Cecil M. Harden Lake aka Raccoon State Recreation Area aka the Mansfield Dam. They're all the same place, and the place is amazing!
Listen to “Cecil M. Harden Lake: Raccoon State Recreation Area & the Mansfield Roller Mill” on Apple or Spotify.
Driving in, I was struck by how beautiful and well-maintained the campground was. It was clean, tidy, and inviting. Then of course, there's the amazing reservoir, the property’s centerpiece and the reason it exists. The lake was active, with colorful boats on the water. As I hiked the trails, I had frequent glimpses of little coves and valleys where the water sparkled invitingly. While the property has had many name changes, the beauty remains the same.
IN the Podcast Episode
First, I learned who Cecil M. Harden was and how to pronounce her – yes, her! – name. (It’s seh-sill, not see-sill.) She served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and advocated for this land to become a recreation area. I interviewed the park’s interpretive naturalist to learn the history of the families and communities who lived here before the dam went up. We talked a lot about the well-maintained campgrounds, the trails and other park activities, and the enjoyment of the lake. We also took a field trip to Mansfield, where we toured the historic Mansfield Mill. I share all about it in the episode as well.
Park Features
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The park’s most popular activity is boating on Cecil M. Harden Lake, followed by people enjoying the beach. There are five boat access ramps and two marinas that are open May through October. While some lakes are paddle-friendly, this is the spot for bigger boats. The fishing at the lake is also excellent, including the second-largest striped bass caught in the state. There are shelters, picnic spots, hiking, and hunting. The park even has an archery trail for target practice. The campgrounds are a major draw as well, with electric, non-electric, and primitive sites available.