In Carroll County, Ohio, Leesville Lake is on McGuire Creek, a tributary of Conotton Creek on Tuscarawas River, which runs into the Muskingum River. Leesville Lake was constructed primarily for flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement. The Leesville Dam was completed in October 1936 and is a rolled earth fill with impervious core, maximum height of 74 feet, 1,695 feet long, with the top width of 25 feet, and the base width of 450 feet. The lake encompasses 1000 acres at summer pool elevation. Each year the Carroll County Historical Society hosts the Algonquin Mill Festival. This festival includes art and crafts, local bands, demonstrations of various traditions of old times, antique steam engines, and tours of reconstructed buildings from days gone bye. This festival takes place the second weekend in October each year. Just a short drive from Leesville Lake while you are out seeing the fall colors. There are no public restrooms at the Corps of Engineers facilities. Clow's Marina @ (740) 269-5371 and Petersburg Marina @ (330) 627-4270 both have restrooms that are open on a seasonal basis (April - October).

Handicapped Access

There are no universal access facilities available at this Corps of Engineers facility.

Historical Info

The McCook house located nine miles from the dam in Carrollton, Ohio, is a historical museum of the fighting McCooks of Civil War fame. The museum is open year round and a must see at Christmas Time. For more information, you can call them @ (330) 627-3345.

Visitor Center

No visitor center is available at this project

Bicycling

Bicycles are permitted on main roads and campground areas.

Boating

Launch ramps for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen are located at each of the Marinas.

Camping

Camping at Leesville Lake is available through the MWCD park.  For more information contact Leesville Park Office @ (330)-343-6780 or visit their website @ www.mwcdlakes.com.  Federal Recreation passes such as Golden Age, Golden Access, or America the Beautiful - National Park and Federal Recreation Lands Access Passes are not honored at MWCD facilities, but anyone over the age of 60 or those who have a Golden Buckeye Card receive a 10% discount.

Additional information about the federal recreation pass program is available at http://www.recreation.gov/recpass.jsp or by calling 1-888-276-8747 (1-888-ASK USGS).

Fishing

Fishing is permitted from boats, the shoreline, and below the dam. Leesville is popular for muskie fishing.

Hiking

Foot trails (hiking) are located across from the MWCD campgrounds.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is not available at Leesville Lake. The nearest location for this activity is at a private business near Atwood Lake. For more information contact Atwood Lake Park Office @ (330) 343-6780, seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Memorial - Labor Day.

Hunting

Public hunting is available on MWCD land. Maps for public hunting and fishing areas can be obtained from MWCD @ (330) 343-6647 or visit their website at www.mwcd.org.

Marina

Two marinas are located on the lake, being operated by private enterprises. Leesville South Fork Marina, LLC  @ 740-269-5371  and Leesville North Fork Marina, LLC @ 330-627-4270  You can find more information at this link http://www.leesvillelake.com/

Picnicking

The nearest picnic shelters are located at Atwood Lake, eight miles on State Route 212 West.

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at Leesville Lake. The nearest swimming area and beach are located at the MWCD park at Atwood Lake. MWCD has designated three swimming areas, (one is within the park & two are by boat access). For more information, contact Atwood Lake Park Office @ (330) 343-6780.