General Information

Delaware Lake is part of a system of dams that reduce flood stages in the Olentangy, Scioto, and Ohio River Basins; benefiting communities and agricultural lands between Delaware and the Gulf of Mexico. Delaware Dam and Reservoir is located 32 miles above the mouth of the scenic Olentangy River, a tributary of the Scioto River, near Delaware Ohio. Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 for the purposes of flood reduction, low-flow control for pollution reduction and water supply, recreation and fish and wildlife management, the project was constructed between 1947 and 1951 at a cost of $ 4,307,000. The project was constructed and is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington District. The Dam is a rolled earth fill type with a concrete gated spillway section. At a length of 3 ½ miles and a height of 92 feet, Delaware Dam controls a drainage area of 386 square miles through the use of five gated sluices and six 25 foot by 32 foot tainter/radial gates. Golden Age and Golden Access passports may be used for a 50% discount at all Federally operated areas where a fee is charged.

Handicapped Access

Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at the Project Office, in the Recreation Area, etc.

Historical Info

Delaware Lake was designed and built by the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project was first authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 as a unit in the larger comprehensive flood control plan for the Ohio River Basin. Dam construction was completed in July, 1948.

Recreation

Bicycling

Bicycles are permitted.

Boating

Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at the Delaware Marina.

Camping

Camping at Delaware Lake is restricted to developed camping areas only - there is not random camping. The campground is a fee area, with sites. Some of these sites have electrical hookups. Also nearby is a boat launching ramp.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed from boats and shoreline, in and along Delaware Lake. Ohio fishing licenses are required.

Hiking

Foot trails (Hiking) are located at the Delaware State Park.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is not available at Delaware Lake.

Hunting

Public hunting and trapping is allowed on all areas of Delaware Lake EXCEPT RECREATIONAL AREAS AND AREAS SPECIFICALLY POSTED. Ohio hunting licenses are required.

Marina

Delaware Lake marina, located at the Delaware State Park, provides visitors with docking facilities.

Picnicking

Picnic shelters are located at the Recreation Area and the State Park. ll shelters are available on a first come - first served basis EXCEPT WHEN RESERVED IN ADVANCE (a fee is required for reserving a shelter). Picnic shelters may be reserved by calling the project office. There are also picnic tables at all recreation areas on the Delaware Lake project.

Swimming

A swimming area is located at the Delaware State Park. No lifeguards are provided. Swim at your own risk.

Visitor Center

No Visitor Center is available at this project.