William H Harsha Lake Dam
Open
— The facility is currently open with two group shelters available for reservation through Recreation.gov. No overnight camping is permitted at this Army Corps of Engineers property.
About
William H. Harsha Lake Dam is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Louisville District and is located roughly four miles south of Batavia, Ohio, in Clermont County. The dam was authorized under the Flood Control Act of 1938, with construction beginning in May 1970 and becoming fully operational in May 1978. Originally called East Fork Lake, it was renamed in 1981 to honor retired congressman William H. Harsha. Since completion, the dam has prevented more than $87 million in flood damages.
While overnight camping of any type is not permitted at the William H. Harsha project, two group shelters with electric hookups are available for reservation: the Tailwater Shelter and Overlook Shelter. These facilities can be reserved through Recreation.gov for day use and special events. The Visitor Center, located one-half mile beyond the main dam on Slade Road, features interpretive displays, a scenic overlook, and natural trails. Special programs are available for schools and organizations.
Recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, and trapping in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Fossil finding is a popular activity at the nearby spillway, though a free permit from the Visitor Center is required. For overnight camping, visitors are directed to East Fork State Park, which operates a nearby campground accessible from Half Acre Road off SR 32 near Afton. The state park offers camping, fishing, boating, hunting, picnicking, and swimming on the 2,107-acre reservoir.
Directions
From Cincinnati: Take I-71 South toward Louisville, merge onto I-471 South toward Newport, KY, then I-275 East toward Columbus. Take OH-125 exit toward Amelia/Beechmont Ave, turn right onto OH-125/Ohio Pike and continue following OH-125. Turn left onto OH-222, then right onto Slade Road. The facility is located at 2185 Slade Road, Batavia, Ohio, approximately 28 miles from Cincinnati.
Nearby Campgrounds