Timbre Ridge Lake

4.21

55 reviews

StargazingSummer 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

Opens Wayne National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

873 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Wayne National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Timbre Ridge Lake

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The site is free to use.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 55 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlake

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

Read all reviews

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.'

Best Time to Camp at Timbre Ridge Lake

The changing seasons paint Timbre Ridge Lake in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can plunge into the 20s, with daytime highs hovering in the mid-40s—perfect for those who find beauty in frost-kissed mornings. Summer brings a different energy entirely, with warm, humid days reaching into the 80s, when the lake becomes an irresistible refuge from the heat. Many seasoned visitors consider spring and fall the golden seasons here, when moderate temperatures combine with either wildflower blooms or spectacular autumn foliage to create ideal camping conditions.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Boating, fishing and swimming make summer appealing; quiet away from the dock.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Forested hills and changing colors likely make fall very scenic and pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers renewal but wet/muddy, unmaintained trails and steep terrain may complicate visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Top 21% in OH

Winter is scenic but temperatures plunge and lack of facilities/steep access make it challenging.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Year-round. Site is considered open year-round, but its operational status may contradict this.
Current Alerts: Site closed as per authoritative sources.

About Timbre Ridge Lake

Nestled within the rolling hills of Wayne National Forest, Timbre Ridge Lake beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This pristine 100-acre lake offers a true back-to-nature escape through dispersed camping, where you'll forge your own path rather than settling into established sites. While the rugged terrain presents a genuine challenge—with steep slopes and limited flat ground that seasoned campers have noted—those who embrace the adventure are rewarded with unparalleled solitude and direct access to exceptional fishing waters. The surrounding forest creates an intimate amphitheater of nature, where hiking trails wind through ancient hardwoods and wildlife sightings become treasured memories.

The area primarily supports dispersed camping.

Weather and SeasonsThe changing seasons paint Timbre Ridge Lake in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can plunge into the 20s, with daytime highs hovering in the mid-40s—perfect for those who find beauty in frost-kissed mornings. Summer brings a different energy entirely, with warm, humid days reaching into the 80s, when the lake becomes an irresistible refuge from the heat. Many seasoned visitors consider spring and fall the golden seasons here, when moderate temperatures combine with either wildflower blooms or spectacular autumn foliage to create ideal camping conditions.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising from a mirror-smooth lake, surrounded by 1,200 acres of dense forest that seems to embrace the water in a protective circle. Timbre Ridge Lake serves as the jewel at the heart of this natural sanctuary, where towering trees create a living cathedral overhead and the only sounds are birdsong and gentle waves lapping against the shore. This untouched landscape offers photographers endless compositions, from dawn reflections to sunset silhouettes, while nature enthusiasts discover a living classroom of Appalachian ecology.

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.

Best Campsites

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Groups

No information about group camping sites is available.

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.

Activities you can enjoy

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

HikingThe area includes trails around the lake, but user reviews suggest that these are not well-maintained. "We eventually hiked to a spot around the lake (trails not maintained)."

FishingFishing is a popular activity here, particularly from boats. However, shore fishing is limited to the dam. "Good for fishing if you have a boat. If not you're stuck fishing off the dam."

SwimmingSwimming is permitted in the lake, though specific designated areas are not mentioned.

BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed, but only electric motors may be used. "Electric motors only may be used to power your boat."

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is encouraged, with the area being surrounded by 1,200 acres of forest.

Winter Activities

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.

Active AlertsSite closed as per authoritative sources.

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

Weather at Timbre Ridge Lake

Reviews

4.2

55 reviews

Satisfactory

Timbre Ridge Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 55 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 55 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 55 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 55 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 55 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 55 reviews