EAST FORK STATE PARK
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.
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.
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.
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
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
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.
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.
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.
Share Your East Fork State Park Photos (click here)
