Between Pittsburgh And Columbus Is Ohio's Lakeside State Park To Enjoy A Swimming Beach, Fishing, And Hiking

Whether you're visiting Pittsburgh or Columbus, you may feel the need at one point to explore these cities' surrounding nature. If so, you're spoilt for choice in the Ohio countryside with places like Clendening Lake, a scenic lake with fishing thrills and cute cabins. But Clendening isn't the only lake worth visiting in Ohio. Another great spot for swimming and fishing is Belmont Lake, located in the 1,005-acre Barkcamp State Park, where you can also encounter wildlife and explore nature on various hiking trails.

The state park's lakeside setting is a big draw for water lovers during the warmer months. The 700-foot-long Barkcamp Beach is where many visitors head for a refreshing dip in the placid lake. It's located on Belmont Lake's eastern shoreline and has ample parking just back from a shoreline comprising soft sand and grass. Spread out on the sand for a bit of sunbathing, paddle in the shallows, or enjoy a leisurely float on inflatables. The beach also has picnic tables nearby for beachgoers keen to make a day of it. "The Barkcamp Beach is a beautiful small beach area. It is very clean and [well] maintained," one visitor wrote in a review on Google.

If you prefer to get out on the water, you can launch your motorized or non-motorized vessel from the state park's ramp. However, only electric motors are allowed, which preserves the lake's peace and cleanliness. Many people enjoy a paddle on the 117-acre lake, while others bring fishing gear in hopes of reeling in bass, bluegills, catfish, and other species. You may not catch the same variety of fish as Tappan Lake, Ohio's best-kept secret haven for fishing, but Belmont Lake is still considered a great spot for saugeyes and other species in Ohio's southeast.

If you prefer to embrace nature on dry land, you can explore the corners of Barkcamp State Park on various hiking trails. The Lakeview and Woodchuck trails combine to create the park's highest-rated route on AllTrails. The 1.7-mile loop leads off from an unnamed road just north of Barkcamp Beach. Give yourself around 45 minutes to complete this relatively easy route, which treats you to beautiful lake views through the trees along its shoreline.

Anyone looking for a longer hike should consider the Barkcamp Ohio Blue Loop. This moderately difficult route traverses 7.6 miles around the state park, circumnavigating Belmont Lake in the process. It's open to both hikers and horse riders, though, so you may need to share the trail at certain points. This long hike lets you experience practically all the lakeside and woodland scenery the state park has to offer. Bring food along so you can stop and picnic beside the water at some point.

You don't necessarily have to walk a long way to spend some time beside the water. The 0.5-mile Barkcamp State Park Hawk Trail should only take 15 to 20 minutes to traverse, getting you to the lake's edge with little effort. "Super short and simple, gorgeous in the fall for peak leaves," one hiker wrote on AllTrails. It also has picnic tables and benches along it for anyone wanting to linger over lunch. These are far from the only trails in the state park, which has over 20 routes for hikers, bikers, or horse riders on its official map.

Many people visit Barkcamp State Park during the warmer months, when it's easier to enjoy Belmont Lake. However, you can also visit during winter, when it becomes a popular spot for cross-country skiing. People also go ice fishing and ice skating on Belmont Lake, if the ice is thick enough.

Barkcamp State Park is one and a half to two hours' drive from Columbus, Ohio, or around one and a half hours from Pittsburgh one state over in Pennsylvania. Barkcamp, like most Ohio state parks, tends to be open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. for day visitors, while the beach closes at dusk. If you want to stay more than one day, you can pitch a tent, pull up an RV, or hitch your horse at around 150 sites just back from Belmont Lake. The sites are pet-friendly and powered. They also give you access to water, restrooms, showers, a playground, and a horse washing station.

If you prefer not to camp, you could realistically base yourself in Pittsburgh or Columbus and make the state park a day trip. Otherwise, there are hotels and motels closer to hand in nearby towns and cities. You could, for example, stay in a budget-friendly motel just outside of St Clairsville. It's only a 15-minute drive away from the state park and is Ohio's "Paradise on the Hill" with a vibrant downtown.