Stonelick State Park

Copyright: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Stonelick State Park

Another interesting feature of the Stonelick landscape is the significant stand of sweet gum trees. Normally, sweet gum is a subordinate tree but co-dominates the woodlands of Stonelick with beech and maple. Substantial colonies of dense flying star, purple fringeless orchid and Virginia mountain mint--all uncommon wildflowers in Ohio--can be found in the park.

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.

Attractions - There are 115 campsites, all with electricity, at Stonelick's main campground. The campground is equipped with showers, flush toilets, dump station and laundry facilities. A primitive group camp area is available for organized groups on a reservation basis. Pit latrines are found at the group camp. Four Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining canopy, cooler, cook stove and other equipment can be rented during the summer months by reservation. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites.

Stonelick Lake's 10 miles of irregular shoreline and 171 acres of surface water provides boaters with electric motors the opportunity to quietly explore. The 20-foot deep lake has two launching ramps. Anglers typically catch bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. There are a number of bays in the northern and eastern regions of the lake featuring shallower fish cover.

A nice public beach provides enjoyment for swimmers and sunbathers on the lake's south shore. Picnic areas complete with tables and grills are located at many secluded and well-shaded areas around the park.

Over seven miles of hiking trails provide opportunities for exercise and nature study.

Hunting is permitted in designated areas. Valid Ohio fishing and hunting licenses are required for the sports.

Recreation - Recreations at Stonelick consist of fishing, hiking, picnicking, lake swimming, hunting, nature study, boating, sledding, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, ice boating, ice fishing, camping, and group camping.

Climate - This state has four distinct seasons and a brilliant fall foliage display in it southern woods during mid October. Winter lasts from December through February with average temperatures near 25 degrees F. Low temperatures dip to single digits, but do not often drop below zero. Northern regions of the state receive average snowfall amounts of 55 inches, while the central and southern regions of the state receive lesser amounts with averages near 30 inches. This difference is caused by lake-affect moisture patterns.

Spring temperatures begin to warm the landscapes of Ohio by mid March and are in full swing by April. Temperatures range from 40 through 70 degrees F through the spring months. This season often brings the most rainfall, before the drying heat of summer. Summer can be extremely hot and humid in the interior of Ohio. Temperatures reach above 90 degrees F frequently through July and August. Cooler fall temperatures don't reach the region until mid to late September. This is a pleasant time to visit as the air is crisp with low humidity levels. Ohio's annual precipitation usually reaches slightly above 50 inches.

Location - Immediately east of Cincinnati, Stonelick State Park is located off State Route 727.