Paint Creek Dam Site

About

Located at Paint Creek Lake in southwestern Ohio, Paint Creek Dam Site is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers downstream recreation area offering day-use facilities rather than overnight camping. The area features two reservable group picnic shelters: Little Pond Shelter with 15-amp electric hookups and a water fountain, and Overlook Shelter near the emergency spillway with access to the visitor center's flush restrooms. Both shelters can accommodate up to 100 people for group gatherings and events. Recreational opportunities include a 1.5-mile hiking trail near Little Pond, an accessible fishing pier, and rock climbing on designated walls (Harmony Trail wall and Spillway walls). Climbing is limited to daylight hours with no lead climbing permitted. The visitor center provides information about the area's natural and cultural history. For overnight camping, visitors should look to the nearby Paint Creek State Park Campground, a separate facility operated by Ohio DNR with 197 electric sites, showers, and full amenities. The Dam Site area serves as an excellent complement for day activities while staying at the state park campground.

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 on the right before crossing the dam; Overlook Shelter is at the end of the road at the emergency spillway.