Pine Knob Loop

4.50

9 reviews

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, County Road 29, Ironton, OH

Stargazing

Quick Facts

883 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open 24 hours a day ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Wayne National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

883 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open 24 hours a day ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Wayne National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Knob Loop

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $20 per night. No additional fees or discounts have been mentioned.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 9 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeaceful

"User reviews emphasize the campground's quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The limited feedback includes positive remarks about the tranquility and intention to return."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, County Road 29, Ironton, OH

Pine Knob Loop

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, County Road 29, Ironton, OH

Driving directionsLocated 6.5 miles north of Ironton, Ohio, just off State Route 93. Turn on County Road 29 and follow the signs to the Recreation Area (1 mile). Turn at the entrance to the recreation area to the left and go past the lake and the boat dock. The campground is approximately one mile up this road.

The campground is accessible from County Road 29, which is connected to State Route 93. The road conditions are not explicitly mentioned, but the detailed instructions suggest no major navigation challenges.

Nearby places

Ironton, OH - 6.5 miles

Best Time to Camp at Pine Knob Loop

Pine Knob Loop transforms with the seasons, offering distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Early spring arrives with crisp mornings hovering around 31°F, warming to pleasant afternoons near 45°F—perfect for cozy campfire gatherings. As summer unfolds, temperatures climb to a comfortable 79°F, bringing those characteristic Ohio afternoons where the air hangs heavy with humidity. While the region typically enjoys dry conditions ideal for outdoor adventures, nature occasionally graces campers with refreshing rain showers, and winter visitors might even witness a rare dusting of snow transforming the forest into a wonderland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open during summer months (Apr–Oct); pleasant warm forest camping expected.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Hardwood forests and seasonal mist indicate strong fall foliage appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open in spring; notes mention crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons but few reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr–Oct; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open 24 hours a day from the first Friday in April through the last Monday in October. During deer gun season, only the Pine Knob Loop is open for camping, but without water.

About Pine Knob Loop

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Wayne National Forest, Pine Knob Loop offers a peaceful escape for families seeking a more intimate camping experience. This walk-in only campground serves as both a tranquil retreat and overflow option for the nearby Oak Hill Campground, providing adventurers with a quieter alternative within the scenic Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. Here, the hustle of modern life fades away as you carry your gear down forest paths to your secluded campsite, where the only sounds are rustling leaves and distant bird calls.

Pine Knob Loop is described as a family-friendly, walk-in-only overflow camping area located near Oak Hill Campground. It offers a serene and minimalist camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsPine Knob Loop transforms with the seasons, offering distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Early spring arrives with crisp mornings hovering around 31°F, warming to pleasant afternoons near 45°F—perfect for cozy campfire gatherings. As summer unfolds, temperatures climb to a comfortable 79°F, bringing those characteristic Ohio afternoons where the air hangs heavy with humidity. While the region typically enjoys dry conditions ideal for outdoor adventures, nature occasionally graces campers with refreshing rain showers, and winter visitors might even witness a rare dusting of snow transforming the forest into a wonderland.

Natural Features and SceneryPine Knob Loop immerses visitors in the untamed beauty of southeastern Ohio's wilderness. The campground's serene atmosphere is enhanced by its position within the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, where dense hardwood forests create a natural cathedral of towering trees. Morning mist often drifts through the canopy, while afternoons bring dappled sunlight filtering through leaves. This quiet sanctuary offers campers front-row seats to nature's daily performances—from dawn chorus concerts to evening firefly displays dancing between the trees.

Geological RegionNestled within Wayne National Forest's ancient landscape near the sparkling waters of Lake Vesuvius, Pine Knob Loop sits atop geological formations that tell stories millions of years in the making. The surrounding terrain showcases the region's characteristic ridges and valleys, carved by time and water into a natural playground. Lake Vesuvius itself adds a dramatic focal point to the area, its peaceful waters reflecting the forested hills that have stood sentinel over this land for countless generations.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Campsites are first-come-first serve

Groups

Details about group camping sites, including guest limits or vehicle allowances, are not provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

AccessibilityAccessibility options for campers with disabilities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources.

Site SizeThe size of campsites is not described in the provided information.

PrivacyPrivacy at the campsites is presumed to be high, given the tranquil and overflow nature of the campground, but this is not explicitly confirmed.

Activities you can enjoy

The Pine Knob Loop Campground provides a tranquil environment that is part of the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. While specific activities are not detailed, its proximity to the lake and neighboring Oak Hill Campground suggests opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater is not potable, and campers should be prepared for this.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pine Knob Loop

Reviews

4.5

9 reviews

Recommended

Pine Knob Loop is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the campground's quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The limited feedback includes positive remarks about the tranquility and intention to return.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

"Very nice quiet place." The campground's peaceful setting is appreciated.

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are mentioned in the single user review provided.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

There are no specific tips or recommendations mentioned in the user reviews.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User feedback is minimal, limiting any analysis of seasonal trends.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very nice quiet place. Only layed over for one night but will be back to stay longer." - Terry Spencer

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews addressing individual campsites or areas are provided.

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or experiences related to pets are not discussed in user reviews.

Based on 9 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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