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Ohio
52

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southeast Ohio Region
Pike Lake State Park
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Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Forest View
Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Entrance
Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Scenic View
Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Entrance Sign
Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View and Beach
Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Turtles Tanning
Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View and Boat Dock
Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake State Park © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic Lake View
Pike Lake State Park © Gene Shirk
Pike Lake State Park © Gene Shirk
Pike Lake State Park © Gene Shirk
Pike Lake State Park © Gene Shirk
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PIKE LAKE STATE PARK
PIKE LAKE STATE PARK
1847 Pike Lake Rd
Bainbridge, Ohio   45612-9435
(lat:39.1586 lon:-83.2217) map location

Phone: 740-493-2212
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Pike Lake State Park is located in the midst of the scenic wooded hills of southern Ohio. The small lake and surrounding state forest contribute to the park's rustic charm.
Nature of the Area
The Pike Lake region is located in the unglaciated portion of the Appalachian plateau in Ohio. As the Appalachian Mountains were uplifted, this plateau was created west of the new mountain range. The plateau marks the boundary between the hilly eastern section of Ohio and the flatter western portions. Just thirty miles west of Pike Lake, the terrain changes dramatically from forested hills to rolling farmland.

The landscape of Pike Lake is characterized by dense forests of oak, hickory, tulip, ash and other hardwoods. Several outcroppings of the sandstone bedrock have been exposed in the park.

The dense forest and remote location of Pike Lake create excellent habitat for Ohio's forest game animals. White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, gray squirrel, rabbit and the elusive wild turkey are abundant. Other mammals in the park include skunk, opossum, raccoon and red fox. Reptiles include the box turtle, black snake, five-lined skink and the endangered timber rattlesnake.

The forest is known for its variety of ferns, mosses, lichens and fungi. The wildflowers are diverse, creating spectacular displays--spring through autumn.
History of the Area
Pike County is located in an area that has many earthworks constructed by Ohio's prehistoric people. These "first citizens" of Ohio lived in the Scioto River Valley and its tributaries, appearing here sometime around 800 B.C. The Moundbuilders eventually gave rise to the woodland Indian cultures--the first white settlers encountered. One tribe, the Shawnee, made this area their home and hunting grounds. Theywere fiercely protective of their land.

Nearby Chillicothe, the first capital of Ohio, spurred early settlement in the area. Some of the early, historic buildings still stand. Just south of the park is "Eagers Inn" built in 1797. The inn was constructed on a trace that ran from Limestone, Kentucky to Chillicothe. Limestone (now called Maysville) was an important crossing on the Ohio River. Many settlers from Kentucky followed this passage on their way to the frontier.

During the Civil War, only one advance was ever made by the Confederate Army into Ohio. General John H. Morgan crossed the Ohio River into Indiana, then rode with his cavalry into Ohio north of Cincinnati. "Morgan's Raiders" traversed the southern portion of the state, passing near present-day Pike Lake State Park. Eventually, he and many of his men were captured in southwestern Columbiana County near Salineville. Less than five months later, General John Morgan and six of his men escaped from the Ohio Penitentiary and returned to the Confederacy.

Also during this historic period, the family who farmed this valley found a wounded soldier collapsed in their field. The unconscious union soldier never revived. His name, unit or hometown were never known. Today, a solitary headstone below the dam at the base of a large oak tree marks the grave of this casualty from a tragic war.

