Cj Brown Dam And Reservoir - Dam Site (Oh)
2.3258 reviewsCj Brown Dam And Reservoir - Dam Site (Oh)
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Cj Brown Dam And Reservoir - Dam Site (Oh)
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Payment in full is charged to your credit card upon completion of your reservation. A $10.00 fee applies if you change or cancel your reservation.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
2.32
Mixed Reviews
Based on 58 reviews
514 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing CJ Brown Dam and Reservoir – Dam Site as a beautiful, clean, and well‑maintained area with lots of outdoor recreation options. Visitors highlight it as an excellent spot for family gatherings, reunions, weddings, picnics, fishing, hiking, and everyday exercise, with many saying they return year after year. The setting is repeatedly praised as peaceful, scenic, and versatile for both casual day use and special events."
About Cj Brown Dam And Reservoir - Dam Site (Oh)
Nestled in west-central Ohio near Springfield, C.J. Brown Reservoir spreads across 2,120 acres of pristine waters and diverse landscapes that beckon outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, pedaling through restored prairie trails, or settling into one of three reservable picnic shelters for a family gathering, this hidden gem offers a perfect escape where engineering heritage meets natural beauty.
The site features picnic shelters and day-use facilities at the reservoir; an on-site campground is not stated. Adjacent Buck Creek State Park contains a campground and rental cottages.
Historical SignificanceStep into the Visitor Center and discover the fascinating story of how human ingenuity transformed Buck Creek valley into the thriving recreational haven you see today. Through engaging exhibits, you'll explore the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' remarkable achievement in constructing the dam and lake, gaining insight into the engineering prowess and regional vision that shaped this landscape. It's a testament to mid-century infrastructure projects that continue serving communities decades later.
Natural Features and SceneryThe reservoir's 2,120 acres cradle a remarkable tapestry of ecosystems that earned it designation as an Ohio Important Bird Area in 2002. As you explore the shoreline and surrounding lands, you'll transition from brushy old fields into carefully restored prairie grasslands, then discover remnants of oak savanna before entering the dappled shade of open oak woodlands. This mosaic of habitats creates an ever-changing backdrop for your adventures, where each season paints the landscape in different colors and brings new wildlife encounters. The varied terrain makes every visit feel like a new discovery, whether you're a dedicated birder scanning the skies or simply someone who appreciates nature's quiet beauty.
Geological RegionSituated in the scenic Buck Creek valley, the reservoir occupies a natural basin that once channeled waters through west-central Ohio's gently rolling terrain.
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Campsite details
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesRestrooms for the Meadow View shelter are located at the Visitor Center. Three picnic shelters offer grills, picnic tables, electric service, and water fountains.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
- Three reservable picnic shelters are available (with grills, picnic tables, electric service, and water fountains) suitable for group picnics
- restrooms for the Meadow View shelter are at the Visitor Center.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsRecreation One Stop
Cancellation PolicyA $10.00 fee applies for changes or cancellations. Payment in full is charged when the reservation is completed. See the Recreation One Stop cancellation policy for full details.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at C.J. Brown Reservoir include fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Nearby Buck Creek State Park adds swimming, boating, and camping opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking is listed among the recreational opportunities around the reservoir and surrounding habitats.Fishing
Fishing is available on the 2,120-acre C.J. Brown Reservoir.Biking
Biking is noted as a recreational option around the lake area.Wildlife viewing
The reservoir and surrounding restored prairie, brushy fields, and forest provide wildlife-viewing opportunities; C.J. Brown was designated an Ohio Important Bird Area in 2002.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at Cj Brown Dam And Reservoir - Dam Site (Oh)
31
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 15.2 mph
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Good to know
Proximity to water featuresLocated on C.J. Brown Reservoir (2,120 acres); picnic shelters and Visitor Center are adjacent to the lake.
Campground Map
Cj Brown Dam And Reservoir - Dam Site (Oh)
Driving directionsFrom 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 SR 4 north through Springfield to Croft Rd. Turn right on Croft and left onto Overlook Dr.
Accessible from I-70 via US 40/Bird Rd/Old Columbus Rd/Croft Rd/Overlook Drive (westbound) and via SR 4 to Croft Rd/Overlook Dr (eastbound).Nearby places
Springfield: 2 miles southwest (reservoir is two miles northeast of Springfield)
Dayton: 35 miles southwest (reservoir is 35 miles northeast of Dayton)
Columbus: 45 miles east (reservoir is 45 miles west of Columbus).
Nearby supplies
Springfield, Ohio (a few miles away)
Reviews from booking and map sources
2.3
58 reviews
Cj Brown Dam And Reservoir - Dam Site (Oh) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing CJ Brown Dam and Reservoir – Dam Site as a beautiful, clean, and well‑maintained area with lots of outdoor recreation options. Visitors highlight it as an excellent spot for family gatherings, reunions, weddings, picnics, fishing, hiking, and everyday exercise, with many saying they return year after year. The setting is repeatedly praised as peaceful, scenic, and versatile for both casual day use and special events.
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews
What Campers Love
Users love the scenic lake views, abundant wildlife, and variety of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, hiking, biking, walking/running, swimming, kite flying, bird watching, and...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The only recurring concern is restroom availability and hours; one reviewer notes the restrooms are locked earlier than park closing and feels they should stay open until dusk. Another review...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
This is a popular spot for family reunions, graduation parties, and even weddings, so reserving shelters like Lake View, Prairie View, or Meadow View in advance is likely wise. If your plans extend...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Such a great place to go year round! I've seen so many incredible wild animals here and beautiful plants."
"Our family has been holding our annual reunion at this site for years. We love the...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Lake View Shelter is repeatedly described as clean, neat, and well maintained, with trash cans and restrooms conveniently located, a beautiful view of the lake, and very easy access to fishing right...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
One reviewer specifically notes that both men’s and women’s public restrooms are disabled accessible. Another highlights that there is “a nice pathed walked path,” suggesting paved paths that may be...
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Pet-Friendly Features
One reviewer mentions walking their dog along the paved path while letting the dog use the grass beside it on hot days, indicating the area is at least informally used for dog walking and offers a...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 10, 2025
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