Salt Fork State Park, an Ohio State Park near Claysville, Coshocton, Sonora

USA

Ohio

Salt Fork State Park

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Facilities and Activities:

General Land, acres 17229
Water, acres 2952
Day-Use Fishing yes
Hunting yes
Hiking Trail, miles 14
Picnicking yes
Swimming Beach, feet 2500
Bridle Trails, miles 12
Beach Concession yes
Nature Center yes
Nature Programs yes
Boating Boat Rental yes
Boating Limits -2
Seasonal Dock Rental 470
Launch Ramps, # 10
Fuel For Sale yes
Camping Electric Sites, # 192
Full Hookup Sites, # 20
Pets Permitted yes
Flush Toilets yes
Dumpstation yes
Showers yes
Rent-A-Camp Sites, # 3
Group Camp, capacity 150
Campground Beach yes
Horsemen Campsites, # 20
Winter Sledding yes
Cross-Country Skiing yes
Snowmobiling yes
Ice Boating yes
Ice Skating yes
Ice Fishing yes
Accommodations Lodge Rooms, # 148
Family Cottages, # 54
Game Room yes
Indoor Swimming Pool yes
Tennis yes
Outdoor Swimming Pool yes
Golf Course yes
Restaurant yes

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State Park Link:
Salt Fork State Park

Nearby Parks:
Salt Fork State Park and Wildlife Area

State Park Contact Information:
	Salt Fork State Park 14755 Cadiz Road Lore City, Ohio 43755 Phone: 740-439-3521 Reservations: 866-644-6727	Area Accommodations
Adopt-A-Park Contacts:
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State Park Reservations:
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State Park Overview:

The landscape of rural Guernsey County appears as a patchwork of forested hills, open meadows and misty valleys threaded by numerous streams. At the heart of this region is Salt Fork State Park, encompassing the woodlands and fields flanking Salt Fork Reservoir. As Ohio's largest state park, Salt Fork boasts recreational facilities to suit nearly every taste.

Nature of the Area:

Before settlement, Ohio lay in the heart of a vast forest wilderness stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Great Plains. None of the world's hardwood forests surpassed this one in variety and size of trees. Ohio's forest was a magnificent sight and an enormous challenge for settlers determined to clear and till the land. Towering oaks, hickories, beeches, maples, walnuts, ashes and chestnuts, some over 150 feet tall, rose from the rich fertile soil below. By 1900, most of Ohio's original forest was decimated. In its place stood wheat, corn, oats, hay and thriving cities.

Through conservation efforts over the past few decades, a magnificent regrowth has occurred. Today, nearly 30 percent of the state is once again supporting a thriving forest. This is most evident in the rugged, unglaciated hill region of southeastern Ohio including Salt Fork State Park. Salt Fork contains a blend of rich woodlands and rolling meadows. The park contains diverse populations of plant and animal life. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, red fox, gray squirrels and barred owls are well established within Salt Fork. Songbirds such as the scarlet tanager, cardinal, goldfinch, Kentucky warbler and others provide delight for birdwatchers.

Spectacular wildflowers such as wild geranium, large-flowered trillium, violets, asters and goldenrod line the forest floor and meadows. In spring, the melody of wood frogs, chorus frogs and spring peepers echo through the park.

Reviews By Park Visitors:

visitor rating:

(5 votes) |Post Your Own Review

the best state park in ohio (anywere)

overall the best park i was ever at

(name not given) 29-Aug-2008

Boating Paradise

My husband and I have been coming to Salt Fork for 5 years now. It has become our favorite place to boat. Beautiful views, calm waters, absolutely wonderful every time. We always stay at the Lodge which has friendly staff, good accommodations? and food. We even come in the winter for a nice get-a-way. Bring friends or come on your own, you will be happy you did!

Written by Sold on Salt Fork! 20-Sep-2008

excellent bridle trails

Written by B & B 18-Oct-2008

best summer ive ever had

(name not given) 6-May-2009

The best park in Ohio

We have went to several state parks in Ohio and this is our favorite. Always clean, lots of wildlife and plenty of things to do.

Written by Dorothy 8-Jul-2009

Camping:

The modern campground has 212 sites, all with electricity. Other features include heated shower houses, flush toilets, dump station, a separate beach, boat launching and docking facilities for campers. Eighteen sites are wheelchair accessible. In addition, a group camp and horsemen's camp are available. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites.