The present park first began to take shape during the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) days of the 1930s. One of the Ohio camps was established near the future site of Pike Lake at Morgantown. Corpsmembers dug the lake by hand, built two or three fire towers in the area, constructed the roads to make them accessible and planted hundreds of pine trees. Pike Lake was originally a state forest park, but with the formation of the Division of Parks and Recreation in 1949, it became an official state park that year.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres587
 Water, acres13
 Nearby State Forest, acres12,000
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles4
 Backpack Trail, miles3
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #2
 Swimming Beach, feet155
 Bridle Trailsyes
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits-1
CampingElectric Sites, #79
 Pets Permittedyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camp Commissaryyes
 Group Camp, capacity60
WinterSleddingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
AccommodationsFamily Cottages, #15
Golf Course
An 18 hole Disc Golf course is available for the disc golf enthusiast. Disc rental is available at the Camp Store seasonal.
Cabins
The park features five Basic Cabins, ten Preferred Cabins and one Group Lodge. Basic Cabins sleep four people and have a living/sleeping area, kitchen/dining area and a bathroom with shower.NO Linens are provided in the Basic Cabins. Basic Cabins are available during the summer months only. Preferred Cabins sleep six people, are heated and air conditioned for year-round use, have two bedrooms, living room, kitchen/dining area, bathroom with shower and screened porch. Linens ARE provided in the Preferred Cabins. The Group Lodge sleeps sixteen people, is heated and air conditioned for year-round use, has two bedrooms, living room, kitchen/dining area, large upstairs room with six sets of bunk beds, two bathrooms with showers and screened porch. Dishes and kitchen utensils are furnished in ALL cabins and the Group Lodge. Pets ARE permitted in Basic Cabin 5 and Preferred Cabins 16 19 ONLY. Reservations must be made before arriving at the park by calling 1-866-644-6727 or online at www.reserveohio.com.
Camping
The campground at Pike Lake features 79 sites with electricity. Romtecs similar to porta-jons, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, shower house seasonal and Camp Store seasonal are provided. A group camp that can accommodate sixty people is available for reservation. Reservations must be made before arriving at the park by calling 1-866-644-6727 or online at www.reserveohio.com.
Swimming
A beautiful sand beach is provided for swimmers. Changing areas and showers contribute to the appeal of this swimming area.
Boating
Non-powered watercraft and boats with electric motors only (up to 4-1/2 horsepower) are permitted on the lake. Rowboat, Kayak and Canoes are available for rent.
Fishing
The small 13 acre lake in the park offers good catches of largemouth bass, channel catfish, bullheads, bluegill and crappie.



Picnicking
Several picnic areas are located in scenic locations around the park. Grills and tables are provided.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in the adjacent state forest. A valid Ohio fishing and/or hunting license is required.
Trails
Six miles of hiking trails provide strenuous and/or casual walks to scenic locations. The adjacent state forest has several miles of bridle trails. Horses are not provided by the park or forest.
Bicycling
For biking enthusiasts, the park offers a 1.2-mile bike trail that winds through scenic landscapes. Be mindful of pedestrians.

The terrain is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for beginners or casual cyclists.

However, there are no dedicated mountain biking trails available within this location's boundaries.

Riders should be aware that helmets are strongly recommended while cycling on these paths to ensure safety at all times.

Bike rentals aren't provided onsite; visitors must bring their own equipment if they wish to cycle here.

Remember: always respect nature and other users when enjoying your ride in this beautiful setting!
Birding
This Ohio state park offers a variety of birding opportunities, with its diverse habitats attracting numerous species. The lake itself is home to waterfowl and wading birds while the surrounding forests host songbirds, woodpeckers and raptors. Birdwatchers can explore several trails that wind through different ecosystems or take advantage of observation areas around the lake for optimal viewing. Spring migration season brings an influx of warblers making it particularly exciting for avid bird enthusiasts.
Area Attractions
The nearby town of Bainbridge is the starting point for the Paint Valley Skyline Drives, a series of four scenic tours of points of interest in the area. One of these tours passes through the state park.

The Division of Wildlife manages the Kincaid Fish Hatchery along S.R. 124. The hatchery originally began as a bass farm in 1935. Now, muskellunge are also raised for stocking the state lakes.

Lake White State Park and Paint Creek State Park are a short distance away.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 19 by Janet_C
park review stars; one to five
March 8 Loved the outdoor movie and sassafras by cherbear
park review stars; one to five we spent over a week in one of your 2 bedroom cabins we thoroughly enjoyed the fireplace, the closed in porch and all the other amenities. we had fresh made sassafras tea and watched the outdoor movies. It was just a time we will always remember.
April 8
park review stars; one to five Campground need a good upgrade along with restrooms and showers . One hot shower and the other two are cold .
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Area Campgrounds
Shady Trails Family Campground
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937-393-5618
L B Camping
2483 Greenbriar Road
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740-493-3713
Long's Retreat Family Resort
50 Bell Hollow Road
Latham, OH
937-588-3725
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Hirn's Corner
3504 Us Highway 50 W
Bainbridge, OH
(740) 634-3286
Area Cabins and Lodges
Lazy H Cabin Rentals
14889 Old 50
Bainbridge, OH
(937) 365-1961
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Hidden Cave Cabin - Rockbridge, OH
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
42 miles from park*
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.
47.4 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1847 Pike Lake Road, Bainbridge, Ohio 45612-9640

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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