Tucked away in the rolling highlands of southwest Ohio, 1,058-acre Stonelick State Park offers a quiet retreat for visitors. The still waters of the lake and stately woodlands provide the setting for a host of outdoor recreational pursuits.
History
Stonelick State Park lies within Clermont County, the eighth county established in the Northwest Territory. Settlement of the area began in 1798 when the towns of Bethel and Williamsburg were laid out. A considerable amount of the early settlers came from Kentucky, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Several clashes between the settlers and Indians occurred here as the area was situated between the Kentucky settlements south of the Ohio River and the Indian villages along the Little Miami River. Legendary frontiersmen, Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton, were among those involved in the conflicts.
The town of nearby Milford was the site of the first Methodist church in Ohio. Francis McCormick, a pioneer Methodist preacher, organized the church in his cabin.
Clermont County was a vital link in the Underground Railroad as it was just across the river from the "slave owning" states of Kentucky and Virginia. The position of Clermont on the border made it the first place of refuge for fleeing slaves. The county was also the birthplace of Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant at Point Pleasant on the Ohio.
Land acquisition for Stonelick State Park began in 1948. A dam across Stonelick Creek was completed in 1950. This beautiful park was originally created to provide a wildlife area for Ohio's sportsmen. Now the area is operated by the ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
Camping
114 total campsites are available
108 electric sites, 6 non-electric sites, 9 are walk-in only, and 9 are designated as premium.
Showers, flush toilets and a dump station
Camp store and laundry facilities
Volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits
Playground equipment for younger campers
Pets are permitted on camp sites 7-76.
Bike and boat rental are offered at the camp office.
A primitive group camp site is closed indefinitely because of unsafe conditions as a result of dead trees due to Emerald Ash Borer. Call the park for updates.
Activities:
Boating
Boats with electric motors only are permitted on 200-acre Stonelick Lake. One launch ramp provides access to the lake. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental.
Fishing
The lake is well known for catches of bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in designated areas. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.
Picnicking
Several picnic areas complete with tables and grills are located at many secluded and well shaded areas around the park. A shelterhouse at the beach can be reserved.
Swimming
A 500-foot public beach is located on the lake's south shore. Swimming is permitted in designated areas during daylight hours only. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach.
Trails
Four hiking and biking trails traverse the park. The trails cross mostly level terrain and are suitable for novice to intermediate cyclists
Beechtree Trail - 1.6 miles - Moderate
Lakeview Trail - .63 mile - Easy
Southwoods Trail - 0.35 mile - Easy
Red Fox Trail - 1.3 miles - Easy
Winter Recreation
In the proper conditions, park guests can enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating.
