Plan a summer camping trip to Belmont County
The sweet, gooey taste of s’mores, the inviting smell of a campfire, fireflies blinking in the twilight, the cool lake breeze on your face, and the peaceful sounds of nature. Nothing says summertime fun like camping! Camping is the perfect way to unwind and spend quality time with family and friends. From tents to luxury cabins and everything in between, you’ll find great options in Belmont County at Barkcamp State Park, Zion Retreat & RV Park, and Piedmont Lake and Marina.
Barkcamp State Park
Get a glimpse of Ohio’s rolling forests pre-settlement at Barkcamp State Park. Situated in the Appalachian highlands’ sandstone hills, this 1,005-acre park is surrounded by mature woodlands and includes a serene 117-acre lake that attracts paddlers and anglers. Camping options include cabins, full hook-up RV spots, an equestrian camp, and tent camping. The campgrounds have electric sites and three handicap-accessible sites. An 11-site group camp is also available for organized groups by reservation. Amenities include a shower house, dump station, and pet camping in designated campsites. Reservations may be made online at ohioodnr.gov or by calling (740) 484-4064.
Plan a weekend away and enjoy a boat and kayak launch for hours of fun on the water, a 700-foot beach for sunbathing, a walk-through archery range with 10, 3D targets, multi-use trails for exploring, and a Storybook Trail that presents a children’s story in segments along your hike. Additional sports amenities include an 18-hole mini golf course, volleyball court, basketball courts, and playgrounds. Barkcamp also has a camp store and scheduled events throughout the year.
Piedmont Lake and Marina
Piedmont Lake and Marina’s campground offers a variety of campsites for RVs and tents for a night or longer (discounted 30-day camping rates are also available). Each campsite is full hook-up with 50 amp power and equipped with a picnic table, a campfire ring, and access to showers and laundry facilities. The vacation cabin rental gives you full access to nature with the comforts of home. Piedmont has six park model cabins. Models 1-4 are standard cabins with two bedrooms. Models 5-6 are ADA accessible including one bedroom with a queen-size bed.
Considered by many to be the most scenic of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Lakes, Piedmont offers 2,270 acres of water for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Piedmont Lake is a big draw for anglers, the state-record muskie was caught here. Piedmont also includes a portion of the Buckeye Trail that connects it to Leesville, Tappan, Clendening, and Seneca Lakes. To make a reservation for camping, cabins, or boat rentals visit MWCD.org or call (740) 433-4847.
Zion Retreat & RV Park
Flushing’s Zion Retreat & RV Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. It’s a hidden gem in our county! Become immersed in the peacefulness of 1,300 acres of rolling hills, green fields, sparkling water, and beautiful sunsets. Explore the 27-acre lake on a kayak or paddle board, splash in the water on the aqua zip line, fish in one of the many ponds, and spend the night in one of six luxury cabins (all but one is ADA accessible) or one of four pet-friendly rustic cabins. Choose one of their full-hook-up, tree-lined spots if you have an RV. Each site has water, 50/30 amp electric, sewage, Comcast wi-fi, a picnic table, and a fire ring. RV and tent campers have access to a bathhouse and laundry facility. Tent campers can choose spots in the RV park or a separate primitive camping site. Don’t miss their four-mile mountain bike trail and other hiking trails around the property. Zion also offers a camp store and regularly planned events.
Bonus Bigfoot Activity
While enjoying Barkcamp, Piedmont, and Zion, experience our Belmont County Bigfoot Geotour. This free, family-fun activity takes you on a quest to explore Belmont County while searching for hidden Bigfoot-themed cache containers. Find them all to receive a special trackable coin.
Download a free visitor’s guide on this website or call 740-695-4359. Get social with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Threads, and TikTok.
