Barkcamp Lake State Park
With a name like Barkcamp Lake State Park, you know your pup is going to love this place! But it’s not named after the canine guests that enjoy visiting the park. The name actually comes from a former logging camp in the area called Barkcamp Creek. It was here that the bark was stripped from the trees before delivery to the mill.
Barkcamp Lake State Park rests on sandstone hills that are covered
in second growth forest. Your pup can get a taste of the natural beauty by
hiking on the park’s trails. If you are short on time or your pal is short on
energy, follow Woodchuck Nature Trail or Pioneer Trail. Both of these are less
than half a mile. For a longer hike, opt for the 1.7 mile Lakeview Trail. And if
your doggo really needs to burn some energy, choose the Blue Trail that stretches for 6.4 miles. If your pup likes
history, stroll along the paved path that winds through the pioneer village and
past the Antique Barn.
Barkcamp Lake State Park is also a great place for boating.
One boat launch provides access to Belmont Lake. If you have your own
watercraft you and your doggo can cruise around the lake. Fishing is also a
pupular activity. The lake is teeming with bass, bluegill, crappie, and trout.
Bring your rod and reel along and see if you can bring in a whopper!
If you want to stay a night or two, grab a spot at the
campground and settle in. Most of the sites have electrical hookups. And only
some are pet friendly. So be sure to request a site that welcomes four legged
guests. Just staying for the day? The day use area has picnic tables, grills, volleyball
and basketball courts, and horseshoe pits.
Be sure to keep your adventure pup on leash at all times in this puptastic park. Bring all the essentials for a pawfect day out, including water to share, and clean-up bags, and always stoop and scoop. Also ensure that your dog is current on vaccinations, including rabies.
For a wooftacular time, the Barkcamp Lake State Park is one place your pup will want to
visit again and again!
