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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southwest Ohio Region
Caesar Creek State Park
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Caesar Creek State Park Caesar Creek State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
Caesar Creek State Park Caesar Creek State Park © Lonnie Williams
Boat Ramp
Caesar Creek State Park Caesar Creek State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
Caesar Creek State Park Caesar Creek State Park © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic View of Lake
Caesar Creek State Park Caesar Creek State Park © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic View of Lake
Caesar Creek State Park Big bass bonus © Brad
Sometimes big bass eat musky baits
Caesar Creek State Park Great Blue Heron © Tom Croce
Caesar Creek State Park Great Blue Heron © Tom Croce
Caesar Creek State Park © Tom Croce
Caesar Creek State Park © Tom Croce
Caesar Creek State Park © Tom Croce
Caesar Creek State Park © Tom Croce
Caesar Creek State Park © Brad Michaelson
Caesar Creek State Park Dark Waters © Richard Higgins
Photograph was taken following a storm
Caesar Creek State Park Ceasar Creek Dam © Richard Higgins
Caesar Creek State Park © Brad Michaelson
Caesar Creek State Park © Tom Croce
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CAESAR CREEK STATE PARK
CAESAR CREEK STATE PARK
8570 OH-73
Waynesville, Ohio   45068
(lat:39.519 lon:-84.0245) map location

Phone: (513) 897-3055
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Caesar Creek State Park is highlighted by clear blue waters, scattered woodlands, meadows and steep ravines. The park offers some of the finest outdoor recreation in southwest Ohio including boating, hiking, camping and fishing.
Nature of the Area
The park area sits astride the crest of the Cincinnati Arch, a convex tilting of bedrock layers caused by an ancient upheaval. Younger rocks lie both east and west of this crest where some of the oldest rocks in Ohio are exposed. The sedimentary limestones and shales tell of a sea hundreds of millions of years in our past which once covered the state. The park's excellent fossil finds give testimony to the life of this long vanished body of water.

The forests of the area are comprised of over 65 species of plants. Several major communities thrive in the area. A northern flood plain forest is found in the valley, while mixed associations of oak-hickory and beech-maple woodlands clothe the ridges and hillsides. Red-tail hawk, white-tail deer, raccoon, red fox and box turtle make the park their home.
History of the Area
The wooded lands of the park were home to several early Ohio Indian cultures. While the Hopewells inhabited several sites in the state, their earthworks (known as Fort Ancient) on the nearby Little Miami River are among the largest and best known. This hilltop enclosure used for ceremonial gatherings is surrounded by three miles of earthen walls, constructed using animal shoulder-blade scoops and hides for transporting dirt. This Indian race lived in the region during a period from 300 B.C. to 600 A.D.

A later group, living on the site from 1200 A.D. to 1600 A.D., were known as the Fort Ancient Indians. These people lived in villages along several river systems in the region including Caesar Creek. Displays about the Hopewell mounds and the later cultures can be seen at the Army Corps of Engineers' Visitor Center.

Woodland Indian tribes such as the Wyandot, Miami and Shawnee also called southwestern Ohio home. Old Chillicothe where the famous warrior Tecumseh was said to have been born was located in Greene County, just north of the park. The Caesar Creek area was named for a black slave captured by the Shawnee on a raid along the Ohio River. The Shawnee adopted Caesar and gave him this valley as his hunting ground. Caesar lived in this area during the time Blue Jacket was war chief and was said to have gone on many raids with him.

Many of these Indian villages were located along an ancient Indian trail, part of which follows the ridgeline on the eastern side of the Caesar Creek valley. The trail was used by white settlers in the early 1800s, who named it Bullskin Trace. Later the trail became part of the Underground Railroad used by runaway slaves to reach safe houses run by area Quakers.

The Caesar Creek valley was impounded in 1978 by the Army Corps of Engineers to assist with flood control in the Little Miami River watershed. The 4,700-acre park and adjacent 2,500-acre wildlife area were dedicated that year.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres3,741
 Water, acres2,830
 Nearby Wildlife Area, acres2,959
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles43
 Backpack Trail, miles14
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #3
 Mountain Bike Trails, miles9
 Swimming Beach, feet1,300
 Bridle Trails, miles31
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoating LimitsUnlimited HP
 Launch Ramps, #4
CampingElectric Sites, #283
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Youth Group Camp, capacity75
 Horsemen Campsites, #30
WinterCross-Country Skiingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
The family campground has 287 shady and sunny sites equipped with electrical hook-ups. The campground offers showers, flush toilets, and pet camping in designated areas. A horseman's camp with 25 sites is available for overnight trail rides.
Swimming
Caesar Creek's clear waters and 1,300-foot beach offer excellent swimming opportunities. A beach concession area and changing booths are provided.
Boating
Water recreation on the 2,830-acre lake is the park's largest attraction. Unlimited horsepower designation allows for an exciting day of boating and water skiing. Five launch ramps are situated around the lake for easy access.
Fishing
Caesar Creek State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's 2,830-acre lake is home to several species of fish including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, white and spotted bass as well as saugeye.

The Caesar Creek Lake has been recognized by the Division of Wildlife as one of the top lakes for large-mouthed Bass fishing in Ohio. Anglers can also find good populations of flathead catfish here which are known to grow quite large due to ample food supply.

In addition to these species that inhabit deeper waters like walleye or muskellunge (muskie), there are plenty more types found closer towards shore such as channel cats or bullheads along with various panfish - sunnies/bluegills etc., making it an ideal spot not just those who prefer boat-based angling but also shoreline fishermen/women too!

