Ohio / Highland County / Paint Creek State Park

Paint Creek Dam Site

Closed — Currently closed for the winter season. Shelters are typically available for reservation spring through fall.

About

Paint Creek Dam Site Area is located on Paint Creek Lake in southwestern Ohio and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This day-use facility offers two reservable group picnic shelters designed for gatherings of up to 100 people. Little Pond Shelter sits adjacent to Little Pond and features 15-amp electric hookups, corn hole courts, and nearby playground access. Overlook Shelter provides panoramic views of the lake and emergency spillway, with an environmental restroom and proximity to the visitor center. The area sits among gently rolling hills where open meadows meet wooded shoreline. A 1.5-mile hiking trail meanders near Little Pond, while individual first-come, first-served picnic sites with grills are scattered throughout. The downstream recreation area features rock climbing opportunities, a play area, and two stream access points for kayaking and canoeing on Paint Creek. An accessible fishing pier provides opportunities to catch white and black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth and spotted bass, rock bass, channel catfish, and saugeye. The visitor center houses flush restrooms, water fountains, and information. While Paint Creek Dam Site is a day-use area, overnight camping is available at nearby Paint Creek State Park campground, which offers a full range of amenities including swimming beach, boat ramps, marina, mini golf, disc golf, nature center, and amphitheater.

Directions

From Chillicothe, take Route 50 west for 18 miles to Bainbridge. Three miles past Bainbridge, turn right on Rapid Forge Road. Go 2 miles north and turn left into the Paint Creek Dam Site Area. Little Pond Shelter is located on the right just before crossing the dam. Overlook Shelter is located at the end of the road at the emergency spillway overlook.

Nearby Campgrounds