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Ohio
223

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southeast Ohio Region
Barkcamp State Park
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Barkcamp State Park © Gene Shirk
Barkcamp State Park © Gene Shirk
Barkcamp State Park © Gene Shirk
Barkcamp State Park © Gene Shirk
Barkcamp State Park © Gene Shirk
Barkcamp State Park © Gene Shirk
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BARKCAMP STATE PARK
BARKCAMP STATE PARK
65330 Barkcamp Park Rd
Belmont, Ohio   43718-9733
(lat:40.0336 lon:-81.018) map location

Phone: (740) 484-4064
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Belmont County's rugged hills provide the backdrop for picturesque Barkcamp State Park. In addition to fine recreational facilities, visitors will enjoy the mature woodlands, open meadows, scenic lake and abundant wildlife of this secluded park.
Nature of the Area
The sandstone hills of the Barkcamp region are part of the Appalachian highlands which envelop the southeastern part of Ohio. In the sandstone bedrock can be found layers of coal which were formed by decaying swamp vegetation millions of years ago during the Pennsylvanian geologic period. Barkcamp State Park lies in the heart of the coal-mining region of Ohio.

The hills and valleys of the area are clothed with a second-growth forest. Today, southeastern Ohio is one of the most extensively forested in Ohio, and only a few areas remain which suggest the magnificence of these original forests.

The woodlands of Barkcamp support a variety of plant and animal life. The observant visitor may find a wealth of woodland wildflowers including wild geranium, hepatica, bloodroot and spring beauties. The woodlands explode with flowering dogwood and redbud blossoms in spring.

Songbirds, squirrels, skunk, opossum, raccoon, white-tailed deer and the wild turkey take up residence in the park's varying habitats.
History of the Area
This area was first inhabited by the Moundbuilders, then later by Wyandots, Delaware and Shawnee. Belmont County was one of the earliest areas settled in Ohio, and the scene of several bloody conflicts between settlers and Indians. Prior to the Treaty of Greenville of 1795, the nearby Ohio River was the accepted boundary between Indians to the north and settlers to the south of the river. Conflicts arose as land-hungry settlers began encroaching on Indian lands. The celebrated Indian fighter, Lewis Wetzel, was often through this region. Wetzel instigated many of the conflicts as Indians were the object of his mortal hate. A large boulder near the park's Antique Barn bears an inscription carved by Wetzel.

The Society of Friends (Quakers) established the first church in the area. Benjamin Lundy, a Quaker who lived in St. Clairsville, became known as the "Father of Abolitionism." He formed an anti-slavery society here in 1815 called the Union Humane Society. At one point, there were 120 miles of the Underground Railroad in Belmont County. Lundy helped produce the abolitionist paper, The Philanthropist at nearby Mt. Pleasant.

As years passed, coal was discovered and became the foundation of the area's economy. Belmont County is now the state's leading producer of coal with an estimated 5,668 million tons of coal available below the earth's surface.

Land acquisition began for the park in 1955, and a dam was completed in 1963 resulting in the 117-acre Belmont Lake. The park derives its unusual name from Barkcamp Creek, the former site of a logging camp where logs were stripped of their bark in preparation for delivery to the mill.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres1,005
 Water, acres117
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles4
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #3
 Swimming Beach, feet700
 Mountain Bike Trails, miles6
 Bridle Trails, miles24
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoating Limits-1
 Seasonal Dock Rental36
 Launch Ramps, #1
CampingElectric Sites, #150
 Pets Permittedyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Rent-A-Camp Sites, #3
 Camper Cabins, #2
 Group Camp, capacity25
 Horsemen Campsites, #27
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
 Snowmobilingyes
 Ice Boatingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
Barkcamp offers 150 electrified campsites in sunny and shaded areas. The campground features hot showers, tables, firerings, two wheelchair accessible sites and a dump station. A group camp that accommodates 15 sites is available for organized groups by reservation. In addition, a horseman's camp with 25 sites is available. Five Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining canopy, cooler, cookstove and other equipment can be rented during the summer months by reservation. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites.
Swimming
A 700-foot beach provides enjoyment for swimmers and sunbathers.
Boating
Boats with electric motors only are permitted on Belmont Lake. Seasonal boat tie-ups are available. A launch ramp provides access to the lake.
Fishing
Barkcamp State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing options for both experienced and novice anglers. The park's 117-acre Belmont Lake is stocked with several species of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish which makes it an ideal spot for freshwater fishing. Fishing from the shoreline or boat are popular activities at this lake.

