Dillon State Park Campground Introduce
Hey there, Ohioans! Are you looking for a fantastic outdoor escape right here in the heart of our beautiful state? Then it’s time to explore Dillon State Park Campground, a welcoming and well-maintained destination nestled in Nashport, Ohio. This isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant hub for recreation, relaxation, and reconnecting with nature. While every state park has its unique charm, Dillon State Park offers a solid and enjoyable camping experience, blending picturesque views with convenient amenities. Whether you’re a seasoned camper, a family seeking adventure, or just passing through, Dillon State Park Campground provides a refreshing break from the everyday.
Dillon State Park Campground is a cherished part of the Ohio State Parks system, known for its scenic beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. It’s built around Dillon Lake, offering a variety of water-based activities, alongside an extensive network of trails through wooded hills and valleys. Visitors appreciate the ease of navigation within the park and the overall well-maintained facilities, from shower houses to the convenient camp store. While some have noted that individual campsites can feel a bit close, the overall atmosphere is remarkably quiet, especially during designated quiet hours, making for a truly peaceful stay. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and offers "amazing views" from the beach, providing ample opportunities for stunning photography and nature observation. The dedicated staff, particularly noted for their helpfulness, ensures that guests feel welcome and supported throughout their visit.
Dillon State Park Campground is conveniently located at 4405 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA. This address places it approximately six miles northwest of Zanesville, Ohio, and about twenty miles east of Newark, making it an accessible destination for many Ohio residents. Its proximity to State Route 146, which connects to major routes like State Route 16 from the north and US 40 and Interstate 70 from the south, ensures that travel to the campground is straightforward and efficient.
Despite its convenient access from major roadways, Dillon State Park maintains a tranquil and natural setting. The journey to the park typically involves scenic drives through Ohio's rolling countryside, slowly immersing you in the peaceful atmosphere. While some areas of the park may require a short drive to reach specific attractions like the beach, the overall accessibility makes it a practical choice for both short overnight stays for travelers and longer vacations for Ohio families looking to explore their own backyard. This balance of convenience and natural beauty is a significant draw for locals seeking a quick escape or an extended adventure.
Dillon State Park Campground offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed to cater to various camping preferences and ensure a comfortable stay for all visitors.
- Diverse Campsite Options: The campground provides a variety of overnight accommodations, including 195 family campsites with options for Full Hookup, Electric, and Non-electric sites. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table. There are also 20 Non-electric equestrian campsites with flush toilets.
- Deluxe Vacation Cabins: For those seeking more comfort, the park offers deluxe vacation cabins equipped with two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom with a shower, a full electric kitchen, and cable television. Some cabins are pet-friendly.
- Clean Restrooms & Showers: Well-maintained shower houses with flush toilets are available throughout the campground, ensuring a clean and efficient experience for campers. A dump station is also provided.
- Camp Store: A convenient on-site camp store carries essential camping supplies, groceries, and sometimes offers free WiFi access.
- Ball Courts & Playgrounds: Facilities include various ball courts and an inclusive playground for children, offering plenty of space for active play. A Gaga ball court is located near the Camp Store.
- Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are permitted on all campsites, and in specific cabins (Cabins 10, 12, 13, 14, and 15), allowing families to bring their furry friends along.
- Boat Launch Ramps: Multiple boat launch ramps provide easy access to Dillon Lake for boating, fishing, and water sports (with a 10 horsepower limit on the lake).
- Sandy Swimming Beach: A large, well-kept sandy beach is available for public swimming, complete with restrooms, a playground, and picnic areas nearby.
- Nature Center & Educational Programs: The park features a Nature Center that hosts special activities and programs, offering educational insights into local wildlife and ecosystems, suitable for all ages.
- Laundry Facilities: A commissary near the check-in station also offers laundromat services.
Dillon State Park Campground boasts numerous features and highlights that enhance the overall camping experience, making it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Amazing Views and Abundant Wildlife: Visitors praise the "amazing views from the beach" and the opportunity to observe "lots of wildlife," including double-crested cormorants, great blue herons, and deer. This natural beauty provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and photography.
