Barkcamp 103017.pdf

Located in eastern Ohio, Barkcamp State Park’s picturesque hills and lake is the perfect place to try an array of outdoor activities. The 1,005-acre park offers visitors the chance to camp surrounded by mature woodlands and rolling hills or spend the day exploring the rugged Appalachian region.

NATURE OF THE AREA

The sandstone hills of the area are part of the Appalachian Plateau, which envelops the southeastern part of Ohio.

Layers of coal lie hidden within the sandstone bedrock, formed by decaying swamp vegetation millions of years ago during the Pennsylvanian geologic period. Belmont County leads Ohio in coal production; an estimated 5,668 million tons of coal lie below the earth’s surface.

The hills and valleys of the area are blanketed with an impressive second-growth forest, one of the few areas showcasing what Ohio’s original forests may have looked like. The woods support various plants, such as wild geranium, hepatica, bloodroot and other spring blooms.

Animals thrive here, including a variety of songbirds, squirrel, white-tailed deer and wild turkey.

HISTORY OF THE AREA

This region has seen many inhabitants, from the early Moundbuilders to the Wyandot, Delaware and Shawnee tribes. It was one of the first areas in Ohio to attract settlers, and several conflicts between settlers and Native Americans resulted. Prior to the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, the Ohio River was the accepted boundary between Native Americans and settlers.

As conflict quieted, new towns began to appear. The Society of Friends (Quakers) established the first church in the area.

A St. Clairsville Quaker, Benjamin Lundy, later known as the “Father of Abolitionism,” formed an anti-slavery society.

Through his activities, 120 miles of the Underground Railroad was established in Belmont County.

Land acquisition began for the park in 1955, and a dam was completed in 1963. The park inherited its unusual name from Barkcamp Creek, the former site of a logging camp.

TRAILS

Four trails traverse the park, ranging in level of difficulty. A wheelchair-accessible trail is available, as well as a paved trail which winds through the pioneer village, providing access to the historic barn. Interpretive signs highlighting the cultural and history of the area can be found along the trail.

The historic barn was built in the 1800s by Solomon Bentley, a noted apple producer in the area. The barn is now home to summer naturalist activities and historical displays.

Seven bridle trails are located within the park. The 22-mile system is available to riders with their own mounts.

BOATING AND SWIMMING

The 117-acre Belmont Lake allows hand-powered boats and boats with electric motors. Seasonal boat tie-ups are available. A single launch ramp provides access to the lake.

A 700-foot beach provides enjoyment for swimmers and sunbathers. Swimming is permitted in designated areas during daylight hours only. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach.

PICNICKING

Several picnic areas with tables, grills, water and latrines are located in the park. Three shelterhouses can be reserved online at ohiostateparks.org or by calling 866-OHIOPARKS.

ARCHERY

An archery range is available to the public. Broadhead arrows are not permitted.

FISHING AND HUNTING

Bass, bluegill and crappie are plentiful. A wheelchair-accessible area allows visitors to test their skill at fishing. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park. Squirrel hunting is popular at the park. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

WINTER RECREATION

Under the proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice boating and ice fishing.

CAMPING

The campground offers electric sites, three handicap accessible sites. Campground amenities include showerhouse and dump station. Pet camping is allowed at designated campsites.

The campground offers a variety of activities including a miniature golf course, playground, volleyball and basketball courts. The campground check-in station also loans games and sporting equipment to registered campers.

Additionally, the equestrian camp features electric sites, a horse-washing station and mounting ramp. A 11-site group camp is also available for organized groups by reservation.

Camping reservations may be made online at ohiostateparks.

org or by calling 866-OHIOPARKS.

Barkcamp State Park

BARKCAMP

65330 Barkcamp Road Belmont, OH 43718

For Reservations:

866-OHIOPARKS

ohiostateparks.org

Park Office: 740-484-4064

Barkcamp State Park

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks & Watercraft

2045 Morse Rd.

Columbus, OH 43229 - 6693

An Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/H printed on recycled content paper

Ohio Department of

NATURAL RESOURCES

OHIO STATE PARKS AND WATERCRAFT

T H I N G S T O D O

• Hiking • Horseback Riding • Archery • Picnicking

• Camping • Boating • Swimming • Hunting • Fishing

• Snowmobiling • Cross-Country Skiing

• Sledding • Ice Fishing • Ice Boating

P L A C E S T O S TAY

• Campground • Group Camp • Equestrian Camp

For reservations, visit ohiostateparks.org or call

866-OHIOPARKS.

N E A R B Y AT T R A C T I O N S

• Belmont County Museum • Salt Fork State Park

• Friends Meeting House • Dysart Woods Laboratory

• Jockey Hollows Wildlife Area

• Egypt Valley Wildlife Area

For more information on area attractions, call 800-BUCKEYE or visit ohio.org. Visitors can also check out the Belmont County Tourism Council website at belmontcountytourism.org or call 800-356-5082.

BARKCAMP STATE PARK

Electric Motors Only

LEGEND LOCATION MAP

00 .1 Miles

BETHESDA

Barkcamp State Park

Park Boundary Hiking Trail

Multi-Use Trail

Bridle Trail

Amphitheater

Archery Range

Basketball

Beach

Boat Ramp

Bridle Trailhead

Campground

Campground Check-In Station

Dam/Spillway

Equestrian Camp

Group Camp

Nature Center

Parking Lot

Picnic Area

Restroom

Shelterhouse

Trailhead