Salt Fork receives $1.1 million for cabin improvements

Salt Fork State Park will receive $1.1 million from the State Controlling Board for improvements to cabins at Ohio's largest state park.

"The funds will be used for structural improvements and the associated work that is needed for the 53 cabins at the park," said Salt Fork Park Manager Adam Sikora.

The Controlling Board released a total of $7.3 million for cabin improvements at Salt Fork, Lake Hope and Buck Creek state parks.

“Salt Fork is a major attraction in our region,” said State Rep. Adam Holmes (R-Nashport) in a press release. “This work will not only maintain the investment Ohioans have already made in Salt Fork but keep the cabins sound for years to come.”

Sikora said most of the work will involve the decks, support structures and foundations for the cabins built in the 1970s.

"Everything is safe, but we want to get ahead of anything before it becomes an issue," said Sikora.

The work will be completed incrementally with some jobs completed during the off-season at the park.

Overnight accommodations include a family campground, primitive campground and a lodge and conference center in addition to the 53 vacation cabins.

Lodging at the Salt Fork on U.S. 22 east of Cambridge opened earlier this year after closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Salt Fork offers 37 two-bedroom cottages in hillside and lakeside locations with fully furnished living and dining areas, kitchens equipped with cooking and eating utensils, bathrooms with showers and screened porches.

Seventeen chalet cottages include gas log fireplaces and hot tubs.

"Only interior improvements have been done in the past," said Sikora.

Salt Fork State Park offers many recreational opportunities and draws visitors from throughout Ohio and surrounding states.

In 2019, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft received approval from the Controlling Board to invest $3 million for improvements at Salt Fork Lodge.

The funds were used to replace the lodge’s cedar shake roof that had exceeded its life expectancy and numerous safety improvements including renovations in the rooms.

Fire-rated doors and new air conditioner/heating units were installed, as well as a centralized, modern fire alarm system.

The largest of Ohio’s state parks with 17,229 acres of recreational opportunities, Salt Fork offers a golf course, hiking trails, marinas and a lake for boating and fishing.