🌤 Weather at Barkcamp State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 59–83 °F | 34–76 °F | 21–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Barnesville, 10 mi away, elevation 1,280 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Take a step back in time with a visit to Barkcamp State Park. This picturesque Ohio state park, located in Belmont County and just 78 miles west of Pittsburgh, PA, is one of the last undeveloped areas that really showcases the rustic Ohio landscape.
Lush forest, sandstone hills and wildflower meadows surround Belmont Lake offering guests opportunities to camp, hike, fish, swim, boat, picnic, and birdwatch.
Activities
Escape to the countryside for a few days of peace and quiet and maybe a few adventures. Bring your tent or RV and stay the night (or several) inside the park’s comfortable family campground. And don’t forget to bring lunch. There are picnic areas with tables and grills scattered throughout the park.
Here are a few more amenities that you will find inside Barkcamp State Park:
- A walk through archery range with 3D targets
- An accessible 18 hole mini golf course
- A Nature Center with seasonal programs
- Volleyball court
- Basketball court
During the winter, provided the weather is cold enough, you may also get to enjoy activities such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Barkcamp State Park:
Boating at Barkcamp State Park
Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other hand-powered boats are allowed on Belmont Lake. Boats with electric motors are also permitted and seasonal tie-ups are available. A kayak launch and a separate boat ramp for launching trailered boats are also available.
Swimming at Barkcamp State Park
Swim, float, sunbathe and more along the 700 foot lakeside beach located within Barkcamp State Park. Swimming is only allowed within the designated beach area. Swimming from your boat is not allowed.
Hiking at Barkcamp State Park
Take a walk through Barkcamp State Park and explore the miles of trails that lead throughout the lush forest and along the lake. Bring your camera and binoculars for a chance to see the native flora and fauna up close.
Here are a couple of the trails at Barkcamp State Park
- Pioneer Trail – An easy 0.3 mile trail that winds through the forest and provides access to Pioneer village and the Antique Barn.
- Storybook Trail – An easy 0.5 mile trail that presents a children’s story (broken into segments) along its path. The book changes throughout the year.
Guests are encouraged to take a book or leave a book in the Small Free Library located near the start of this trail. Check out other Storybook Trails located inside Ohio state parks.
Horseback Riding at Barkcamp State Park
Looking for a quiet place to ride your horse? Barkcamp State Park features 24 miles of bridle trails that extend throughout the park and loop around the lake. An equestrian campground and a day use area are also located within the park.
Fishing at Barkcamp State Park
Pack your angling gear and supplies and spend a quiet day fishing for trout, crappie, catfish, bass, and bluegill.
Fish from your boat or along the accessible fishing area near the park’s boat launch. Just don’t forget to pick up an Ohio fishing license ahead of time.
Birding at Barkcamp State Park
Grab your binoculars and take a peaceful walk through the woods inside Barkcamp State Park. Here you may discover Blue Jays, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, and Red-tailed Hawks.
Nature and Wildlife at Barkcamp State Park
Barkcamp Creek was once the site of a logging camp so named because of the process of removing the bark from felled trees before they were sent to the mill. Walking through the thick forest today it’s hard to imagine that this area was once stripped of so many of its trees.
Walk along these trails and you may also have a chance to see beautiful wild geraniums, bloodroot, and hepatica, as well as many songbirds, White-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, and opossum.
Pets at Barkcamp State Park
Pets are allowed at Barkcamp State Park but must be supervised and kept on a hand held leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings (including cabins) or in the beach area.
Camping at Barkcamp State Park
Barkcamp State Park offers the following for overnight accommodations: campsites, Sherman Cabins, equestrian camping area, and a group camping area.
The main campground area offers 15 tent-only sites, 120 electric sites, and 15 full hookup sites. Each site has a picnic table, grill, and a fire ring. Bathhouses, a playground, mini golf course, and dump station are located nearby. Pets are allowed on certain sites, please inquire when making your reservation.
There are also 25 equestrian sites. These sites have access to electricity plus a horse washing station and an accessible mounting ramp.
The 4 Sherman Cabins have electricity but no water. Each cabin has beds, refrigerator, microwave, picnic table, grill and a fire ring. You will need to bring your own linens, dishes and utensils.
Park Location
Barkcamp State Park
65330 Barkcamp Park Rd
Belmont, OH 43718
Phone: 740.484.4064
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Barkcamp State Park:
Explore More Ohio State Parks
Barkcamp State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Ohio. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Tappan Lake State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Salt Fork State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Barkcamp State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not to exceed 6 feet in length, in hand and under control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No pets allowed at swimming beaches; some parks have designated dog swim areas and dog parks
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly cabins available at select parks (Buck Creek, Cowan, Dillon, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, Pymatuning); maximum two pets per cabin; $10 added fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 added fee for pet-friendly cabins (charged whether pets come along or not); no pet fee for day use or camping
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated leash-free dog exercise areas exist at some parks; no bathing of pets in campground shower houses
Are dogs allowed at Barkcamp State Park?
Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ohiodnr.gov. More: Ohio state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Barkcamp State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
