Barkcamp State Park is located in Southeastern Ohio in the hills of Balmont County. With its wild hills, mature forests, picturesque meadows, and crisp lake, this tucked away state park is a great destination for hikers and lovers of the outdoors. With its great recreational facilities, the park is also a great place to spend a day with the family. Barkamp has a little something for everyone.
Camping
Barkcamp offers plenty of ways to get out into nature. For those who wish to spend an extended time in the park, the campground offers 123 electric sites as well as a number of pet friendly sites, handicap accessible sites, and even horse washing stations for riders. Call the campground office for reservations at 866-644-6727.
Belmont Lake
Part of the beauty and popularity of the park is beautiful Belmont Lake. If you enjoy the water, Belmont lake offers fishing, swimming and boating.
Fishing is particularly popular at Belmont. The lake is home to bluegill, crappie, bass, and trout. There is also handicap accessible fishing so that all fishermen can enjoy the thrill of the catch.
Belmont lake does allow boating, but with electric motors only. There is one boat launch to the lake. Swimming from boats is not allowed, but it is a great way to get out, enjoy the water, and find the fish where they are hiding.
If you care for a dip to escape the hot, humid Ohio summers, you can enjoy swimming at Belmont Lake. The 700 foot beach is a great escape for swimmers and sunbathers alike.
Getting Out into Nature
If you enjoy hiking, Barkamp State Park’s 1,005 acres offer 4 hiking trails. They vary in difficulty from moderate to easy. The longest, the Belmont Lake Hike, is 2 miles long. For the snowbirds, the park also has a 24 mile long snowmobile trail that carries a moderate rating.
Hunting
Barkcamp State Park does allow hunting in designated areas. In order to hunt, you need to possess an Ohio State Hunting License. Because of the rugged, forested hills of the park, squirrel hunting is particularly popular at the park.
Additional Recreation
Barkcamp also has a variety of recreational activities to enjoy in addition to the traditional activities mentioned above. There are basketball courts, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. There is also an archery range that is available for public use during the summer months. Also open in the summer is a nature center that offers a variety of educational and fun programs for children and adults alike.
History
Barkcamp State Park is not only an outdoors-man’s delight, but also a great place to get a little bit of Southeastern Ohio history. The campground is home to a barn that was originally built in the 1800’s. An orchard owner by the name of Solomon Bentley erected the barn that still stands and his home to naturalist activities and historical displays all through the spring and summer months.
Additionally, the park is home to a replica pioneer village that can be accessed by a paved hiking trail. Signs all along the trail explain the natural and historic nature of the park property.
As you can see, Barkcamp State Park offers a little something for everyone. For a total Ohio State Park experience, Barkamp just might be the best place to start.
Contact Barkcamp State Park
The park office can be found at:
65330 Barkcamp Road
Belmont, OH 43718
Or you can call them at: 740-484-4064