Barkcamp Horse Campground

Ohio, with its diverse landscapes and rich natural heritage, offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. From the rolling Appalachian foothills to serene lakes, the Buckeye State provides a perfect backdrop for camping. For those who share their love of the outdoors with their equine companions, or simply seek a truly pristine and well-maintained camping experience, Barkcamp Horse Campground within Barkcamp State Park in Belmont stands out as an exceptional choice.

Barkcamp Horse Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a gateway to over 24 miles of scenic bridle trails that wind through picturesque hills and mature woodlands. While specifically catering to equestrians, its fantastic improvements and highly praised facilities make it a top destination for all campers. Visitors consistently rave about the "fantastic improvements," "great accommodations," and the "most immaculate restrooms" they've ever encountered in a state park, solidifying its reputation as a highly recommended spot for a memorable Ohio getaway.

Barkcamp Horse Campground is nestled within the sprawling 1,005-acre Barkcamp State Park, a natural haven in eastern Ohio's Belmont County. While the name highlights its equestrian focus, the campground and surrounding park offer a wide array of activities and amenities for all types of campers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park's picturesque hills and quiet 117-acre Belmont Lake draw not only horseback riders but also paddlers, anglers, hikers, and families seeking a serene escape.

The campground prides itself on its cleanliness and the quality of its facilities, a fact repeatedly emphasized by visitor reviews. This commitment to maintenance, combined with ongoing improvements, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Barkcamp State Park also preserves a bit of American history, with structures like the 1800s Antique Barn, now home to summer naturalist activities, and resurrected pioneer structures that offer a glimpse into an earlier era. Whether you're an experienced equestrian, a family looking for a beautiful lakeside spot, or simply a nature lover, Barkcamp Horse Campground provides a fantastic base for exploring the region's natural splendor and historical charm.

Barkcamp Horse Campground is located at Plainfield Rd, Belmont, OH 43718, USA, within Barkcamp State Park. Belmont is a small community in Belmont County, strategically positioned in eastern Ohio, making the campground accessible from various parts of the state and neighboring regions.

The park's location offers a tranquil escape while still being within reasonable driving distance of key areas:

• Approximately 10-15 miles south of St. Clairsville, a larger town offering more extensive dining, shopping, and services.
• About 20-30 minutes drive from the Ohio River and the city of Wheeling, West Virginia, providing access to additional amenities and attractions like Oglebay Resort.
• Roughly an hour's drive to Cambridge, Ohio, known for its Glass Museum and charming downtown.
• Within a comfortable driving distance from major Ohio cities like Columbus (about 2 hours) and Cleveland (about 2.5-3 hours), making it a viable weekend destination for many Ohio residents.

The secluded nature of the park, coupled with relatively easy access via well-maintained roads, allows visitors to feel immersed in nature without being completely cut off from necessary conveniences. The emphasis on its location within a state park also signifies clear signage and established park infrastructure.

Barkcamp Horse Campground, being part of an Ohio State Park, offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and active camping experience:

• Equestrian Campsites: 25-27 dedicated equestrian sites, all with electric hookups, specifically designed to accommodate campers with horses. These sites typically feature highlines for horses.
• Electric Sites: Over 120 general electric sites available for RVs and trailers.
• Full Hookup Sites: 15 full hookup sites that include water, electric, and sewer connections. One full hookup site is ADA compliant.
• Tent Only Sites: 15 sites designated for tent camping.
• Immaculate Restrooms and Showers: Consistently praised for being "the most immaculate restrooms I have ever seen in a state park," ensuring a high standard of cleanliness and comfort.
• Potable Water: Available throughout the campground.
• Dump Station: A convenient facility for RV campers to dispose of wastewater.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry services are available for camper convenience.
• Horse Washing Station: A dedicated area for washing horses, a key amenity for equestrian campers.
• Accessible Mounting Ramp: Available for equestrians.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Provided at each campsite for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Camp Store: A nearby camp store for purchasing ice, snacks, and basic supplies.
• Mini Golf Course: An 18-hole mini-golf course for family fun (small fee applies, equipment at camp store).
• Playground: A dedicated area for children to play.
• Boat Launch: A 1-lane concrete ramp with a wooden dock for launching trailered boats on Belmont Lake.
• Kayak Launch: A gravel launch area for carry-in, hand-powered boats.
• Shelterhouses: Three reservable shelterhouses (Beach, Turnaround, Overlook) with varying capacities and amenities, suitable for group gatherings.

