Tappan Lake is a reservoir located in eastern Ohio. The reservoir and dam is part of the Muskingum River Watershed, created for flood control, recreation, and conservation. Tappan Lake is just one of the 16 dams and 12 reservoirs that make up the Muskingum system. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages dam operations while the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District manages the reservoir for recreation and wildlife conservation. The 2,350-acre lake attracts many visitors for recreational activities both on the water and land. Tappan Lake has a 399 horsepower limit on the water, making it an excellent location for water skiing or tubing. Stocked annually with fish, anglers aren’t likely to leave disappointed whether they fish from the shoreline or by boat. On land, the nearly 14 miles of trails have plenty of hills and challenges for hikers. With many activities such as boating, hiking, swimming, and hunting, there is something for everyone at Tappan Lake. After a day filled with activity, why not spend the night or a few days at the lake? Tappan Lake Park has more than 500 campsites, ranging from primitive to RV sites with full hookups. With many amenities such as showers, drinking water, laundry facilities, and a playground, you’ll have a comfortable stay at the campground.
Tappan Lake is located in eastern Ohio between Cadiz and Uhrichsville. The lake and park can be accessed from US-250 and Tappan Lake Park Road. The city of Uhrichsville is about an 18-mile drive if in need of any services. For boaters, a marina is located on the lake which also offers some supplies.
The park is open year-round. Visitors shouldn’t have any trouble navigating the roads, regardless of the size of their rig. Snow and ice are common during the winter months and inclement weather can occur during the summer as well. Check road and weather conditions prior to your trip.
There is plenty of parking throughout Tappan Lake Park. Rather than drive around in your RV or with your trailer in tow, set up camp, then head out to enjoy the lake and park by car, bike, or on foot.
Camping is offered at Tappan Lake Park. The park is maintained and operated by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. With more than 500 campsites there are many site options ranging from primitive to those with full hookups. Cabins can be rented as well. The campground is open year-round with the peak season running from May to September. Water is shut-off at the full hookup campsites during the winter. Some campsites can be reserved for the summer season if you plan to stay long-term.
The many campsites at Tappan Lake are mostly shaded by the surrounding woods. For those that choose a site with electricity, the park provides 30-amp electrical hookups. The campsites vary in length with many able to accommodate large RVs or trailers. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Many water spigots are located throughout each of the camping areas.
Campers will enjoy many park amenities during their stay. A playground is located at the campground providing kids with a place to play between other activities. Hiking trails connect to the campground. Additional amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and dump stations.
With its 399 horsepower limit, Tappan Lake attracts many visitors for water recreation. Guests can zip around the lake on waterskis and tubes, or they can spend a leisurely day fishing and exploring the 2300-acre lake. There are two public boat ramps and a third boat ramp at Tappan Lake Park. Pontoons, kayaks, and paddle-boats can be rented at the beach during the summer season. A marina is located on the lake, which also offers boat rentals in addition to fuel and other supplies.
Taking a swim in Tappan Lake is the perfect way to cool off on a summer day. The swimming beach at Tappan Lake Park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers many fun water activities. An inflatable slide is set up during the summer season as well as floating obstacles for park visitors to climb and jump on in the water. Lifeguards are on duty when the swimming area is open.
There are many picnic areas at Tappan Lake near the dam and at Tappan Lake Park. Many of the picnic sites are located near the beach, featuring fantastic lake views. There are two reservable picnic pavilions at Tappan Lake Park. The pavilions have both charcoal and electric grills, electricity, and lighting. The pavilions can accommodate as many as 100 people, making them perfect for reunions, weddings, and other celebrations.
There are nearly 14 miles of hiking trails in varying lengths for visitors to explore at Tappan Lake. Most of the trails have many hills and are considered to be challenging. One of the more popular hikes is along the Turkey Ridge Trail which leads to Beal Farm, one of the trailheads for the 1,400 mile-long Buckeye Trail. While venturing down the trails, hikers will encounter lake views and have the opportunity to view much of Tappan Lake’s wildlife.
Tappan Lake is stocked annually with many different types of fish, making it an excellent fishing destination. Anglers can fish from the shore or by boat. The lake has an abundance of various types of catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. A state fishing license is required to fish in Ohio.
Tappan Lake and the surrounding land is open for public hunting. There is no hunting allowed within park boundaries. Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the lake. Deer and wild turkey are commonly hunted on land in addition to many other types of birds and wildlife. Ensure you become familiar with regulations and pick up the necessary hunting license and other permits.
Visitors to Tappan Lake can enjoy many recreational sports at Tappan Lake Park. Play a game of sand volleyball or shoot some hoops at one of the two basketball courts. Is basketball not your game? Tennis courts are located next to the basketball court in case you want to practice your swing instead. If preferred, try your luck with a game of horseshoes. Bring your own horseshoes or borrow a set from the park.
