Wills Creek Lake, a 900-acre impoundment in Coshocton and Muskingum counties, Ohio, offers limited but accessible paddling opportunities. The lake features a public boat launch on State Route 83, operated by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). A 10-horsepower limit for motorized vessels helps maintain relatively calm waters for paddlers.

The lake stretches across 20.3 miles of shoreline with a maximum depth of 12 feet. Created in 1936 as part of a flood control project, the lake is surrounded by 2,830 acres of rolling, forested hills that provide an attractive backdrop for paddling. The dam, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, stands 87 feet tall and 1,950 feet long.

Essential facilities include a concrete boat ramp and parking area at the marina on SR 83. Below the dam, paddlers will find a picnic pavilion and restroom facilities. A permit is required for boating on the lake, available through MWCD.

The lake primarily serves as a flood control reservoir for the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, which can affect water levels. The surrounding area offers opportunities to observe wildlife, and the nearby historic Roscoe Village provides cultural interest for paddlers looking to extend their visit.

Access to the lake is straightforward via State Route 83, approximately 15 miles south of Coshocton. For detailed information about access points and permits, contact the MWCD at (330) 343-6647. Note that there are no designated swimming areas or camping facilities at the lake.