Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Ohio
Southwest Ohio Region
East Fork State Park
start slideshow
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Entrance Sign
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Fallen Heroes Memorial
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Rowing Competition
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Rowing Competition
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic of Lake
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic of Lake
East Fork State Park East Fork State Park © Lonnie Williams
Fallen Heroes Memorial
East Fork State Park © Gene Shirk
East Fork State Park on the scout © Stoney Roberts
East Fork State Park © Gene Shirk
East Fork State Park © Gene Shirk
East Fork State Park Snowy Solace © Laura Parton
Coming to the end of my Perimeter Trail hike Elklick
East Fork State Park © Lyle K. Johnson, Jr.
East Fork State Park © Keli Bruns
East Fork State Park Picture Perfect Day © Lori McClure
I was on a short walk and as I turned I saw the beach and had to get a shot.
East Fork State Park sunset on the lake © Lori McClure
Sunset with the lake partially frozen was absolutely breathtaking. You could see snow in the foreground, then water and then ice.
East Fork State Park © Gene Shirk
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
EAST FORK STATE PARK
EAST FORK STATE PARK
3294 Elklick Rd
Bethel, Ohio   45106
(lat:39.0043 lon:-84.1404) map location

Phone: (513) 734-4323
Reservations: 866-644-6727

One of Ohio's largest state parks, East Fork offers a
great diversity of recreational opportunities and natural
history only 25 miles from Cincinnati. The park's terrain
includes both rugged hills and open meadows, setting
the stage for a wonderful getaway.
Nature of the Area
Clermont County's rolling hills and meandering river
valleys provide a colorful backdrop for spacious East
Fork State Park. Shaped by the forces of the Illinoian
and Wisconsinan glaciers, the East Fork region is
characterized by beautiful hill country scenery and is
noted for the occurrence of remnant prairie habitats.
Illinoian glacial deposits are not common in Ohio but
can be observed at East Fork and the surrounding area.


East Fork's diverse landscape includes dry-forested hills,
rocky cascades, abandoned farmlands, thickly grown
floodplains, marshy grasslands and swamp forests. This
diversity lends well to an abundance of plant and
animal life. Woodlands are composed of beech, sugar
maple, red and white oak, shagbark hickory, and wild
black cherry. The swamp forests contain silver maple,
American elm, sycamore, and black gum. The
meadows and remnant prairies contain big bluestem
grass and purple coneflower among others.

Animals of the area include eastern plains garter
snake, fence lizard, red fox, deer, raccoon, Canada
geese, song sparrow, eastern meadowlark, and the barn
swallow.
History of the Area
The Little Miami River basin in which East Fork State Park is situated has been home to many generations of man,
dating back to nearly 3,000 years ago. Moundbuilders, the Adena and Hopewell Indians, occupied this area. The
mound near Elklick Road is thought to have been built by the Adena. The Erie Indians also lived here much later,
though by 1655 this nation was completely destroyed by the powerful Iroquois. The area was virtually uninhabited
through the remainder of the 17th century.

As the new state of Ohio began to be settled in the early 19th century, the East Fork region attracted settlers from the
east. Grist mills, sawmills, blacksmith shops, tanneries and stagecoach depots were among the early commercial
activities.

In 1869, two gold mines operated in the vicinity. One mine was located near Elklick and consisted of a flume for
washing gravel containing flakes of gold. The mine near Twin Bridges tunnelled underground to reach gold deposits
encased in bedrock.

Not far from the present park office, the "Old Bethel Church" on Elklick Road dates from 1867. It occupies the site of
a log church built about 1807 by Reverend John Collins. Some of the hand-hewn timbers secured with wooden pegs
and hand-forged nails used to construct the 1818 church are still present in the existing church.

