A wide variety of campsites is available among seven campgrounds. Each is equipped
with nearby water, sanitary facilities and picnic tables. Campsites have been carefully
developed to provide the necessities for pleasant, enjoyable camping without detracting
from the primitive beauty of this rustic setting.
With more than 1,500 acres of water, ReCreation Land is a tremendously popular place
for those who love to fish. There are over 350 ponds and lakes in the area. They
are stocked periodically by the Ohio Division of Wildlife with many species of game
fish. There is excellent bass and bluegill fishing, especially in lakes and ponds
off the beaten path. The fishing is free; anglers need only an Ohio fishing license
and their ReCreation Land visitor's permit. Above is a picture of the 1999 Hooked
on Fishing, Not on Drugs event. For additional information on fishing at ReCreation
Land, read the Ohio Division of Wildlife's AEP Angler Survey.
There is approximately 14 miles of the Buckeye Trail going through ReCreation Land
(www.buckeyetrail.org).
In addition to the Buckeye Trail, there is a four mile trail connecting Sand Hollow
and Maple Grove Campgrounds. This trail is located just off of State Route 284.
In addition, hiking is permitted on any of the access roads throughout ReCreation
Land.
Horseback Riding in ReCreation Land is permitted only on the Equine Trail Area (located
off State Route 78) or the immediate road within the Equine area. An Equine Trail Area has been developed under a partnership
agreement with the Morgan County Chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council. The Equine Area is located
on State Route 78, eight miles east of McConnelsville. Many trails have been developed
and a parking lot has been established at the trailhead, as shown on the map. Horseback
riding is not permitted on the Buckeye Trail and camping with horses is no longer
permitted in Campground A.
- Camping is now permitted at the Equine Trail Area
- Trail riding is permitted only in the daylight hours and is limited to trail riding
only
Hunting is permitted within the boundaries of Recreation Land under the following
rules:
- Hunters need only an Ohio Hunting License and their ReCreation Land Visitor's Permit.
- Hunting is not permitted within 300 feet from the boundaries of the campground areas.
- Hunting is not permitted in the active mining areas, on property which has been
leased to others by AEP, or on other AEP property outside the boundaries of ReCreation
Land.
- Groundhog hunting is prohibited.
- Target shooting or practice is prohibited within all AEP ReCreation Areas.
- Beaver trapping on AEP lands is controlled and requires a special Beaver Trapping
Permit. For additional information concerning beaver trapping, please send your
name, address and telephone number to American Electric Power, P.O. Box 328, McConnelsville,
OH 43756