- Extensive Trail System: The park offers a variety of hiking trails with different lengths and levels of difficulty, such as Black Locust Paved Loop, King Ridge Loop, and Licking Bend Trail, catering to both casual strollers and more avid hikers. Equestrian trails are also available.
- Quiet and Well-Maintained: Despite the high volume of visitors, the campground is noted for its "quiet hour" enforcement and overall cleanliness. The facilities, including restrooms and shower houses, are consistently well-kept.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Beyond the playgrounds and splash pad, the park frequently organizes special activities for kids, such as nature center programs and fishing derbies, ensuring entertainment for younger campers. An amphitheater also hosts events.
- Diverse Recreational Opportunities: In addition to camping, the park offers disc golf (Woodchuck Ridge Disc Golf Course), an archery range (bring your own equipment), and a skydeck for astronomy at night. During winter, there's a large sledding hill.
- Helpful and Welcoming Staff: The park staff, including the "Dillon" mentioned in a review, are highly praised for being "incredibly helpful" and accommodating, even for last-minute reservation changes. This excellent customer service enhances the overall stay.
- Dillon Lake Activities: The 1,560-acre lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, providing a central hub for water-based fun.
- Inclusive Playground: The campground features an inclusive playground, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for all children.
As part of the Ohio State Parks system, Dillon State Park Campground's promotions and special offers are typically managed through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reservation system. While specific "flash sales" might not be widely advertised, there are standard ways for visitors to find value and plan their trips.
- Online Reservation System: Reservations for campsites and cabins can be made up to six months in advance online through the ODNR website (ReserveOhio.com) or by calling the central reservation line. This allows for planning and securing desired sites, especially during peak seasons.
- Off-Peak Season Availability: During the off-peak season (typically November to April), some services might be reduced, but specific loops or sites (e.g., Area A sites 1-104) remain open, potentially offering a more serene and less crowded experience.
- Cabin Deals: While not always a "promotion," cabin reservations often require a two-night minimum stay, which can sometimes equate to better value per night for longer visits. Certain cabins are also pet-friendly, adding value for pet owners.
- Event Participation: While not a discount, the park regularly hosts a variety of free or low-cost special events and naturalist programs throughout the year (e.g., Wetlands Wednesday Kayak Cruises, Sunset Beach Yoga, fishing derbies, Storytime trails). Checking the ODNR events calendar for Dillon State Park is recommended to see what activities coincide with your visit.
For the most current rates and any potential seasonal offers, it's always best to check the official Ohio State Parks reservation website or call the park office directly.
For reservations, general inquiries, or to get the most current information about Dillon State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:
- Address: 4405 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA
- Park Office Phone: (740) 452-1083
You can also reach them via mobile phone at +1 740-452-1083. For campsite and cabin reservations specifically, the central Ohio State Parks reservation line is available at (866) 644-6727, or you can visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website to make online reservations. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekend and holiday stays, as popular sites can fill up quickly. The staff are known for being incredibly helpful, so don't hesitate to call if you have any questions about planning your trip.
For Ohio locals, Dillon State Park Campground stands out as an incredibly suitable and appealing destination for a multitude of reasons. Its convenient location near Zanesville makes it easily accessible for a wide range of Ohio residents, ensuring that a refreshing outdoor escape is never too far away. This park offers a balanced experience, combining the tranquility of nature with an impressive array of activities that cater to all ages and interests.
Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to fish in Dillon Lake, an adventurous hike on one of the many trails, or simply a peaceful place to relax with family, this campground delivers. The commitment to maintaining clean facilities, including well-kept restrooms and showers, adds a significant layer of comfort to the camping experience. The inclusion of amenities like playgrounds, a splash pad, and a dog park makes it particularly ideal for families and those traveling with pets. Even though some sites might be closer together than in other parks, the generally quiet atmosphere and the helpfulness of the staff more than compensate, creating a welcoming environment that feels like a true retreat. Choosing Dillon State Park Campground means embracing a versatile and enjoyable Ohio outdoor adventure right in our own backyard, making it a highly recommended spot for local residents to explore and create lasting memories.
Dillon State Park Campground Photos










