Barkcamp State Park

Barkcamp State Park is a recreational area covering about 1,000 acres in Belmont County, centered around a lake surrounded by mature forests, sandstone ridges, and open fields. The park provides campsites with electrical hookups, swimming beaches, boat launches, and trails suitable for walking and riding horses.

The site was acquired in 1955 by Ohio's state wildlife agency and converted into a public recreation area. Before that, the land served as a logging operation where the bark-stripping industry was a major economic activity.

The name reflects the area's past as a logging hub where bark was stripped from timber before transport to mills. This industrial heritage remains woven into how locals and visitors understand the land's character today.

The grounds are well-developed with clear trails and designated activity zones that are straightforward to find. Plan your visit around the season, as weather conditions and water levels affect which activities are most enjoyable at different times of year.

A barn structure dating back to the 1800s still stands on the grounds and functions as an educational hub. During summer months, naturalists run interpretive programs there to help visitors understand the region's ecology and past.

Location: Belmont County

Inception: 1955

Website: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/barkcamp-state-park

GPS coordinates: 40.04278,-81.01417

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:08