Dillon Lake is located in east central Ohio in western Muskingum County about 40 miles east of Columbus and 5 miles northwest of Zanesville. The two square mile reservoir was created by the damming of the Licking River in 1961 as part of a flood control project authorized in 1938. Construction was postponed by insufficient funds and later by the outbreak of the Korean War.

The lake was influential in the creation of Dillon State Park on its northeastern shores. Activities in, on and around the impound include Bicycling, Boating Camping, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Picnicking and Swimming. A full service Marina and a Visitors Center are also available. The area is Handicap Accessible.