The sandstone hills of the Barkcamp region are part of the Appalachian highlands which envelop the southeastern part of Ohio. In the sandstone bedrock, layers of coal can be found which were formed by decaying swamp vegetation millions of years ago during the Pennsylvanian geologic period. Barkcamp State Park lies in the heart of the coal-mining region of Ohio. The hills and valleys of the area are clothed with a second-growth forest. Today, southeastern Ohio is one of the most extensively forested in Ohio, and only a few areas remain which suggest the magnificence of these original forests. The woodlands of Barkcamp support a variety of plant and animal life. The observant visitor may find a wealth of woodland wildflowers including wild geranium, hepatica, bloodroot and spring beauties. The woodlands explode with flowering dogwood and redbud blossoms in spring. Songbirds, squirrels, skunk, opossum, raccoon, white-tailed deer and the wild turkey take up residence in the park's varying habitats.

• Hike the Lakeview Trail, Woodchuck Nature Trail, Hawthorn Trail or Hawk Trail leading to natural treasures and providing opportunities for nature study, birdwatching and wildlife observation.
• Explore the history of Barkcamp State Park: in the camp area, the historic Antique Barn has been preserved. A resurrected log cabin and other pioneer structures near the barn take visitors back to an even earlier era.