Barkcamp Horse Campground and its surrounding State Park boast numerous features that make it a standout destination:

• Extensive Bridle Trails: Over 24 miles of diverse bridle trails traverse the park, offering varying difficulty levels and scenic views of Belmont Lake and the forested hills. This is a primary draw for horseback riders.
• Immaculate Facilities: Unanimously praised by visitors for "fantastic improvements" and "immaculate restrooms," highlighting the park's commitment to cleanliness and comfort.
• Beautiful Belmont Lake: The 117-acre lake is a central feature, offering a 700-foot sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as opportunities for boating (electric motors only), kayaking, canoeing, and fishing (stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, saugeye, and trout).
• Diverse Camping Options: From equestrian sites to full hookup RV sites and tent-only areas, the campground caters to a wide range of camping preferences.
• Historical Elements: The park preserves a piece of history with the 1800s Antique Barn and other pioneer structures, offering educational and interpretive experiences, including a paved interpretive trail.
• Abundant Recreational Activities: Beyond horseback riding and water sports, the park offers archery, hiking (numerous trails of varying lengths and difficulties), picnicking, a nature center with summer programs, mini-golf, volleyball, and basketball courts.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystems provide habitat for various wildlife, making it a great spot for nature observation and photography.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted on designated sites and trails, as long as they are leashed and waste is cleaned up.

As an Ohio State Park campground, Barkcamp Horse Campground participates in state-level discount programs and may offer seasonal events rather than traditional "promotions" in the commercial sense. Visitors should be aware of the following:

• Ohio State Parks Discounts: Ohio residents may be eligible for discounts such as the Golden Buckeye Card discount (50% off camping fees Sunday-Thursday, 10% Friday-Saturday for Ohio residents 60+), and Active/Retired Military Discount (10% off nightly rates).
• Disabled Veteran / POW Free Camping Pass: Honorably discharged Ohio resident veterans who are former Prisoners of War or permanently and totally disabled veterans may qualify for a free camping pass.
• Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Discount: Holders of this stamp may receive a 25% discount on lodge rooms or cabins (check if applicable to campground sites).
• Fishing/Hunting/Trapping License Discount: Holders of valid Ohio licenses may receive a 10% discount on lodge rooms or cabins (check if applicable to campground sites).
• Seasonal Events: Barkcamp State Park hosts various family-friendly events throughout the year, which can be considered "special offers" in terms of added value and entertainment. Examples include:
  • Luau - Barkcamp (e.g., July 26)
  • Back-to-School Bash - Barkcamp (e.g., August 9)
  • Halloween Campout - Barkcamp (e.g., October 11)
  • 4th Annual Fall Festival - Barkcamp (e.g., October 18)

It is highly recommended to check the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website for Barkcamp State Park Campground or call the park office directly for the most current information on rates, availability, and specific discount qualifications.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Barkcamp Horse Campground within Barkcamp State Park, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: Plainfield Rd, Belmont, OH 43718, USA
Phone: While a general park office number is typically available for state parks, the specific phone numbers provided in the prompt are not directly tied to Barkcamp. For park office inquiries or general information, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website often provides a contact number for Barkcamp State Park, which is (740) 484-4064. For reservations, utilize the Ohio State Parks online reservation system.

For Ohioans, Barkcamp Horse Campground within Barkcamp State Park offers an outstanding and uniquely tailored outdoor experience right here in our backyard. Its accessibility from many parts of the state makes it a convenient choice for weekend getaways or longer vacations without the need for extensive travel, allowing more time to enjoy the park's offerings.

What truly makes this campground suitable for locals, especially those who own horses, is its dedicated equestrian facilities. With 27 electric sites specifically for horse campers, a horse washing station, and access to over 24 miles of bridle trails, it's a dream destination for Ohio's equine enthusiasts. This specialized offering, combined with the general amenities, means that locals can enjoy their passion for horseback riding in a truly dedicated and well-equipped environment.

Beyond the equestrian focus, the consistently praised "immaculate restrooms," "beautiful setting," and "incredible beach" on Belmont Lake mean that all Ohio families and campers will find comfort and joy. The park's diverse activities, from fishing and boating on the lake to hiking on various trails and engaging in nature programs, ensure that there's something for every age and interest. The historical elements within the park also offer a unique educational opportunity for local families to connect with Ohio's past. For any Ohioan seeking a pristine, versatile, and highly recommended state park experience, particularly if accompanied by horses, Barkcamp Horse Campground provides an unparalleled local escape that truly celebrates the natural and recreational beauty of our state.

Barkcamp Horse Campground

Plainfield Rd, Belmont, OH 43718, USA