"Don't unplug the fridge!!!" We recently headed south for a weekend of camping and hiking at Shawnee State Park. The park, located near Portsmouth, is nearly 1,100 acres and falls within the 63,000 acre Shawnee State Forest. There is so much to do here, although we just came to hike and drink beers by the campfire. Alcohol is not permitted outside of your tent or RV so shhhh and pretend you didn't just read that! But seriously, in addition to hiking you'll find swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, mini golf, basketball, a Little Free Library and more. There are several trails throughout the park, including a 60-mile backpack trail. We went for the Shawnee Forest Day Hike Trail. We read that it was 7.2 miles, a moderate hike, and gorgeous. When we approached the trail head a sign read that it's actually just 4.2 miles - they must have cut out a portion. Slightly disappointing but it was nearly 80 degrees that day, so we were okay with it. The trail is legit. When it's flat, it's flat, but when it's steep, it. is. steep. Grateful for my Keen hiking boots for stabilizing my ankles on the somewhat rocky terrain. I'm no nature expert, but it's safe to say there are a ton of different species of plants and animals out there. What was true about what we read is that the trail is gorgeous. The pics below are your proof. We only saw one other person out there, along with his dog. Don't get me wrong, I love y'all, but it was nice having the place (mostly) to ourselves. I also took an early morning solo hike on the Knighton Nature Trail, which ran behind our campsite. Equally as lovely, quiet, and empty. The campgrounds were quite nice. They have bathrooms and bathhouses. I don't mind a day or two sans shower, but I also don't hate having access to running water, so this was welcomed. The sites themselves are fairly close together, but very wooded so you still have your privacy. They each have a fire pit and picnic table, as well as electrical outlets. We brought a mini grill to make dinner and I thought that was fancy. The guys next to us brought a mini FRIDGE and hooked that bad boy up. Now THAT is fancy (and/or a bit much?). They also brought a power saw and were using it to cut firewood. I'm 97% sure this is against park rules.... Overall a lovely weekend, and a place I would definitely return to - although there are about 8 million places on the agenda first!
Worth noting: - The camp store sells firewood, ice, charcoal, bug spray, and other things you might have forgotten or run out of. You can also rent cornhole here :) - The town of Friendship, where the park is located, is dry. If you run out of beer you'll have to head to Portsmouth. It isn't too far, maybe 20 minutes. While there, check out the Floodwall Murals. - The town does have a bar, The Dairy Bar. They serve ice cream and other delicious treats. Rural Ohio really does ice cream best, amiright? - Can't speak for all cell providers, but us Verizon users didn't get service in the park. A blessing and a curse, if I'm honest. Adventure on, my friends!
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