Ohio, or Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. A vacation to Piedmont Lake really has it all.
The two-hour journey from Columbus takes you east past Buckeye Lake, Zanesville, and New Concord. A very slight detour of about 20 minutes takes you to the picturesque Salt Fork State Park, a worthwhile stop along the way.
Visitors starting out in Pittsburg travel less than 100 miles to their destination. The journey west is more rural and there are fewer small towns along the way. About halfway to Piedmont Lake, you'll find Hillman State Park, directly off Route 22.
No matter which way you're traveling, you're bound to end up on State Route 22 to reach Piedmont Lake. The roads are fairly well maintained and most traffic occurs within the limits of the major cities. Watch out for slowdowns due to road construction in the summer. In the winter, this area is prone to heavy snowfall and ice. Winter tires, chains, and other winter road gear are a must. If you're planning some ice fishing, just leave extra time to reach the lake.
The Piedmont Lake Marina has a large parking area suitable for vehicles towing boats and large rigs like motorhomes and trailers. The campgrounds can be accessed from this parking area as well. If you are planning to spend most of your time in an around the marina, walking is a great option. Cycling is also permitted on all roads around the COE park.
Managed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, a political subdivision of the State of Ohio, the Piedmont Lake Marina and Campground offers 80 campsites. Some sites have full hookups, while others have electric hookups only. Your rig up to 35 feet will fit nicely on the concrete pads, and each pet-friendly campsite has its own fire ring and picnic table. If you reserve in advance online, try to get one of the premium waterfront sites.
The camping area offers tons of amenities to make your Ohio camping trip even easier. The restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities are convenient and clean. There is also a restaurant on-site with a large deck so diners can take in panoramic lake views while having dinner.
If travelers want to take a break from their motorhome or trailer, the Piedmont Marina offers a selection of cabins with kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable beds.
Campers can make use of all the marina's features like the docks, fuel station, and boat rental. Any fishing supplies are easily obtained here too.
This Army Corps of Engineers park does not provide any official swimming beaches at Piedmont Lake. Luckily, that doesn't mean you can't take a refreshing dip. It just means that any swimming done from the shores is at your own risk. Always be cautious, swim in pairs, and pay close attention to children and weaker swimmers.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, which manages the campground and marina, provides a designated swimming area that is accessible by boat only. Marked by buoys, this area is an exciting place to take the plunge into the cool, clear water. If you don't have a boat with you, don't worry. Rent one from the marina so that you don't miss out on this fun activity.
Piedmont Lake imposes a ten horsepower limit for any boat on the COE lake. This makes for a more peaceful and quiet water experience. Two public boat ramps on the lake make access simple and quick.
Fishing and swimming from your boat are popular pastimes here, along with exploring the many coves and miles of shoreline. If you forget your boat at home or simply don't have one, you can rent boats by the hour or day at the Piedmont Lake Marina. They offer access to kayaks, fishing boats, and pontoon boats.
The 1,250-mile Buckeye Trail, which loops around the state of Ohio, has a portion that passes through the area of Piedmont Lake. This is part of the 42-mile section that travels through western Harrison County.
Hikers can also head to the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area to do some exploring. The closest town is Morristown and the wildlife area borders almost the entire eastern section of Piedmont Lake. Follow one of the many trails here while watching out for local wildlife like deer, squirrel, and rabbit. River otters have also been successfully reintroduced to this area.
Piedmont Lake is an angler's paradise, especially for those looking for the big catch. Muskie over 55 pounds and catfish between 50 and 70 pounds have been caught at this COE lake. In addition to these large catches, you can expect to catch large and smallmouth bass, saugeye, and bluegill.
If it's muskie you're after, the spring and fall are the best times to reel them in. Catfish are most productive during the summer, and smallmouth bass will end up on your hook in the early spring.
A year-round staple for anglers at Piedmont Lake is the saugeye. Spring is a wonderful time to find them at the lower end of the lake. Ice fishing in the winter for this freshwater fish is also popular near submerged roadbeds. no matter when you're fishing, make sure you have a valid Ohio fishing license. You can get one on-site at the marina's store.
The rural wilderness of Piedmont Lake and the surrounding area provides an ideal habitat for spectacular wildlife. From the grasslands and streams of nearby Egypt Valley Wildlife Area to the thick forests found around the lake, you can see both native and non-native species.
Typical wildlife encounters here include deer, rabbit, squirrel, and wild turkey. Hunters can also hunt these same animals in the permitted areas with an appropriate license.
Ospreys and bald eagles sometimes stop in the area on their annual migration. Non-native short-eared owls, bobolink, and Henslow's sparrows also frequent the park.
For visitors who like to dine outdoors, you'll have no trouble finding an idyllic spot at this COE lake. The dense trees and blue lake make for the perfect setting. Bring your lunch and a blanket to set up on the lakeshore, or if you forget your meal, there's a lunch counter at the marina. The grassy bans near the marina offer pleasant scenery and the hustle and bustle of an active marina.
More traditional picnic facilities are available about a quarter-mile from the Piedmont Dam on Route 22.
