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 1,005-acre park.
History:
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.
Camping
146 campsites are available.
120 have electricity
27 are designated as equestrian sites
14 are tent only, with no pets allowed
3 are ADA compliant sites
1 group tent camping site may be reserved in advance (up to 66 people) and has 11 picnic tables
Dump station
Mini golf course and playground
Pet camping is permitted on designated sites
Horse washing station
Accessible mounting ramp
Activities
Boating
Hand powered boats and boats with electric motors only are permitted on 117-acre Belmont Lake. Seasonal boat tie-ups are available. One launch ramp provides access to the lake. Swimming from your boat is NOT allowed.
Fishing
Anglers will enjoy good catches of bass, bluegill, crappie and trout. A wheelchair accessible area allows all people to test their skill at fishing. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in designated areas. Squirrel hunting is popular here. A valid Ohio hunting license is required
Picnicking
Several picnic areas are located around the park. Each area provides tables, grills, water and latrines. Three shelterhouses are available.
Swimming
A 700-foot beach provides enjoyment for swimmers and sunbathers. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.
Trails
There are 4 hiking trails in the park:
Lakeview Trail - 1.7 miles - Moderate
Woodchuck Nature Trail - 0.3 mile - Easy
Hawthorn Trail- Hiking - 0.6 mile - Moderate
Hawk Trail- Hiking - 0.5 mile - Easy - Handicap Accessible
Pioneer Trail - 0.3 mile - Easy
Blue Trail - 6.4 miles Multi-use
One Bridle/Snowmobile Trail is a Moderate 24 miles.
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.
A bit of American history is preserved in the camp area. 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.
Winter Recreation
Under proper conditions, park visitors can enjoy sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice boating.