More recently, the area has taken on a new appearance due to the creation of East Fork Reservoir in 1978. As part of
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control program, East Fork Lake and the surrounding region comprise one of
southwestern Ohio's largest recreational areas.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres4,870
 Water, acres2,160
 Nearby Wildlife Areayes
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles82
 Backpack Trail, miles46
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #3
 Swimming Beach, feet1,200
 Mountain Bike Trails, miles5
 Bridle Trails, miles55
 Beach Concessionyes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoating LimitsUnlimited HP
 Launch Ramps, #6
CampingElectric Sites, #384
 Full Hookup Sites, #5
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Rent-A-Camp Sites, #6
 Camper Cabins, #4
 Campground Beachyes
 Horsemen Campsites, #17
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
East Fork has one of the largest camping areas in the state with 416 sites. The campground offers electrical hookups,
showers, drinking water, camper's beach, flush toilets and boat ramps. Pets are permitted in designated areas. A
17-site horsemen's camp is available as well. Six Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cook
stove and other equipment can be rented during the summer months. Six Rent-A-RV units are also available.
Swimming
A 1,200-foot swimming beach with a concession and picnic area provides the perfect setting for a fun family outing.
Boating
Those who enjoy water sports will find East Fork Lake very accommodating. There are 2,160 acres of water and
unlimited horsepower boating with access available at five launch ramps.
Fishing
East Fork State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's main attraction is the 2,160-acre East Fork Lake, which has an abundant population of various fish species.

The lake is known for its populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. It also contains other species such as white bass and saugeye that can provide excellent sport to angler enthusiasts.

In addition to these common catches at East Fork Lake are hybrid striped bass or wipers - a cross between white bass and striped Bass; they were stocked into the lake by fisheries managers specifically because they grow large quickly on gizzard shad diet.

Fishing from boats is popular here with several boat ramps available around the lake providing easy access points for boaters while shoreline fishing spots are plentiful too especially along beaches where you might find panfish congregating near submerged structures like fallen trees or rocks just offshore.

Fly-fishermen may enjoy casting their lines in one of many streams flowing through this state park including Backbone Creek renowned locally not only scenic beauty but trout it harbors during colder months when water temperatures drop low enough support them comfortably

For those who prefer ice fishing during winter season should be aware though conditions vary year-to-year depending upon weather patterns so always check local reports before heading out onto frozen surface ensure safety first above all else!

Remember that anyone over age 16 needs valid Ohio Fishing License catch any kind fish within boundaries Eastfork State Park whether using traditional rod reel setup fly tackle even if simply trying hand old-fashioned cane pole method favored some older generations still today!


Location
East Fork State Park is located near Alexandria, Amelia and Batavia

Picnicking
Picnic areas with tables, grills and drinking water are located around the park. Two picnic shelters are available on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 16 miles of multi-use trails. Be aware, these paths are shared with hikers.

The Steve Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail is a challenging option for experienced cyclists due to its length and terrain.

For those seeking less strenuous routes, the Park Road Loop offers scenic views without too much difficulty.

Remember that helmets are highly recommended when biking on any trail within this park's boundaries.

It should be noted that some areas may become muddy or slippery after rain; proceed with caution during such conditions.

Always respect other users by signaling your approach and passing safely while enjoying your ride in nature.
Trails
For the hiker and backpacker, the 12-mile Backpack Trail tranverses many scenic park areas. In addition, the 37-mile
Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail circles the park and is available for hikers, backpackers, and horsemen.
Four primitive campsites are located along these trails. Permits for their use are available through the park office. For
those less adventuresome, shorter trails are easily accessible. A 5-mile mountain bike trail begins just west of the park
entrance on S.R. 125.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding options, with over 260 species recorded. It is home to diverse habitats including mature forests, open meadows and wetlands that attract different types of birds throughout the year. The William H Harsha Lake within the park attracts waterfowl during migration seasons while raptors can be spotted in forested areas. Birdwatchers may also spot songbirds such as warblers during spring and fall migrations or woodpeckers which are resident all-year-round.
Area Attractions
Overlooking the Ohio River, the town of Point Pleasant is birthplace of President Ulysses S. Grant. The one-room
cottage where the 18th President of the United States was born is located at U.S. 52 and S.R. 232 just south of East
Fork.

