(Writer’s Note: With the majority of COVID restrictions already expired, or soon to, many families will be looking to finally get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors again. Fun and Free will seek to highlight a number of great options throughout the Upper Ohio Valley where all, or at minimum most, of the amenities are free to use.).
Eastern Ohio features a number of options for outdoor amenities with its plethora of state parks and forests. And while it may not be the biggest in terms of size, Barkcamp State Park near Belmont in Belmont County does offer plenty of recreational activities.
But since we’re focusing on free activities, let’s home in on perhaps one of the best-loved summer activities—swimming.
As stated, there a number of lakes that offer swimming at state parks throughout the region. How many of them say they offer free swimming? Barkcamp can make such a claim.
Nestled on the southeastern banks of Belmont Lake is Barkcamp’s swim beach, complete with picnic facilities, restrooms, a cabana-style swim house for changing, and yes, free, and unfettered access to the lake for swimming.
Belmont Lake itself spans 117 acres, and there are numerous spots great for fishing, or boating, or kayaking and canoeing. But this section is cordoned of for swimming. A number of buoys line the perimeter of the designated swimming area.
Swimming is not permitted off boats elsewhere in the pack, so this spot is the designated area. Take a deep in the lake, swim laps, or retreat to the beach to catch some sun or build sandcastles.
The only charge is the gas you spend driving to and from your home. And on a hot summer day, when you’re trying to beat the heat and payday isn’t quite here yet, there’s no better option.
The nearby wooded areas feature picnic tables with excellent views of Belmont Lake for families wanted to get a little shade and enjoy a lunch together before returning to the water.
Other Amenities
As stated, Belmont Lake’s 117 acres is available for a host of water-based activities other than swimming. Fishing is a popular activity, both from the shore and from boats.
The lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, saugeye, and trout. There is an accessible fishing area near the boat launch, and for those 16 and over, all you need is an Ohio fishing license to participate. There are no additional fees. Ice fishing is available during the winter months.
For those looking to get in a workout whilst on the water, there is also a kayak launch. Park visitors can be seen canoeing, along with kayaking both in sit-down and stand-up varieties throughout the summer.
Those looking to get out of the water have multiple options as well. Hunting is permitted at Barkcamp in designated areas and for those possessing the proper state-issued license.
Looking to practice your bow skills? Barkcamp features a 3-D archery range with 10 targets you can practice with. Field points must be used on all arrows at the range as broadheads are not permitted to help preserve the longevity of the targets.
Sticking with keeping moving, Barkcamp features five trails for visitors to hike, including the longest, the Lakeview Trail, one of only two moderate-rated trails in the park. Lakeview is 1.7 miles in length while the Hawthorn Trail is 0.6 miles and also rated as moderate.
There are three easy-rated trails, including Woodchuck Nature Trail (0.3), Hawk Trail (0.5) and the Pioneer Trail (0.3). The Pioneer trail is a hard-surface accessible trial that winds through the Pioneer Village.
There is also the multi-use trail, available also to bikers, horseback riders, and in the winter, snowmobiles. It’s called the Blue Trail and it’s eight miles in length.
In addition to the picnic facilities near the swim beach, there are locations scattered throughout the park, complete with tables, grills, available water, and latrines.
Non-Free Amenities
Like most state parks, camping is also an option, ranging from tent-only spots to Sherman cabins, full-electric spots, and even equestrian camping spots. All told, there are 120 electric sites, as well as designated areas that allow pet camping.
The campground itself features a dump station, a playground, and even a mini golf course for additional entertainment. Reservations for the various spots can be made here.
There is also a non-profit organization, the Friends of Barkcamp, that works to put on various events and activities at the park throughout the year.
The group is actually hosting one tonight, an ice cream social, running from 5-7 p.m. at the barn area. Root beer floats, and ice cream with sprinkles will be available for $2 apiece.
Later in the year, the group will be holding events for the Fourth of July (on July 3), Christmas in July on July 17, a Labor Day ice cream social on September 4, plus a car show on September 11, with a rain date set for the following week.
The Halloween Camp Out is slated for October 9. All proceeds made by events put on by the Friends of Barkcamp go back directly to park improvements. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page listed above.
Barkcamp State Park is located south off the Belmont/Morristown exit on I-70. Head south Ohio 149 until you see the sign for Barkcamp, directing you to turn left (or right if you’re heading north) onto Loy Road.
