How much does camping cost at Timbre Ridge Lake?

Camping fees at Timbre Ridge Lake range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Timbre Ridge Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Timbre Ridge Lake operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is dispersed; no mention of walk-up or designated campsites.

What is the best time to visit Timbre Ridge Lake?

Timbre Ridge Lake is open Year-round. Site is considered open year-round, but its operational status may contradict this.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Timbre Ridge Lake?

Timbre Ridge Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Timbre Ridge Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Timbre Ridge Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Timbre Ridge Lake?

Timbre Ridge Lake offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Timbre Ridge Lake?

Popular activities at Timbre Ridge Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Timbre Ridge Lake

3.17

6 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Ohio

Quick Facts

873 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

873 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Timbre Ridge Lake

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The site is free to use.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Timbre Ridge Lake

38.6552, -82.3821

Driving directionsGPS Lat/Long coordinates for the area are 38° 39' 16" / 82° 23' 00".

The parking area, dam, and boat ramp are closed from 10 PM to 6 AM unless fishing or camping. Roads are described in user reviews as challenging; one user noted that 'there is a road on the backside of the lake, but like most other Wayne National Forest roads, people decided to use it for mud bogging and it’s nearly impossible to drive on.'

Weather at Timbre Ridge Lake

Current alert: The parking area, dam, and boat ramp are closed from 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. unless you are fishing or camping at Timbre Ridge Lake.

Best Time to Camp at Timbre Ridge Lake

Summer delivers the best conditions for water activities, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s and nights cooling to the mid-50s or low 60s. The lake is warmest for swimming then, and bass and bluegill fishing picks up. Weekends see heavier use near the dock, but dispersed sites along the shore stay quieter. Winter temperatures drop into the 20s overnight with daytime highs around the mid-40s. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and fewer crowds, though the lack of amenities means you're exposed to whatever weather rolls through.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Hardwood forest likely offers strong fall color and continued solitude; trails still rough.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Year-round. Site is considered open year-round, but its operational status may contradict this.

About Timbre Ridge Lake

Timbre Ridge Lake sits in Wayne National Forest's Ironton Ranger District, where a 100-acre lake stretches through forested Appalachian foothills at 873 feet elevation. The campground offers dispersed primitive camping with no established sites or amenities. Reviews consistently warn about steep terrain and limited flat ground for tents, making this a choice for experienced campers comfortable creating their own setup.

The area primarily supports dispersed camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions for water activities, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s and nights cooling to the mid-50s or low 60s. The lake is warmest for swimming then, and bass and bluegill fishing picks up. Weekends see heavier use near the dock, but dispersed sites along the shore stay quieter. Winter temperatures drop into the 20s overnight with daytime highs around the mid-40s. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and fewer crowds, though the lack of amenities means you're exposed to whatever weather rolls through.

Natural Features and SceneryThe 100-acre lake fills a valley carved into Ohio's rolling Appalachian foothills, surrounded by 1,200 acres of hardwood forest. Ridgelines frame the water on multiple sides, creating steep slopes down to the shoreline. The forested shoreline provides some solitude once you move away from the main dock area. Dense tree cover overhead means shade is plentiful, though the same steep topography that creates scenic views also limits flat camping spots.

Geological RegionSet within the Ironton Ranger District of Wayne National Forest, Timbre Ridge Lake occupies a special place in Ohio's Appalachian foothills. The surrounding forested hills tell the ancient story of this geological region, where centuries of natural forces have carved out hidden valleys and ridgelines that create the area's distinctive rolling topography. This protected landscape within Wayne National Forest preserves not just trees and water, but an entire ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for generations, offering visitors a glimpse into Ohio's wild heart.

Scenic ViewsThe picturesque views include the scenic lake surrounded by forested hills.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging options like cabins or lodges are provided at Timbre Ridge Lake.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is dispersed; no mention of walk-up or designated campsites.

AccessibilityNo accessibility features are mentioned in the available sources.

Site SizeNo specific details are provided regarding the campsite sizes.

PrivacyThe campsites seem to be dispersed and very limited. Privacy levels are not explicitly discussed.

Recommended SitesCamping areas are dispersed. Some reviews suggest hiking around the lake to find a suitable spot. However, the steep and uneven terrain may make this challenging.

