Recreation Land
Activities
Camping
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.
Fishing
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.
Hiking
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
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
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
