Jackson Lake State Park Shelters

About

Jackson Lake State Park encompasses 107 acres along the shores of 242-acre Jackson Lake in the scenic Appalachian Highlands of southeastern Ohio. The park features three picnic shelters available for group use, set within a landscape of rolling sandstone hills covered by magnificent second-growth forests of oak, maple, hickory, and tulip trees. The area's rugged terrain and diverse habitats support abundant wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous songbirds. The park's history dates back to the iron-producing era when the Jefferson Iron Furnace operated nearby, manufacturing cannons during the Civil War. After the furnaces closed, the forests rejuvenated, and Jackson Lake was impounded in 1938. The area was officially dedicated as a state park in 1979. Today, visitors can explore remnants of the historic furnace within park boundaries and enjoy the Leo Petroglyph State Memorial nearby, featuring well-preserved rock carvings by prehistoric Indians. Beyond the picnic shelters, the park offers a 200-foot sandy swimming beach, two boat launch ramps with a 10-horsepower limit, and quality fishing for bass, muskie, bluegill, catfish, and carp. A small campground with 34 electric sites serves overnight visitors. The park's two picnic areas and three shelters provide excellent venues for family gatherings and group events in one of Ohio's most picturesque regions.

Directions

Located on Tommy Been Road, two miles west of Oak Hill in Jackson County, southeastern Ohio.