About Dillon Lake Group Picnic Shelter
Overview Dillon Lake is approximately six miles northwest of Zanesville, Ohio, and twenty miles east of Newark, Ohio. Access to the lake is provided by State Route 146 via State Routes 16 and 586 from the north and US 40 and Interstate 70 from the south. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, but the area is open 24 hours.Recreation Plenty of recreation is available throughout this area including water sports on the lake, great fishing and hunting, biking, and extraordinary wildlife viewing. We offer an accessible fishing pier below the dam and a trail with exercise facilities.Facilities The picnic shelter offers 10 accessible picnic tables. The facility also offers several barbeque grills and a large fenced-in playground. Other facilities include a gazebo and fitness trail surrounded by park benches, picnic tables and beautiful landscaping.Natural Features The picnic shelter/playground area is located above Dillon Lake, next to a large parking area. Visitors get a beautiful view of the lake, grass covered hills and wooded areas. Nearby Attractions Other facilities around the area are provided by the Ohio State Parks and Division of Wildlife. These include several boat launches, plenty of hiking, biking, and horse trails, hunting areas, and a swim beach.
How to Get There
The facility is located along Route 146, approximately 7 miles north of Zanesville, Ohio. You can access Route 146 by either State Route 16 from the north, or by US 70 from the south.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Dillon Lake Group Picnic Shelter
Heading to Dillon Lake Group Picnic Shelter? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Dillon Lake Group Picnic Shelter?
No central reservation system listed for Dillon Lake Group Picnic Shelter. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250818) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Dillon Lake Group Picnic Shelter?
The facility is located along Route 146, approximately 7 miles north of Zanesville, Ohio. You can access Route 146 by either State Route 16 from the north, or by US 70 from the south.
How do I contact Dillon Lake Group Picnic Shelter?
You can reach the park at phone: 740-454-2225.
References & Official Resources
