Salt Fork is located in the north central region of Guernsey County in eastern Ohio. It's western boundary abuts I-77. In square miles Salt Fork State Park is the largest state park in Ohio.
The large almost 3,000 acres of water began as a water source for eastern Ohio in 1967. Even during the early planning stages of the new park, state developers realized the importance of this newly formed body of water for its valuable recreational possibilities.
Salt Licks
The name Salt Fork refers to a Native American salt lick that was believed to be located in the southeast corner of the park. Salt licks were not uncommon in the Ohio frontier and were highly sought after by both Native Americans and the early pioneers. Salt was used primarily for food preservation and not as a seasoning.
A salt lick was usually associated with a spring that seeped to the surface. Deep below the surface, the water would pass through a mineral deposit of salt. Animals would use these places as a place to satisfy a need for the mineral. Native Americans found that if they collected the water from these locations and boiled the liquid away, it resulted in a fine salt powder that could be used to preserve meat.
Kennedy Stone House
This beautiful stone house was built in 1837 by 23 year old David Kennedy who purchased an 80 acres tract of land on Sugar Creek. It cost David just $600 to build the house. The stones used to construct the house were locally quarried and cut into 3 x 1 x 1 foot blocks. It's architectural style is Federal. The house remained with Kennedy's ancestors until the state purchased it in 1966.
Salt Fork Lodge and Cabins
The attractive Salt Fork Lodge is open year round. Besides its 148 guest rooms, there is a dining room, coffee shop, lounge, and meeting rooms for up to 450 people.
Lodge guests have access to the indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Besides the large lodge and all of its amenities, overnight visitors also can opt for a variety of cabins either lake side, hillside or their chalet cabins.
Salt Fork Camping
The Salt Fork State Park campsites are typical of most Ohio state parks. The campgrounds are arranged geographically into smaller modules with circular roads. There are 274 camp sites. Electric is available in 190 sites, there are 20 full hookup sites, and 22 primitive campsites. Pets are permitted except in the camper cabins.