Kokosing Dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, recreation and wildlife management.  Construction began in June 1970 and was completed in May 1972. The dam has an impervious, waterproof, core with earth-fill and rip-rap rock covering. The dam has an unregulated outlet structure, which means the water can not easily be regulated.  Under normal operation as much water flows out as is flowing in. Only when the inflow of water exceeds the amount the outflow structure can allow to pass through does the water back up into the lake. This prevents downstream flooding.  There is a 3.5 ft wide x 6.75 ft high outlet tunnel that carries the water from the outlet structure through the dam into the stilling basin, from there it flows through a channel to the end of government property, then the stream banks return to normal.  The minimum pool elevation is 1122.0 feet (above mean sea level) and a maximum flood control elevation of 1146.0 feet. After the water reaches this level it will flow through the spillway.  This dam has a 44.5 square mile drainage area. 

Handicapped Access

The picnic and boat launch area, open to the public, does not have universal access. The vault-type restroom in the area cannot be readily converted to provide for universal accessibility. The campground has a new, fully accessable rest room for the use of registered campers.

Historical Info

There are no desiginated historical-cultural areas at this project.

Bicycling

Bicycles are permitted on main roads and in campground areas.

Boating

The 154-acre lake is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 6.5 feet. However, it is open to small craft boating. Idle speed and 10-HP Limit restrictions apply. A concrete 2-lane boat ramp is located beyond the Picnic Area.  It has a pit toilet type restroom and a lighted parking lot. Boaters should take safety precautions as there are many tree stumps and other submerged hazards.

Camping

The Kokosing Lake Campground, located on the banks of Kokosing Lake, is now leased by Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). It has an associated Picnic and Boat Launch Area. The 42-site campground is designed for tent, trailer and RV camping. The sites all have electricity, water is available at several locations within the campground. A small playground and a vault-type restroom (no running water) is centrally located. There is a new bath house and rest room on the hill over looking the campground. It is fully handicapped accessable and has baby changing stations on both sides. There is a new dump station near the entrance to the campground. Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are no longer accepted at the campground, however, anyone age 60 plus recieves a 10% discount with proof of age and Buckeye Cards are accepted. Contact MWCD at 419-368-6885 or on the web at www.mwcd.org for details.

Fishing

Northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and bullhead are the primary game fish in the lake. For more information concerning Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) public hunting area, contact Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or call (614) 466-3337.

Hiking

There are no developed hiking trails. Many people enjoy walking across the top of the dam and in the aera surrounding it.  The ODNR public hunting area is also conducive to hiking.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is not available in the campground or picnic area. However, the public hunting area managed by the ODNR may be suitable for such activity. Contact Ohio Department Of Natural Resources, District One Office, @ (614) 466-3337.

Hunting

The majority of the property at Kokosing Lake is leased by the Ohio Division of Natural Resources for fish and wildlife management. The ODNR manages the 154-acre lake and 959 acres of public hunting area for a variety of fish and wildlife. The hunting area is a diverse mixture of habitat including woodland, fields and agricultural areas which are managed through crop rotations and field sizes to provide food and cover for upland species. Habitat is enhanced by various techniques for improving habitats and maintaining forage and cover.

Marina

No marina exists at this project. A boat ramp is located at the Picnic Area, which has a large, lighted parking lot for vehicle and boat-trailer parking.

Picnicking

The Picnic and Boat Launch Area is located off of Waterford Road, it provides picnic tables, cookers, trash receptacles, water fountain, a vault-type restroom (no running water inside), boat launch ramp and a large lighted parking area.

Swimming

There are no designated swimming areas associated with Kokosing Lake.

Visitor Center

This facility does not include an office. There is a bulletin board at the dam site which provides basic information to visitors. During camping season (May through September), brochures and general information are available at the Kokosing Campground entrance station.  For more inforamtion call Mohawk Dam at 740-824-4343, M-F, 7:30 to 4:00.