About DELAWARE LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS
Overview Both picnic shelters at Dam Site Recreation Area make for a pleasant getaway at Delaware Lake. Shady Ridge Shelter is nestled under elms atop a grassy ridge, providing privacy from surrounding areas, while Elm Grove Shelter is cradled between rows of trees just 50 ft. from the parking area.Recreation Pack a picnic or fire up the grill with friends and family. Anglers might want to bring their rods and take advantage of excellent fishing opportunities on the river below the dam. In addition, the Division of Wildlife stocks fishing ponds in the 4,670-acre wildlife area adjacent to Delaware State Park.Facilities Both picnic shelters provide water and electric hookups, playgrounds, a volleyball court and easy access to restrooms. An open grassy space is ideal for field sports like soccer. Shady Ridge provides more privacy, while Elm Grove boasts a textured patio with pedestal tables and a group grill.Natural Features Both reservable shelters are near the dam on Delaware Lake in central Ohio. The lake is hugged by forests, which provide a habitat for groundhogs, pheasants and white-tailed deer. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (740) 363-4011. Nearby Attractions Delaware State Park is just over a mile from the picnic shelters and offers lots of activities, from jet skiing to disc golf.A series of low-intensity hiking trails, ranging from .25 miles to 1.6 miles, traverse the area and connect with the lakeshore.
How to Get There
From Delaware, Ohio, head north on US 23 N for 5.4 miles (just beyond Railroad Underpass). Turn right at Delaware Lake Sign.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to DELAWARE LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS
Heading to DELAWARE LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for DELAWARE LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS?
No central reservation system listed for DELAWARE LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234231) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to DELAWARE LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS?
From Delaware, Ohio, head north on US 23 N for 5.4 miles (just beyond Railroad Underpass). Turn right at Delaware Lake Sign.
References & Official Resources