Stonelick State Park is located to the north of East Fork at S.R. 727 and 133. Camping, fishing, hiking and swimming
are just a few of the activities available at Stonelick.

East Fork's close proximity to the city of Cincinnati makes it easy to combine the best of the outdoor life with the
many activities available in the "Queen City." Major sporting events, fine dining, shopping, many cultural events
and festivities invite the park's visitors to spend a day in this bustling urban area. For more information, contact the
Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (513) 753-7211.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 25 Eastfork could be so much better by Dan G.
park review stars; one to five I have been going to Eastfork since I was a kid. I love the lake and the beach but if you dont have a boat then its not as fun. There are many boat ramps but not enough beaches. Why are the campgrounds on the side with NO beach You have to drive around the entire lake which takes about 30 minutes to get to the beach from the campground. It doesnt make any sense. I do love the newer bathrooms though. But my Dad who camps everywhere said he will never go back to eastfork since there is no beach on the campground side. Add a second beach and maybe some more fishing areas and I guarantee you will get alot more customers.
August 15 dappointed by MIKE MOWERY
park review stars; one to five MY NIECE CALLED TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR OCT.1O&11. SHE WAS TOLD THE SITES SHE WANTED WERE TAKEN 200 202 204. SO WE GOT IN OUR CAR AND DROVE UP THERE TO PICK SOME OTHER SITES OUT. WE GET THERE AND ARE TOLD THOSE SITES ARE NOT TAKEN. SO WE DONT PICK ANOTHER SITES. WE COME HOME BECAUSE WE CANT BOOK AT THE CAMPGROUND ITSELF. WE CALL AND ARE TOLD THOSE SITES HAVE ALREADY BEEN BOOKED. BIG WASTE OF TIME AND GAS MONEY.THEY DONT HAVE THEIR ACT TOGETHER AT ALL.
August 7 Beach was pathetic by Mike
park review stars; one to five Beware. They advertise concession stand at the swimming beach, but the building looks like it has been vacant for years. Warning signs great swimmers about low water quality. Very disappointed. Kids had looked so forward to swimming on a hot day.
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Fishing Related Businesses
Catman Blues Fishing Lake
1911 Lindale Nicholsville Rd
Amelia, OH
(513) 797-1018
Sherry's Fishing Lake
2155 Slade Rd
Batavia, OH
(513) 797-5300
Starling Lake
1075 Starling Rd
Bethel, OH
(937) 379-1347
Boars Head Bait & Carry Out
2818 Old State Route 32
Batavia, OH
(513) 724-1211
Area Cabins and Lodges
Tan Resort
126 W Plane St
Bethel, OH
(513) 734-0100
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
95.2 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Cleveland, Ohio: I-71 South to I-275 East at Cincinnati. I-275 East East to Exit #63 ( State Route 32), East- Batavia (Campground) or Exit #65, Beechmont Avenue East- Amelia ( Day Use) Come East 11 miles and follow signs.From Columbus, Ohio: I-71 South to I-275 East at Cincinnati. I-275 East to Exit 63 (State Route 32), East- Batavia (Campground) or Exit #65, Beechmont Avenue East- Amelia (Day Use), come East 11 miles and follow the signs.From Cincinnati, Ohio: From Downtown: take I-471 South into Kentucky to I-275 East. I-275 East to Exit #65, Beechmont Avenue East - Amelia ( Day Use) or Exit #63From Toledo, Ohio: I-75 South to I-275 East at Cincinnati. I-275 East to Exit #63 ( State Route 32), East- Batavia (Campground) or Exit #65, Beechmont Avenue East- Amelia ( Day Use) Come East 11 miles and follow signs.From Lexington, KY: I-75 North, to I-275 East (Near Erlanger, KY) to Exit #65, S.R. 125 - Beechmont Avenue East- Amelia ( Day Use) or Exit 63, S.R. 32 - East Batavai (campground). Come East 11 miles and follow signs.

state route ranger badge
Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

X