Located among the secluded forests of northeast Ohio, Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County is a nature lover’s paradise. Featuring beautiful forests that surround Little Beaver Creek, even the most adventurous camper will find plenty to enjoy. Hike one of the park’s 11 trails. If you are looking for a bit of a rush, take a canoe down the stream and weave your way through the park by the water.
Want to catch your own dinner? Bring your rod and reel and try your hand at stream fishing. Learn more about the region’s plant and animal life at the Wildlife Education Center. Or transport yourself back in time at the Pioneer Village and visit a restored cabin, church, and schoolhouse.
The first inhabitants in the area were the Mingo and Wyandot Indians about 10,000 years ago. You can still find remnants of the settlers in the park such as arrowheads and pottery. However, it is illegal to take any of these items from the park if you do see any. You can learn much more at the Wildlife Education Center in the park.
There are plenty of options for RV campers, with two main campgrounds that have a total of 109 sites. The family campground has 50 sites and the equestrian campground has 59. No matter how long you plan on visiting, Beaver Creek State Park is an excellent destination for you and your family.
Located in eastern Ohio on the border of Pennsylvania, Beaver Creek State Park is within driving distance of many major cities in the region, so you’ll have no trouble reaching the park with your RV. If you are coming from Cleveland, you can take I-80 and will arrive at the park in less than two hours. The park is even closer to Pittsburgh. Take US-30 and I-376 and you’ll reach the park in a little over an hour. You can also easily get to the park from Columbus. Just take I-76 out of the city and then US-30 and you’ll get to the park in around three hours.
The roads into and around the park are paved and well cared for but there are many curves and hills, so it is best to drive slowly. Be alert for any wildlife that may be crossing the road in the wooded areas around the park. Once you arrive at the park, there is an RV restriction if you are looking to cross the bridge on Echo Dell Road to access the main area of the park, where the park office is located. If you need to reach this area, you will have to come from the south. However, you do not have to check-in at the park office once you reach the park and can head straight to your campsite.
Leslie Road Family Campground is the main campground of the park. Here, you’ll find six sites with electrical hookups, and 44 with no electricity. There are no showers at the campground and only pit toilets. However, you will find a picnic table and fire ring at your site and a dump station nearby as well as potable water spigots. Plus, you are welcome to bring your pet. But make sure to bring along a leash and keep your furbaby secured and supervised at all times.
Located at the northern end of the park, the campground connects to Dogwood Trail, which can be taken to access the main areas of the park. All of the sites can be reserved online up to 12 months in advance. You should check the length limits when booking a spot if your rig is larger than 20 feet long because the spaces range from 20 to 43 feet in length. The fees vary by season, but most of the campsites are open year-round, with occasional closures during the winter.
There is also a separate equestrian campground with more campsites located nearby. The Sprucevale Road Equestrian Campground has 59 sites, which are primitive, with no hookups. There are no toilets or showers, but there are vault latrines. In addition, each of the campsites has tie-ups for your horse and a campfire ring with a grill to cook on. The park also provides a large picnic table, so you don’t have to eat in your camp chair.
Only 12 of the sites can be reserved online and length limits range from 25 to 50 feet long, so it is best to reserve your spot early to make sure you get what you need. The others are first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early if you are looking for a spot during peak season. There is no potable water available at this campground, so make sure you are well stocked before arriving. Your furbabies are also welcome but must be on a leash or otherwise restrained all the time.
There’s a lot of interesting wildlife around the park. Some of it, however, may go unnoticed by many visitors. The Wildlife Education Center at Beaver Creek State Park will help you appreciate even the smallest animals and plants found throughout the park. It’s an excellent place to visit before a hike so that you have more information on what you should look out for. You’ll see wildlife displays, animal mounts, and local artifacts. You can also visit the gift shop and research library.
No matter what time of year you visit the park, you’ll find a wide range of trails that will showcase the state’s nature and wildlife. There are 11 trails in the park, seven of which are for hiking only. They vary in difficulty level, so hikers of all abilities will be able to find a trail that suits them. And three of the trails on the north side of the park connect to the North Country Trail system, which features miles and miles of scenic hikes. You can use the park as a home base to explore the area. The hiking is excellent year-round but is at its best from April through October.
With its dense forests, streams, and gorges, Beaver Creek State Park is a hunter’s paradise. Most of the park is open to hunting during the off-season. You’ll find just about any type of game in the park. The buck hunting is excellent, so you may be able to bring home a trophy from your hunt. You’ll need a valid Ohio state hunting license if you wish to hunt in the park. As it is a state park, hunting seasons are strictly enforced.
As long as you aren’t bringing a furbaby on this trip, you are welcome to reserve one of the two Sherman Cabins for a different type of vacation. Each cozy log cabin sleeps up to four people comfortably with two sets of bunk beds. You won’t have to worry about the heat or the cold no matter what time of year you visit since these cabins come with both AC and heating. The small refrigerator is perfect for keeping your drinks and snacks cool and you can heat things up in the provided microwave oven.
If you want to cook something on the grill, you will have to head out to the fire ring in the yard, and you can also eat outside on the picnic table or on the deck. Although linens are not provided, the beds are comfy, and you can cozy up in your own blankets and pillows from home. Located right in the family campground on Leslie Road, the cabins are near the campground amenities like potable water spigots, toilets, and the dump station.
If you want to take a trip back in time, head to the Pioneer Village at Beaver Creek State Park. You’ll find yourself in the middle of a settler town. Visit the Trading Post gift shop and the Blacksmith shop to take a souvenir home with you. You can also see a restored cabin, church, school, as well as a covered bridge. If you come the first Saturday of the month between May and September, you’ll be able to see the Grist Mill in action as it grinds grain.
There’s more than just one way to enjoy the water during your RV trip to Beaver Creek State Park. Bring your fishing gear with you and head to the stream to see if you can hook a trophy catch. You’ll find a variety of fish in the streams of the park, including smallmouth and rock bass. You’ll need an Ohio fishing license if you wish to fish in the park. Fishing can be done year-round, but many of the fish will slow down during the winter. You’ll have the most luck when temperatures are higher, from April to early October.
You’ll find some of the most beautiful boating in the state on Little Beaver Creek. Take a canoe down the stream and navigate the swift currents while you pass through the green forests and rocky gorges of the park. Come in the spring to watch the world come to life around you. Or come in the fall to immerse yourself in rich autumn colors. The stream is fairly narrow, so you will only be able to use a canoe, kayak, or rubber raft. And since the currents can be fairly rapid, make sure to always wear a flotation device.