Fishing at Caesar Creek requires a valid state license from Ohio Department Of Natural Resources Division Of Wildlife unless you're under age 16; licenses may be purchased online through their website if needed before your visit.

For fly-fishermen looking forward into trout season each spring when they stock certain sections within this area specifically designated "trout streams" where rainbow/brown varieties get released annually providing another unique opportunity available only during specific times throughout year depending upon conditions/weather patterns affecting water temperatures/levels accordingly so always check local regulations beforehand regarding any restrictions/rules pertaining directly toward particular methods/styles being utilized while out on water trying catch some big ones!

Boat ramps provide easy access onto lake itself whereas numerous docks/piers scattered around perimeter allow individuals without boats still able enjoy all benefits associated having direct contact over open body containing multitude different kinds aquatic life beneath surface waiting patiently bite whatever bait happens dangling enticingly above them down below...just remember though: practice safe/responsible practices at all times ensuring future generations can continue enjoy these same experiences long after we're gone.



Picnicking
Picnic areas with tables, grills and drinking water are offered. Four of the park's five picnic shelters may be reserved in advance. A day lodge, offering a meeting room and kitchen with outdoor tables and grills, can be rented for family reunions and club meetings.
Trails
Forty-three miles of hiking trails lead hikers to the interesting areas of the park with many scenic views along the way. For horsemen, thirty-one miles of trail and a horsemen's camp are offered. A five-mile mountain bike trail is located between Harveysburg Road and Center Road.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a 14-mile trail, suitable for mountain bikes. Be aware it's shared with hikers.

The terrain is moderately challenging and requires caution due to occasional steep slopes and rough patches.

For less experienced cyclists or families, the park offers an easier paved path around the beach area.

Always wear helmets while biking as safety measures are paramount in these areas prone to unexpected obstacles on trails.

Remember that some paths may close during hunting season; check local regulations before planning your trip.

Cyclists should respect nature by staying on designated routes only - off-trail cycling damages ecosystems here.
Birding
This Ohio state park offers a variety of birding options for enthusiasts. The area is home to over 200 species, including waterfowl and raptors such as bald eagles and ospreys. Birdwatchers can explore the extensive trail system that winds through diverse habitats like mature woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and along the lake shorelines where many birds nest or migrate seasonally. There are also designated wildlife observation areas throughout the park with strategically placed viewing blinds allowing visitors to observe without disturbing natural behaviors.
Area Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Blue Jacket outdoor drama, King's Island amusement park, Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival, Fort Ancient State Memorial, and Little Miami Scenic State Park and Cowan Lake State Park.

The Little Miami Scenic River offers many canoeing opportunities and spectacular scenery.

A history of Ohio's pioneers is illustrated throughout the Caesar Creek region. Remnants of their lifestyles are reflected today at the Pioneer Village situated around the Levi Lukens cabin built in 1807. Other buildings dating from 1790 are reconstructed on the site.

Caesar Creek Gorge, a state nature preserve operated by the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, features a 180 foot deep gorge displaying unique geologic formations. Visitation during daylight hours only.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 28 This is our 4th season of camping here by Wayne and Jane Muterspaw
park review stars; one to five We have camped 25 times at ceasarcreek state park campgrounds
November 24 Best place to hike by Blaze
park review stars; one to five My hiking group makes sure that we hike the 13 mile loop at least twice a year and it is always most interesting and challenging.
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Area Campgrounds
Frontier Campground
9580 Collett Road
Waynesville, OH
937-572-4894
Olive Branch Campground
6985 Wilmington Road
Oregonia, OH
513-951-3245
Thousand Trails Wilmington
1786 Ohio 380
Wilmington, OH
937-382-5883
Green Meadows Campgrounds
4880 Ohio 350
Clarksville, OH
937-289-3284
Lebanon / Cincinnati NE KOA Holiday
760 Franklin Road
Lebanon, OH
513-932-7717
Beechwood Acres Camping Resort
855 Yankee Rd
Wilmington, OH
937-289-2202
Pine Cove Campground
764 Osborn Road
Wilmington, OH
937-382-0806
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Cork-N-Bottle Minit Market
881 E Franklin St
Dayton, OH
(937) 433-5611
Tackle Town USA
6329 State Route 380
Wilmington, OH
(937) 382-7627
Spillway Party Supply
7646 Oregonia Rd
Waynesville, OH
(513) 897-9334
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
80.2 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Hidden Cave Cabin - Rockbridge, OH
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
76.4 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Cleveland, Ohio: I-71 South to State Route 73. Turn right on State Route 73, park entrance is approximately 6 miles on the right. Campground: Left on State Route 73, left on State Route 380, left on Center Road.

From Columbus, Ohio: I-71 South to State Route 73. Turn right on State Route 73, park entrance is approximately 6 miles on the right. Campground: Left on State Route 73, left on State Route 380, left on Center Road.

From Cincinnati, Ohio: I-71 North to State Route 73. Turn Left on State Route 73, park entrance is approximately 6 miles on the right. Campground: Right on State Route 73, left on State Route 380, left on Center Road.From Toledo, Ohio: I-75 South to State Route 73, turn left (East), follow through Waynesville, the main park entrance will be on the left.

From Lebanon, Ohio: State route 42 North, turn right on State Route 73, follow State Route 73, the main park entrance will be on the left.

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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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