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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)

Springfield, Ohio · Clark County · Campground

Overview C.J. Brown Reservoir is located in west-central Ohio, two miles northeast of Springfield; thirty-five miles northeast of Dayton, and forty-five miles west of Columbus.Recreation There are many recreational opportunities to enjoy at the lake including fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. …

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39.95694, -83.74778
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High81°F
Avg Low63°F
Peak Rain Chance33%
Humidity76%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality42 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
82°/66°
💧 1%🌬 7mph
6:28 AM8:54 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
90°/66°
💧 17%🌬 15mph
6:29 AM8:53 PM
Tue
🌧
Rain Showers
81°/68°
💧 33%🌬 15mph
6:30 AM8:52 PM
Wed
☀️
Clear
75°/59°
🌬 15mph
6:31 AM8:51 PM
Thu
Partly Cloudy
78°/55°
🌬 9mph
6:31 AM8:50 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)

Overview C.J. Brown Reservoir is located in west-central Ohio, two miles northeast of Springfield; thirty-five miles northeast of Dayton, and forty-five miles west of Columbus.Recreation There are many recreational opportunities to enjoy at the lake including fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. At nearby Buck Creek State Park, visitors also enjoy swimming, boating, and camping.Facilities C.J. Brown Reservoir offers three reservable picnic shelters, with grills, picnic tables, electric service, and water fountains. The Visitor Center has exhibits on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and history of the Dam and lake, along with the natural resources and recreation in the area. Restrooms for the Meadow View shelter are located at the Visitor Center.Natural Features The Buck Creek valley was once a patchwork of wetland fens, prairie meadows, oak savannas, and open oak woodlands. Today, the 2,120 acre C.J. Brown Reservoir is surrounded by varied habitats, from brushy old fields, to restored prairie, to forest. C.J. Brown was designated an Ohio Important Bird Area in 2002. Nearby Attractions At adjacent Buck Creek State Park, there is a campground, rental cottages, a marina, swimming beach, and trails. Springfield, Ohio, is just a few miles away, and has several museums that are worth visiting, including the Heritage Center and the Frank Lloyd Wright Westcott House.Charges & Cancellations Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of your reservation. A $10.00 fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. For full Details see the Recreation One Stop cancellation Policy

How to Get There

From I-70 westbound, Exit at US 40 and go west to Bird Rd. Turn right (north) on Bird Rd. then left on Old Columbus Rd. Following the signs for the CJ Brown Visitor Center, turn right onto Croft Rd., then right onto Overlook Drive into the park. From I-70 Eastbound exit at SR 4, follow 4 north through Springfield to Croft Rd. Turn right on Croft and left onto Overlook Dr.

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 (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

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 CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)

Heading to CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)? 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 CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)?

No central reservation system listed for CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251350) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)?

From I-70 westbound, Exit at US 40 and go west to Bird Rd. Turn right (north) on Bird Rd. then left on Old Columbus Rd. Following the signs for the CJ Brown Visitor Center, turn right onto Croft Rd., then right onto Overlook Drive into the park. From I-70 Eastbound exit at SR 4, follow 4 north through Springfield to Croft Rd. Turn right on Croft and left onto Overlook Dr.

How do I contact CJ BROWN DAM AND RESERVOIR - DAM SITE (OH)?

You can reach the park at phone: 937-325-2411 or email: brian.t.menker@usace.army.mil.