Shawnee State Park

Shawnee State Park is located in southern Ohio. The serenity of nature awaits you in the hills and valleys of this picturesque landscape, part of the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest.

About Shawnee State Park

Shawnee State Park sits in the foothills of the Appalachians, where stream erosion has carved valleys out of the Appalachian Plateau and created the rugged terrain that is now nicknamed ‘The Little Smokies‘.

In its hardwood forests that were once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee tribes, you will find interesting and unique flora, such as wildflowers and rare orchids. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, and raccoon live here, and a sighting of a bobcat or black bear happens on a rare occurrence. Birders will especially enjoy the various songbirds heard throughout the woods.

The park is home to the endangered Timber Rattlesnake. It is a docile snake, so it is easy to give it space and steer clear if you encounter one.

A marina provides access to the Ohio River, and there are two lakes totaling 68 acres, Roosevelt and Turkey Creek.

Activities and Facilities

There is a long list of activities available at Shawnee State Park. Not only are there plenty of trails to hike on, but there are many water activities available, too, having access to the Ohio River and two large lakes. No matter your interest, you are sure to find something you enjoy!

Trails at Shawnee State Park

There are ten hiking trails at Shawnee State Park, ranging from easy trails to more difficult, rugged trails.

• Lampblack Trail | 1.5 miles | Follow the purple triangles
• Lake Trail | 0.8 miles | Follow the aquamarine triangles
• Lodge Beach Trail | 0.5 miles | Follow the fluorescent green triangles
• Knighton Nature Trail | 2.9 miles | Follow the red triangles
• Turkey Creek Nature Center Trail | 0.5 mile loop | Follow the bright green triangles
• Park Loop Trail | 5 miles connector trail | Follow the blue triangles
• Lookout Trail | 1.5 miles with steep up and down | Follow the hot pink triangles
• Campground Loop Trail | 0.5 mile loop | Follow the coral triangles
• Shawnee Forest Day Hike Trail West Loop West Loop | 4.6 miles | Follow the blue blazes
• Shawnee Forest Day Hike Trail West Loop East Loop | 7.2 miles | Follow the blue blazes
• Storybook Trail | 0.5 miles of story-telling trail for kids and adults

Mountain Biking

A mountain biking trail system is now available. Park at the lodge and ride toward the playground to the marked trailhead.

• High Meadow – 0.6-mile, easy
• High Meadow Gap Pass – 0.3-mile, intermediate
• Horseshoe – 0.4-mile, intermediate
• Cabin Fever – 0.6-mile loop, intermediate
• Lampblack – 1-mile loop, intermediate
• Down & Out – 0.6-mile

Horseback Riding

There are two trails, Lampblack Bridle Trail and Mackletree Bridle Trail. Primitive equestrian camping and more trails are nearby at Shawnee State Forest.

Boating

There is a full-service marina off U.S. 52 that offers 72 docks with access to the Ohio River, including one with ADA accessibility.

Electric-motored and hand-powered boats can be used on Roosevelt Lake, while gas-motored boats at idle speed are allowed on Turkey Creek Lake. Both lakes have a launch ramp.

You can rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, and pedal boats at the camp store.

Fishing

Roosevelt and Turkey Creek lakes have a nice stock of crappie, trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Note: Ohio fishing regulations apply, and a valid Ohio fishing license is necessary.

Swimming and Beaches

There are two public beaches, one on each of the lakes, and there are designated areas for swimming. A splash pad is located at the Ohio River campground.

Pets are not allowed.

Please use caution when swimming, as beaches are not guarded.

Camping

There are 107 campsites featuring electric and non-electric sites for tents or trailers. They are located at Roosevelt Lake and by the Ohio River. Two camper cabins are also available.

Heated showers, waste disposal, flushing toilets, and laundry facilities are on site. Pets are welcome at some locations. For more information, check out the Shawnee State Park Campground website.

Reservable Shelters

There are two historic shelters on Roosevelt Lake that can be reserved. They have electricity, grills, and picnic tables.

A meeting room at the marina can also be reserved. It will hold 40 people and is equipped with heat/AC, a kitchen, and restrooms. It is not ADA-compliant.

Reservations can be made online or by calling 866-644-6727.

More Activities and Facilities

Winter Activities

You can go sledding near the park office on the lodge road when weather permits.

Information About Shawnee State Park

There is a printable and downloadable map available for Shawnee State Park. The park is open daily, 6 am to 11 pm, but visitors may use the park outside of these hours, too.

Where is Shawnee State Park Located?

• Address: 4404 State Route 125, West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663
• Phone: 740-858-6652 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Shawnee State Park

Let’s Visit Shawnee State Park

Have you visited Shawnee State Park? We want to know what you thought! What was your favorite activity when you were there? Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you are looking for more things to do in Portsmouth Ohio, we suggest Otway Bridge and White Gravel Mines Christmas Caves. Be sure to call in for a break and a bite to eat at Lofts Coffee Company and Roastery, and if you are looking to stay a while longer, check out Shawnee State Park Lodge.

If you love to visit Ohio State Parks, Ohio Metro Parks, or Ohio State Nature Preserves, be sure to check out Scioto Trail State Park and Mary Jane Thurston State Park! Ohio is home to many species of wildlife! Check out our article on Snakes in Ohio, and let us know if you find any while you are exploring the forest!