Wills Creek Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Looking for a new spot for your next RV getaway? Plan a trip to Wills Creek Lake. It's an excellent place for your next camping adventure.
Wills Creek Lake is found at the eastern tip of the state of Ohio and is a manmade dam that provides flood control for the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. This reservoir rests near to the town of Coshocton, OH. In 2005, Wills Creek Lake became the first manmade dam to exceed its limitations, resulting in a flood. This unusual event occurred as a result of extreme and unusually rainy conditions in the region that season.
Wills Creek Lake is located in the counties of Coshocton and Muskingum and offers excellent opportunities for such popular outdoor recreational activities as hunting and fishing. Its nearest dwelling place is Roscoe Village, a tiny town located on the historic Ohio-Erie Canal.
This body of water encompasses 900 acres in total. While hunting and fishing remain the primary attractions, other fun activities at Wills Creek Lake include camping, picnicking, photography, swimming, boating, and beachcombing.
For a relaxing vacation you'll not soon forget, consider an RV stay at Wills Creek Lake. You'll find the region is like your own private slice of paradise.
RV Rentals in Wills Creek Lake
Transportation
Driving
Travel to Wills Creek Lake progresses smoothly along roads of two-lanes in construction. The highways are in good condition, and traffic moves along fluidly regardless of the time of year. The highways are kept free from snow to afford travelers the opportunity to visit Wills Creek Lake year-round. Construction takes place only occasionally, and delays in travel times are highly unusual. Wildlife does sometimes enter the roadway, so do remain alert to avoid an accident.
Parking
Parking is available at several different locations; however, there is no formal parking lot provided at Wills Creek Lake.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to Wills Creek Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Wills Creek Lake
Campsites in Wills Creek Lake
Reservations camping
Coshocton KOA Campground
Coshocton KOA Campground is the closest RV and tent camping facility to Wills Creek Lake. It offers many campsites for year-round camping by reservation. The campsites provide power hookups and can accommodate RV's and trailers up to 100 feet in length.
Other on-site amenities include Wifi, a pool, a pavilion, and propane and firewood for purchase.
A campground that is big on creature comforts, you will find the following at Coshocton KOA Campground: a camp store, a gift shop, bathrooms, cabins for rent, a laundry room, a playground, showers, and a giant corn maze.
Pets are permitted to join their owners but must remain leashed.
Seasonal activities in Wills Creek Lake
In-Season
Boating
For those who are hankering to get their boat out on the water, you won't be disappointed with a trip to Wills Creek Lake. There is a public boat launch that is owned and operated by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. Here, you can deploy your pleasurecraft directly from the ramp, or you can opt to paddle your canoe or kayak out into the water directly from the shore.
It is important to note that a permit is required to use a boat in Wills Creek Lake, and there is a limit of 10 horsepower established by the city.
Roscoe Village
No visit to Wills Creek Lake would be complete without stopping by Roscoe Village. This nearby town rests along the Ohio-Erie Canal and is picture-perfect to behold. In years gone by, Roscoe Village was a prominent port town that enjoyed great popularity among traders and travelers. The town gained notoriety when a cash-poor businessman proposed that farmers would prefer to conduct their business locally than to pay to travel by ferry to nearby Coshocton. The gentleman's name was James Calder. Calder established the town in his own name, calling it Caldersburgh. It was later renamed Roscoe Village after well-known historian and abolitionist William Roscoe.
During its heyday, Roscoe Village enjoyed its status as a large wheat port until the 1860s when travel by canal was largely abandoned in favor of railways.
Today, the town has been restored to its former glory, and visitors can enjoy stepping back in time as they wander its streets, which are dedicated to its 19th century glory days.
Picnicking
Picnicking remains a popular activity at Wills Creek Lake. The property houses a picnic area that is easily accessible just beneath the dam's fishing area. You will enjoy the beautiful sights you will behold as you picnic by the lake.
Bring along your camera, so you can record the incredible scenery that surrounds you.
Your dog may join you on your picnic adventure, but please do keep them leashed at all times.
Off-Season
Fishing
Wills Creek Lake enjoys a tremendous reputation for its excellent fishing opportunities. A state license is required here, so be sure to obtain one before heading out on your angling excursion.
The area is home to a new fishing area that is located just beneath the dam. Here you will find a concrete fishing platform, easily accessible parking facilities, and a single picnic table for public use.
Check with area officials to see if filleting is permitted on the premises or if you must wait until you get home.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound at Wills Creek Lake. You can wander the shoreline at your leisure, set out through the woods, or follow one of the well-marked trails. With paths of various lengths and intensities, you will not want for choice and are sure to find something to meet the needs of every member of your hiking party.
Wear appropriate footwear for challenging terrain to prevent injury and carry lots of drinking water to remain well-hydrated. Fido may join you on the trails at Wills Creek Lake, but please keep him leashed.
Hunting
Hunting is one of the main attractions at Wills Creek Lake. Several areas are outlined on maps provided by the USACE and MWCD, which indicate the sections and times of year when hunting is permitted. These can be obtained at the Wills Creek General Store or directly at the MWCD office. A state license is required to hunt at Wills Creek Lake. Among some of the animals you may find here are rabbits, fox, deer, and wild turkeys.
