This great forest area was purchased primarily for the purpose of producing and conserving timber, protecting the watershed and the conservation of wild life. The traveler will notice that the forest is comprised of a mixture of oak, hickory, yellow-poplar and short leaf and pitch pine.
An extensive system of roads has opened the entire forest area for recreational use and it is now possible to drive over 130 miles of good gravel roads to the deep recesses of the forest, plus over 70 miles of tribal trails.
State Backpack Trail - 50 miles with campsites
Shawnee State Park Golf Course
Shawnee State Park Marina & Marina Cafe
Shawnee State Forest Office
Shawnee State Park Office -
(740) 858-6652
Shawnee State Park Campground Office -
(740) 858-4561
Shawnee State Park Nature Center
Shawnee State Park Resort & Information
 
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Within a few miles of Portsmouth is located Ohio's greatest state-owned forest, Shawnee State Forest. This area comprises more than 65,000 acres of picturesque hill land. This region, once the hunting ground of the Shawnee Indians is unlike any other portion in Ohio. Here is mile after mile of forest, broken only by an occasional path or strip of cultivated soil in the narrow valleys.
Public use of the forest is increasing constantly and the recreational facilities are being continually improved. Picnic areas and camp sites are available. Picnic Point, one of the most popular spots, gives the visitor a view southeastward across the broad valley of the Ohio River toward Portsmouth. Several reservoirs have been constructed including Lake Roosevelt, located on Route 125 in the main campground area and the 51-acre Turkey Creek Lake with beach, swimming and canoe rentals. Boating is permitted on this lake but not if it is large enough for big motors. Shawnee State Park Resort and Convention Center with 50 rooms plus dining room, coffee shop, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, jacuzzi, nautilus room, ballroom, plus 25 all-electric cottages is open year-round. Visitors will also find an 18-hole golf course and a $2 million boat marina only 10 minutes driving time from the lodge and campground.