Beach City Wildlife Area Climbing

It was not long after securing the property that the first recreational explorers began touching the rocks of this wildlife preserve in the early 1970’s. Though much of the early use into the mid 1980’s was primarily rappelling and exploring the shallow caves, the mid to late 80’s saw the nearby boy scout camp begin to explore the many outcrops for easy climbing activities. Active technical climbing began to be documented in 1990, with at least three groups of local climbers beginning to explore the Main Rocks and surrounding boulders. In the fall of 1991, a majority of the prominent lines were solidified on lead; bold/sketchy ascents protected with passive nuts, hex chocks, and Lowe tri-cams. Although these climbs were traditionally led, the quality of rock does not encourage such further activity and fixed protection is being worked into a master plan for the area. Today, the Ohio Climbers Coalition actively works to protect the natural resource, encourage use of the area for climbing activities, and work in concert with other user groups to bring awareness to Ohio’s outdoor recreation areas.

The wildlife area is closed to all activities during the night hours; the State’s subtle way of telling you there is no camping allowed.

Camp Buckeye has been known to accommodate a tent request from time to time, stop in and ask…it can’t hurt.

If you are traveling in a van or RV and desire electrical/sewer hook ups, Baylor Beach (just north of Beach City) or Evergreen RV park (west in Mt. Eaton) are just minutes away and have all the amenities you would expect their overpriced admission to include for a nights stay.