Amenities available

Timbre Ridge Lake is located in Wayne National Forest, Ohio, offering a tranquil environment surrounded by 1,200 acres of forest. The lake and surrounding area do not provide many traditional campground amenities.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Timbre Ridge Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily centered around its lake and forest environment.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe terrain is noted to be steep, with reviews stating 'there is a huge steep hill on each side of this lake' that makes walking difficult. Roads may also be challenging due to mud bogging.

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

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.2

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Timbre Ridge Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the area's natural beauty but criticize the lack of maintained camping facilities and difficult terrain.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

The lake is praised for its tranquility and suitability for boating and fishing. "Nice lake. It's quiet when you get away from all the people on the dock."

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the lack of designated campgrounds, extremely steep terrain, and unmaintained trails. "The only flat spot is the dam and no camp sites allowed on the dam."

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are not mentioned, but the dam is noted as the only flat area, where camping is not allowed.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers should prepare for dispersed camping and bring all necessary supplies, as there are no provided amenities or maintained campsites.

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not specify seasonal trends, but the terrain and lack of facilities may make camping challenging during colder or wetter seasons.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Don't bother trying to camp here. There is no place to set a campsite." "There is no camping spots here for RVs." "We drove two hours to camp here and had to go back home."

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no reviews specific to accessibility features.

Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews address experiences with pets.

Based on 6 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Boaters and kayakers with electric motors get the most out of this lake. If you can stake a claim on a shoreline site before the weekend dock crowd arrives, summer fishing for bass and bluegill from the water is the real draw here.

Skip if

Tent campers without serious site-scouting patience will struggle. Reviewers call out steep slopes on every side of the lake, no designated campsites, and the only flat ground (the dam) is off-limits for camping. No potable water on site either.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Iron Ridge sits on the shore of Lake Vesuvius in Wayne National Forest, a mid-sized campground near Pedro, Ohio, offering both tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups. Operated by the Forest Service, it provides access to a 165-acre lake surrounded by hardwood forest, popular for fishing, boating, and hiking the Lakeshore Trail. The campground features flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, and spacious, level sites with fire rings and picnic tables.

$15.00 - $20.00 / night

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

Pine Knob Loop is a walk-in primitive campground in Wayne National Forest's Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, near Ironton. Sites cost $20 per night and offer a quieter alternative to the nearby Oak Hill Campground. You'll carry your gear along forest paths to reach your spot.

Primitive

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$20.00 - $20.00 / night

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Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius

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Oak Hill sits on Lake Vesuvius in Wayne National Forest, a mid-sized campground managed by the Forest Service near Ironton in southeastern Ohio. The lakefront setting draws tent and RV campers for fishing, swimming, and boating, with full hookups available and a mix of flush and vault restrooms. Reviewers praise the shaded, spacious sites with lake views and the quiet atmosphere, especially during fall when hardwood foliage peaks and crowds thin.

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Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

IRONTON RANGER DISTRICT, 6518 STATE ROUTE 93, PEDRO, OH 45659, USA

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area sits in Wayne National Forest near Ironton, offering tent and RV camping on a no-wake lake surrounded by hardwood forest and sandstone outcrops. The Forest Service operates this small campground with electric and water hookups, showers, and flush toilets. Visitors kayak, fish the shoreline, hike the surrounding trails, and swim when the beach is open.

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Two Point Group Campground

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Two Point Group Campground sits in the wooded hills of Wayne National Forest near Ironton, Ohio, offering a single group site that accommodates gatherings on a budget. At $35 per night, the site provides picnic tables and access to lakeside recreation, making it a practical choice for scout troops, family reunions, or any group seeking an affordable forest basecamp. The location balances forest seclusion with water access.

1 campsites

Reservable

22.3 km

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Campgrounds

Wayne National Forest

Timbre Ridge Lake

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Timbre Ridge Lake sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>This beautiful 100-acre lake is located on the Ironton Ranger District in Lawrence County, Ohio. The surrounding forested hills will make a picturesque backdrop for fishing, hunting, camping, or hiking trip to this tranquil lake. There are over 1,200 acres of Wayne National Forest surrounding Timbre Ridge Lake. Please respect private property during your visit, there are a few small private lots near the dam on the north side of the lake.</p>

Open Season: Year-round