Camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, or simply relaxing along the water’s edge are just some of the activities available to those who visit the beautiful lakes in the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). The eight MWCD Lakes attract millions of visitors each year who enjoy the lakes for a day trip, short getaway, or extended vacation, contributing to the watershed’s quality of life and economy.

While some folks enjoy visiting all the lakes, others have found a favorite to frequent based on a variety of factors that make each lake unique. The MWCD owns a total of 56,000 acres – 40,000 acres of land and 16,000 acres of water.

In Southeast Ohio, Clendening, Piedmont, Seneca, and Tappan Lakes are all easily accessible. Here is a little more about each one to help you decide where to take your next lake vacation.

Clendening Lake — Know for having the largest undeveloped shoreline in Ohio, Clendening Lake is described as one of the best fishing lakes in the region by local anglers. Peaceful surroundings and beautiful scenery create the perfect environment to relax and unwind. Accessible from SR 800 and SR 799 near the Village of Freeport, Clendening Lake features 1,800 acers of water surface with three public launch ramps and 4,8000 acres of woods, meadows, and adjoining trails. A limit of 10-horsepower keeps the pace slow and the fishing undisturbed.

Clendening Lake Marina offers docking, kayak and boat rentals, fuel, boating and fishing supplies, and concessions. More than 80 campsites are available ranging from primitive sites to 30-amp electric hookup.

A newly installed restroom and shower facility in the campground also ensures a comfortable stay.

Beautiful pet-friendly log cabins provide additional accommodations for a week-long stay or a weekend escape.

The tranquil surrounding areas at Clendening Lake offer a true back-to-nature experience, far from the crowds, yet close to home.

Piedmont Lake — Nestled in the steep hills and wooded valleys of Southeast Ohio, the serene and picturesque Piedmont Lake is located in both Belmont and Harrison Counties near the Village of Piedmont along SR22.

Piedmont Lake is a 2,270-acre lake with 4,416 acres of land. Secluded bays make for great bass and other fishing experiences.

The state record for muskellunge was caught here and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has ranked Piedmont Lake as a Top Ten location for saugeye fishing. A 10-horsepower limit keeps the lake calm and soothing.

Piedmont Marina offers two public launch ramps providing easy access, as well as boat and kayak rentals, docking, fuel, and boating and fishing supplies.

The campground at the Marina has had a complete overhaul and all the campsites feature full-service hook-up with 50-amp power, and concrete pads. A new restroom, shower, and laundry facility is available to provide a comfortable action stay with the conveniences of home.

Seneca Lake — Enjoy boating, sailing, waterskiing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing at this popular 3,500-acre lake. As the largest MWCD Lake, and one of the largest lakes in Ohio, Seneca Lake is stocked with a variety of game fish and draws thousands of anglers each year.

A full-service marina provides boat and motor sales, boating services, rentals, supplies, bait and tackle, as well as licenses.

Or enjoy dining at the Dockside restaurant with water-front views!

The scenic campgrounds offer peaceful picnic areas that include tables, grills, and shelters – a perfect break for lunch with friends, or a great way to come together with family for dinner after a fun day on the lake. For a unique experience, stay in any of the lake front vacation cabins and enjoy the comforts of home.

For those looking for a more rugged stay, there are two campgrounds with more than 500 campsites, many of which feature full hook-up connections with 50-amp power and concrete pads. The log cabin nature center, amphitheater, and special events, including Independence Day fireworks on July 3rd provide enjoyment for all ages, while the hiking trails and playground offer the excitement of the outdoors.

The scenic wonderland at Seneca Lake, located off SR 313 southeast of Cambridge, offers a fun-filled retreat for all ages!

Tappan Lake — Spend time in nature’s playground at Tappan Lake! Located along SR 250, northwest of Cadiz, Tappan Lake is a 2,350-acre lake with two public launch ramps and is home to an abundance of white bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, and bluegill to the delight of anglers. Additionally, Tappan is ranked as a Top Ten location for saugeye by ODNR.

With a 399-horsepower limit, outdoor recreation enthusiasts can speed things up for waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing!

Tappan Marina, which is currently under renovation will feature a new 250-seat restaurant, including seating for over 100 guests on a covered deck overlooking the lake.

A grand opening is planned for later this year.

Despite construction, marina operations are open, providing pontoon and kayak rentals, fuel, and seasonal docking.

The Tappan Lake Park Campground has more than 500 campsites ranging from new renovated sites with full hook-up, 50-amp power and concrete pads, to electric only sites. Or enjoy the comforts of home in one of the lakefront vacation cabins.

The campground also offers laundry, a camp store, and playgrounds. For a day of fun, enjoy the swimming beach, concessions, activity and nature center, as well as special events planned throughout the summer, and Independence Day fireworks on July 3rd.

Hiking trails are clearly mapped and marked for easy use and can connect users from Tappan to the Buckeye Trail and the Tappan Wetlands, a “watchable wildlife” area.

Fore more information about these great locations and all MWCD Lakes, and to make a reservation for camping, or for a stay in a vacation cabin, visit www.MWCD.org.