Picnicking:

There are several picnic areas with tables and grills in scenic locations around the lake. A shelter house is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A wheelchair accessible picnic area with hard surfaced paths and accessible latrines, parking and tables is located off Park Road 1.

Boating:

Boats with unlimited horsepower are permitted on the lake. Combined speed/ski zones are marked by buoys. There are numerous boat launching ramps on the lake. Boaters may camp on their boats in no-wake zones within fifty yards of shore. Swimming from boats is permitted in designated areas only.

Swimming:

The 2,500-foot beach is one of the largest inland beaches in Ohio. The modern bathhouse provides showers, lockers, toilets and a snack bar.

Fishing and Hunting:

Sizable populations of largemouth bass, crappies, bluegills, walleyes and muskellunge are present. Fishing is particularly good in the many embayment areas, and along the artificial reef on the north branch of the lake. Hunting is permitted on designated areas. Check-in with park or wildlife officers for delineation of these areas. Cottontail rabbit, gray and fox squirrels, deer, grouse, quail, woodchuck, raccoon, mink, muskrat, beaver, wild turkey and waterfowl are abundant. An ODNR Division of Wildlife office is located near the main park entrance.

History of the Area:

Salt Fork is said to have derived its name from a salt well used by Native Americans which was located near the southeastern corner of the park.

Historically, this part of southeastern Ohio was one of the first areas of the state to be settled by the pioneers emigrating westward from the crowded eastern seaboard. Some of these settlers may have followed Zane's Trace into the Ohio wilderness -- a route that led a few families into the Guernsey County area. From Zanesville east to the Ohio River, the Trace became part of the National Road, a major east-west transportation route constructed in 1811. Today, the old National Road is known as U.S. Route 40 and passes near Salt Fork State Park.

One of the early residents of Guernsey County, David B. Kennedy, constructed a beautiful stone house overlooking Sugar Tree Fork in 1837. Built from locally-quarried stone cut into 3' x 1' x 1' blocks, the Kennedy Stone House is a sturdy reminder of bygone days. Because of its unique and enduring construction, the house is listed in the National Register of Historic places and can be visited throughout the year.

While the southeastern U.S. was the most important staging area for many Civil War battles, southeastern Ohio saw a few skirmishes, too. Morgan's Raiders, a small group of Confederate soldiers, made excursions into the Salt Fork area under constant pursuit from Union Troops led by General Shakelford.

As the 19th Century progressed, industry continued to develop in Ohio, and many of the southeastern Ohio counties came into prominence as coal-producing areas. Responding to the demand for this important fuel source, Guernsey County became one of Ohio's leading coal producers. Abundant reserves of clay allowed the development of a thriving pottery industry in the county as well. The present impoundment at Salt Fork dates back to 1956 when planning for the lake was begun. The reservoir was originally slated to become a water source for the city of Cambridge, but the potential for the area to become a major recreation area in the state was so great that, in 1960, land acquisition was begun to create a state park. The earthen dam was completed in 1967, and construction of recreational facilities began in mid 1968. The spacious Salt Fork Lodge was opened in May 1972.

Area Accommodations

Cottages and Cabins

Timberline Cabins - Cambridge, OH
Situated at the heart of Salt Fork Lake, our cabins all offer privacy and seclusion,with hot tubs, decks, grills, private bonfire pits and beautiful rock wood burning fireplaces. All cabins are extremely clean, well furnished and equipped. Wonderful for all occasions. Hunters are welcome at our cabins!
Web Site: http://www.timberlinecabins.net

The Ohio Outback Lodge - McConnelsville, OH
In the heart of Ohio the Outback Lodge is located in Southeast Ohio, just minutes from the beautiful Muskingum River. The 2,200 square foot Lodge is constructed of Pine Logs, full basement, beautiful rural setting. It has wooded area as well as a creek and pond. This is a beautiful outdoor vacation spot.
Web Site: http://www.theohiooutbacklodge.com

Rose's Vacation Cabin - Glouster, OH
Burr Oak State Park - Located in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio. Rose's Vacation Cabin Rental is a special place to make your Honeymoon, Anniversary, or Family Getaway a relaxing experience.
Web Site: http://www.rosesvacationcabinrental.com

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