About CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)
Overview C.J. Brown Reservoir is located in west-central Ohio, two miles northeast of Springfield; thirty-five miles northeast of Dayton, and forty-five miles west of Columbus.Recreation There are many recreational opportunities to enjoy at the lake including fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. At nearby Buck Creek State Park, visitors also enjoy swimming, boating, and camping.Facilities C.J. Brown Reservoir offers three reservable picnic shelters, with grills, picnic tables, electric service, and water fountains. The Visitor Center has exhibits on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and history of the Dam and lake, along with the natural resources and recreation in the area. Restrooms for the Meadow View shelter are located at the Visitor Center.Natural Features The Buck Creek valley was once a patchwork of wetland fens, prairie meadows, oak savannas, and open oak woodlands. Today, the 2,120 acre C.J. Brown Reservoir is surrounded by varied habitats, from brushy old fields, to restored prairie, to forest. C.J. Brown was designated an Ohio Important Bird Area in 2002. Nearby Attractions At adjacent Buck Creek State Park, there is a campground, rental cottages, a marina, swimming beach, and trails. Springfield, Ohio, is just a few miles away, and has several museums that are worth visiting, including the Heritage Center and the Frank Lloyd Wright Westcott House.Charges & Cancellations Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of your reservation. A $10.00 fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. For full Details see the Recreation One Stop cancellation Policy
How to Get There
From I-70 westbound, Exit at US 40 and go west to Bird Rd. Turn right (north) on Bird Rd. then left on Old Columbus Rd. Following the signs for the CJ Brown Visitor Center, turn right onto Croft Rd., then right onto Overlook Drive into the park. From I-70 Eastbound exit at SR 4, follow 4 north through Springfield to Croft Rd. Turn right on Croft and left onto Overlook Dr.
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 CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)
Heading to CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)? 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 CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)?
No central reservation system listed for CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251350) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)?
From I-70 westbound, Exit at US 40 and go west to Bird Rd. Turn right (north) on Bird Rd. then left on Old Columbus Rd. Following the signs for the CJ Brown Visitor Center, turn right onto Croft Rd., then right onto Overlook Drive into the park. From I-70 Eastbound exit at SR 4, follow 4 north through Springfield to Croft Rd. Turn right on Croft and left onto Overlook Dr.
How do I contact CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)?
You can reach the park at phone: 937-325-2411 or email: brian.t.menker@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
