Belmont Lake: Pint Size Fun

24 May 2015

Lake #33        Belmont Lake, Barkcamp State Park, Belmont County

114-acre Belmont Lake was a nice contrast to 3,550-acre Seneca Lake, which I had kayaked earlier in the day. Belmont Lake is part of Barkcamp State Park and is located approximately 7 miles west of St. Clairsville, south of the I-70 and Highway 149 intersection. 

My Hubby and Paddling Buddy Having a Relaxing Time on Belmont Lake

Although Barkcamp Park is small, it has a lot to offer: 125 camping sites, 2 cabins, hiking trails, an 18-hole mini golf course, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, an archery range, a nature center, a pioneer village, and Belmont Lake. The lake was created in 1963 for recreational purposes. The lake has a 700-foot swimming beach on the north shore and a boat ramp located on the far west side. There is a handicap accessible pit toilet at the boat ramp parking area. Belmont Lake only allows electric motors, making for a more peaceful paddle. There are also a few fingers and nooks to explore.

The Start of Two Trails at Belmont Lake 

A Party Was in Full Swing at the Swimming Beach

The boat ramp is between two fingers, both of which have small road bridges going over them. I paddled up the north finger first. I was able to get very close to a great blue heron and watch him catch his dinner.

Boat Ramp at Belmont Lake 

Boat Ramp as Viewed From the Parking Area 

Northern Finger as Seen From the Road Bridge

Paddling Under the Road Bridge 

Peaceful Northern Finger of Belmont Lake

Then, I checked out the southern finger. There were several rowboats and small fishing boats lined up waiting for their owners to take them out. That was apparently Belmont Lake’s version of docks. 

Small Boat Marina

After exploring the two fingers, I paddled east in the direction of the swimming beach. I could hear music playing while I was paddling. There was a big party going on at the beach. I assume it had something to do with it being Memorial Day weekend. In honor of the holiday weekend and all the men and women who have served in the military service for the United States, I named Belmont Lake’s baby duck Memorial.

Looking East From Boat Ramp

Paddling East Toward Swimming Beach

Baby Duck Memorial

The dam is to the east of the swimming beach. It is not much to look at since flood control is not an issue. There is a small northern finger between the dam and the swimming beach. I was exploring that area when it started to rain. Since I wasn’t dressed for the rain and had already put in several hours of paddling that day, I decided to call it quits.

Belmont Dam 

Belmont Lake Water Outlet

Small Finger By Dam

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

I recommend taking the time to paddle this small lake. The water is fairly clear with a visibility of 2 feet. There were few people out on the water; even though, it was a holiday weekend and several people were at the beach. It was an easy, relaxing paddle.

May all your roads end in water,

Mama Duck Mona