Camp Ernst Dam

About Camp Ernst Dam

The primary purpose of Camp Ernst Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Ymca Of Greater Cincinnati (private). It impounds the Gunpowder Creek near Camp Ernst Camp Sites.

The dam stands 65 feet tall and stretches 560 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 25 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 480 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1950, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 10/23/2025.

At 65 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.

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