Barkcamp State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barkcamp State Park
Belmont Lake
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Location	Belmont County, Ohio, United States
Area	Land: 1,005 acres (407 ha) Water: 117 acres (47 ha)
Elevation	1,083 ft (330 m)
Established	1955
Administered by	Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Designation	Ohio state park
Website	Barkcamp State Park

Barkcamp State Park is a fun outdoor place in Belmont County, Ohio, United States. It's close to the village of Belmont, Ohio. This state park covers about 1,005 acres of land. It also has a beautiful 117-acre lake called Belmont Lake.

The park is a great spot for many activities. You can go camping, including special areas for horses. There are also trails for hiking and horseback riding. If you like sports, there are basketball courts. You can launch boats on the lake and swim at the beach. It's a perfect place to enjoy nature and have an adventure!

Discovering Barkcamp State Park

Barkcamp State Park is a large natural area. It is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This department helps protect Ohio's natural places. They make sure parks like Barkcamp are safe and fun for everyone.

What Can You Do at Barkcamp?

There are many cool things to do at Barkcamp State Park. It's a great place to spend time outdoors.

• Camping: You can set up a tent or bring an RV. There are even special campsites for people with horses.
• Trails: Explore the park on foot or on horseback. The trails wind through forests and offer great views.
• Water Fun: Belmont Lake is perfect for boating. You can also swim at the park's beach.
• Sports: Play a game of basketball on the courts.
• Fishing: The lake is a popular spot for fishing.

The Story Behind Barkcamp State Park

Every park has a history, and Barkcamp is no different! The park gets its name from Barkcamp Creek. This creek used to flow through the area.

From Logging Camp to State Park

Long ago, this area was a busy logging camp. Workers would cut down trees here. They would then strip the bark off the logs. This bark was sent to a special factory called a bark mill. The bark was used to make different products.

In 1955, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources started buying land here. Their goal was to create a new park. They wanted to make it a place for fishing and hunting. Over time, it became the wonderful state park we know today.

The Lake's Creation

Belmont Lake was not always here. A dam was built in 1963. This dam created the lake by holding back the water from Barkcamp Creek. The lake is now a central part of the park.

A Ranger's Home

Did you know a park ranger once lived right inside the park? Their house is still there today. It's a reminder of the park's past.