About Caesar Creek State Park
A 3,741-acre natural treasure in southwest Ohio — clear waters, rolling woodlands, meadows, and deep ravines, open year-round for outdoor adventure and discovery.
General Information
Caesar Creek State Park lies in southwest Ohio, highlighted by clear blue waters, scattered woodlands, meadows, and steep ravines. The park's 3,741 acres offer a diverse landscape for recreation and wildlife observation throughout the year — though some facilities operate seasonally.
Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, hunting, and swimming, along with an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with volunteer support from the Nature Center Association of Caesar Creek.
Explore camping options → | View trails → | See facilities →
Cultural History of Caesar Creek: An Overview
Who Was Caesar?
The creek and park take their name from a formerly enslaved Black man known as Caesar, who lived in the area and was adopted by the Shawnee after being captured in a raid. His story is intertwined with the early frontier history of the region.
New Burlington, Ohio
New Burlington was a farming community that once stood within what is now the park's boundaries. Like many small settlements in the area, it was displaced when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created Caesar Creek Lake for flood control in the 1970s.
Wellman, Ohio and Henpeck, Ohio
Wellman and Henpeck were additional small communities in the Caesar Creek region, part of the patchwork of early settlements and farming hamlets that dotted the landscape before the lake's creation. Their histories reflect the broader pattern of Pre-European Native American habitation followed by waves of European-American settlement and agricultural development.
References
Historical accounts draw from sources including the History of Clinton County, Ohio (Brown, 1915), Warren County Genealogical Society place-name records, and a December 2020 article in the Yellow Springs News exploring local history. The park's cultural story also connects to major regional events such as the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the Ohio River Flood of 1937, and the 1959 Ohio Statewide Flood — all of which shaped flood-control policy that ultimately led to the creation of Caesar Creek Lake.
Other Wikipedia Resources
Additional context on the region's flood history and related topics can be found through Wikipedia articles on the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the Ohio River Flood of 1937, and the 1959 Ohio Statewide Flood.
Recreation at a Glance
🏕️ Camping
Campgrounds, group camps, and horse camps are available. Check availability and make reservations through ReserveOhio.com.
🎣 Fishing & Boating
Caesar Creek Lake offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
🥾 Trails
Miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding wind through woodlands, meadows, and along the lakeshore.
🏊 Swimming
A designated swimming beach is available seasonally. Always follow posted safety guidelines and BeachGuard water quality reports.
🏹 Hunting
Designated hunting areas are available in season per ODNR regulations. Check with the Park Office for current rules and permits.
🛶 Paddling
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular on the lake. ODNR paddling safety resources are available online.
Plan Your Visit
Caesar Creek State Park is open year-round. The Nature Center, campgrounds, and day-use facilities each have their own seasonal schedules. For current conditions, lake levels, and water quality reports, check the resources on our Events page before heading out.