Dillon State Park Campground Location
Dillon State Park Campground
4405 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA
Dillon State Park Campground Reviews
We spent 3 nights on a campsite this past weekend, and it was a good campground, but other state parks are better.I gave 4 stars because it's a nice campground, with shower houses, a camp store and the nature center. It has some amazing views from the beach and lots of wildlife.I didn't give 5 stars because the sites are small and very close together. There was an amphitheater, the storytale trail, special nature center activities on Saturday, a fishing derby on Saturday, and when we checked in on friday afternoon at 3:30pm, no one said a word about any of it. Unfortunately, our 4 kids learned about the activities at the playground afterward! There was not easy access to the lake for all parts of the campground. If your looking to spend a good amount of time at the beach or near the water, the equestrian campground is the closest. We have always had great experiences at other state parks and this trip was disappointing.
Jun 16, 2025 · AmandaI was driving through Ohio on my way to Indiana from the East Coast. I called the park office, both state and the Dillon park offices. Everyone was incredibly helpful and Dillon at Dillon State Park was huge in helping me switch my reservation from one park to this one almost last minute. As for the park, it was easy to navigate, very well maintained, and not too crowded. I got there very late at night, so as long as you have a reservation, you are welcome to help yourself to your reserved site. Quiet hour truly was quiet hour, and the restroom/shower facilities were efficient. If I ever find myself passing this park in my travels, I will seriously consider staying again!
May 22, 2025 · jessab 13We had such an amazing time. It was the kids first camping experience and I couldn't have asked for a better one. The campgrounds are gorgeous, quiet and clean. All around a good environment. And so many activities available. We played at the playground, walked around and visited the beach. Highly recommend stopping at the park store for some ice cream!
Oct 06, 2024 · Breanna HellyerI absolutely love this park. It's beautiful. We go here almost every year and I always get the cabins on site. They are better than most hotel rooms I've had and you can't beat the price for the amount of space and amenities. If you get the upgraded cabins, the mattresses are as good as a hotel and they can come with a fireplace, cable TV and a full kitchen with basic dishes and cookware. And of course there's linens for the beds (packaged up so you know they are. Fresh and clean!) And towels so you can take a shower without having to bring along bulky towels along. I love sitting in the screen porch in the morning drinking a cup of coffee too. Overall highly recommend the cabins. Honestly, I usually just kind of hang around that area but the woods around it is beautiful and I plan to play on the disc golf course on site next time I visit! Lots of wildlife, over the years I've seen a whole bunch of deer, tons of birds, butterflies, and others, even a skunk passed through once! They do have a camp store on site that has a lot of basic stuff like camping supplies and drinks and ice cream as well. Also the staff has always been super kind and friendly which is always lovely to come back to!
Sep 02, 2023 · Laura Clark (Dragoness)We did a weekend winter camp at spot 103. The camping spot was very easy to get into. We had a great view overlooking the frisbee course. I would like to see the spots remeasured because they are shorter than listed.
Dec 24, 2024 · Lewis Garver
More Camping Near Me

4405 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA

Unnamed Road, Nashport, OH 43830, USA

6819 Newark Rd, Nashport, OH 43830, USA

5880 Friendly Hills Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA

9375 N River Rd, Dresden, OH 43821, USA

2850 S Pleasant Grove Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA

3765 Roseville Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA

3129 E Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA

3246 Loper Rd NE, Newark, OH 43055, USA

5MFR+X8, Newark, OH 43071, USA

6575 Township Rd 154 NE, New Lexington, OH 43764, USA

7375 Sugargrove Rd, Chandlersville, OH 43727, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Top Searches
Trending The Campfire Posts