The park also provides two accessible fishing piers that cater to individuals with mobility issues ensuring everyone can enjoy the sport. Boating facilities include launch ramps available on site making it easy to get out onto the water quickly.

In addition to these amenities, Barkcamp State Park allows night-fishing giving enthusiasts more opportunities not only during daytime but after sunset as well.

For those who prefer fly-fishing over traditional rod-and-reel methods; there's plenty of space along shorelines where they could cast their lines too.

However please note all fishermen aged 16 years old and above must have valid Ohio state licenses before engaging in any kind of angling activity within Barkcamp State Park boundaries according rules set by Department Of Natural Resources Division Of Wildlife (DNR).


Location
Barkcamp State Park is located near Moundsville, Saint Clairsville

Picnicking
Seven picnic areas are scenically located around the park. Each area provides tables, grills, water and latrines. A picnic shelterhouse is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycling
For cycling enthusiasts, the park offers a 1.5-mile bike trail that winds through scenic woodland areas.

The terrain is moderately challenging and suitable for intermediate cyclists; beginners may find it slightly difficult.

It's important to note that bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails or bridle paths within the area.

Bike rentals aren't available in this location so remember to bring your own equipment if you plan on biking here.

Always wear protective gear while riding as some parts of the path can be uneven with occasional loose gravel patches.

Please respect other users by keeping speeds low when approaching pedestrians or horse riders along shared sections of track.
Trails
Miles of hiking trails invite visitors to enjoy the solitude of the forest. The Lakeview Trail, Woodchuck Nature Trail, Hawthorn Trail and Hawk Trail lead to natural treasures and provide opportunities for nature study, birdwatching and wildlife observation. A 6-mile mountain bike trail loops through rugged woodlands and skirts the lakeshore, offering challenges for intermediate and advanced cyclists.

Barkcamp's bridle trail meanders along the entire lakeshore affording a pleasant day's ride. A special paved trail winds through the pioneer village, enters the adjoining mature woodlands and provides access to the Antique Barn. Interpretive signs are placed along the route explaining the cultural and natural history of the park.

In the camp area, a bit of American history is preserved. The Antique Barn was built in the 1800s by Solomon Bentley, an orchardman of renown. One variety of apple that he marketed was the "Bentley Sweet." The barn is now home to summer naturalist activities and historical displays.

A resurrected log cabin and other pioneer structures near the barn take visitors back to an even earlier era.
Birding
Barkcamp State Park in Ohio offers a variety of birding options for enthusiasts. The park is home to diverse habitats, including forests, meadows and wetlands that attract different species of birds throughout the year. Commonly sighted birds include warblers, woodpeckers, hawks and waterfowl among others. Birdwatchers can explore various trails within the park or visit Belmont Lake where many aquatic bird species are found. Additionally, there's an opportunity to participate in organized events such as guided bird walks during migration seasons.
Area Attractions
The rich history of the Barkcamp area can be experienced at the Belmont County Museum on State Route 800 in Barnesville. This spectacular Romanesque-style mansion was built in 1888 and has 26 rooms. The museum houses a quilt collection, a collection of antique farm implements and many other interesting relics of the "Gay 90's" period. The museum is open May through October.

The Friends Meeting House, operated by the Ohio Historical Society and located in Mount Pleasant, is a restored meeting place of early Quakers. Built in 1914, it was one of the largest in the United States.

Dysart Woods, an outdoor land laboratory managed by Ohio University, preserves a 50-acre tract of old-growth forest. Dysart Woods is south of the park off State Route 147.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 28 We love camping at this park by mrsother
park review stars; one to five The area we camp at is usually very clean, quiet and relaxing.
September 2 Our dogs love to camp! by Terrie & Jo
park review stars; one to five We love to camp here. The showers are super nice, bathrooms rustic, but who cares! Park is always clean and well maintained. We love to ride our bikes and walk the trails.
May 9 One of our favroite places to camp by stevesgirl195
park review stars; one to five We love to camp there. It is a very clean place. We love all the thing you can do there. Our dogs love to camp there also. I love that the park Police come around there all night long. Makes us feel so safe. We are going there for a week starting tomorrow. I hope it doesn't rain the whole time we are there.
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Hidden Valley Outdoors
47694 Reservoir Rd
St Clairsville, OH
(740) 526-0550
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
85.8 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Barkcamp State Park, 65330 Barkcamp Road, Belmont, OH 43718

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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