Campgrounds in Ohio

Overview Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, named for the old Vesuvius iron furnace, is the Wayne National Forest's premier developed recreation site. The 143-acre lake and 1,200-acre complex provides the perfect spot for a getaway. Recreation Lake Vesuvius is a popular location for swimming and fishing. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. A boat ramp is located on-site. A swimming beach is located at Big Bend. A large playing field and multiple hiking trails are available within the recreation area. The accessible 1/3-mile boardwalk along the southwest edge of the lake provides an opportunity for a leisurely stroll through the area, and the slightly longer 1/2-mile Longbow Archery Trail, accesses at least 25 field targets for shooting practice. The area boasts more than 25 miles of hiking trails and more than 45 miles of horseback riding trails. Facilities Lake Vesuvius is a popular location for swimming and fishing. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. A boat ramp is located on-site. A swimming beach is located at Big Bend. A large playing field and multiple hiking trails are available within the recreation area. The accessible 1/3-mile boardwalk along the southwest edge of the lake provides an opportunity for a leisurely stroll through the area, and the slightly longer 1/2-mile Longbow Archery Trail, accesses at least 25 field targets for shooting practice. The area boasts more than 25 miles of hiking trails and more than 45 miles of horseback riding trails. Natural Features The lake sits on Storms Creek, which was dammed in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The rugged hills and rock outcroppings offer a scenic backdrop for this beautiful recreation area. The historic Vesuvius iron furnace is located at the base of the dam. Nearby Attractions The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.

Overview Leith Run Campground provides a beautiful location on the Ohio River, where grassy campsites and picnic areas make for a comfortable getaway in the Wayne National Forest. The campground is equipped with modern conveniences like flush toilets and electricity. Recreation The campground provides access to the mighty Ohio River and the Willow Island Pool, where canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing are popular activities. A backwater estuary lies alongside the campground. A paved trail and a boardwalk with a gazebo offer not only wildlife viewing opportunities, but also an opportunity to access the estuary and surrounding wetlands area, where fishing is a favorite pastime. Anglers may catch bass, catfish and other species. Leith Run offers hiking opportunities, group picnic shelters and a playground for kids. A trailhead for the Scenic River Trail, which climbs to a bluff above the river, is available in the campground. Facilities The campground provides access to the mighty Ohio River and the Willow Island Pool, where canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing are popular activities. A backwater estuary lies alongside the campground. A paved trail and a boardwalk with a gazebo offer not only wildlife viewing opportunities, but also an opportunity to access the estuary and surrounding wetlands area, where fishing is a favorite pastime. Anglers may catch bass, catfish and other species. Leith Run offers hiking opportunities, group picnic shelters and a playground for kids. A trailhead for the Scenic River Trail, which climbs to a bluff above the river, is available in the campground. Natural Features The campground is located on the north banks of the beautiful Ohio River, just miles from the Ohio-West Virginia border, near the town of Newport, Ohio. A scenic hardwood-pine forest covers the campground, which has many waterfront sites. Nearby Attractions The Covered Bridge Scenic Byway passes by the campground and provides a romantic view of the countryside, complete with forested hills, open pastures and four 19th century covered bridges. Legend has it that it's a tradition for visitors passing over the covered bridges to hold their breath and make a wish.

Overview Iron Ridge is one of two campgrounds in the Vesuvius Recreation Area in southeastern Ohio's Wayne National Forest. Iron Ridge offers a great location for outdoor recreation, with activities like boating, swimming and fishing on Lake Vesuvius. Horseback riding and hiking are also available in the rolling hills surrounding the campground. Recreation Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the area's most popular activities. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie or bluegill. More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground. A 1/2-mile hiking trail connects the campground to Lake Vesuvius. Lake Shore Trail offers an 8-mile loop around the lake and shorter trails lead to Rock House Cave, a grand, tunnel-like sandstone cave that was once used by Native Americans for shelter. Facilities Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the area's most popular activities. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie or bluegill. More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground. A 1/2-mile hiking trail connects the campground to Lake Vesuvius. Lake Shore Trail offers an 8-mile loop around the lake and shorter trails lead to Rock House Cave, a grand, tunnel-like sandstone cave that was once used by Native Americans for shelter. Natural Features Iron Ridge Campground is located on a wooded ridge above 143-acre Lake Vesuvius. A scenic forest of mature eastern hardwoods covers the area. Nearby Attractions The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.

Overview Oak Hill Campground is one of two camping areas within Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. It has recently renovated and upgraded with modern conveniences like electric hookups and flush toilets. Lake Vesuvius is very close, providing access to ample recreational opportunities. Recreation Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the most popular activities. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground. A spur within the campground connects to the Rock House Trail, which leads to a cave Native Americans used as a hide-out many years ago. Facilities Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the most popular activities. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground. A spur within the campground connects to the Rock House Trail, which leads to a cave Native Americans used as a hide-out many years ago. Natural Features The campground is situated on the west side of the 143-acre lake. A mixed hardwood-pine forest with many mature oak trees covers the area. Nearby Attractions The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.

Overview Mill Creek Recreation Area is an ideal family campground located on Berlin Lake in northeastern Ohio. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking and camping. Recreation The lake is a popular location for boating, swimming, and fishing. Berlin Lake is renowned for its excellent walleye fishing. It is one of the few area lakes where natural reproduction of the species occurs. Anglers will also find largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, crappie and bluegill. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages over 6,800 acres of project lands for public hunting and wildlife management purposes. Small game species are found in abundance and hunting areas can be easily accessed. Facilities The lake is a popular location for boating, swimming, and fishing. Berlin Lake is renowned for its excellent walleye fishing. It is one of the few area lakes where natural reproduction of the species occurs. Anglers will also find largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, crappie and bluegill. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages over 6,800 acres of project lands for public hunting and wildlife management purposes. Small game species are found in abundance and hunting areas can be easily accessed. Natural Features Berlin Lake is situated on the Mahoning River, where it covers 3,590 acres and offers 70 miles of shoreline. The banks of the lake are gently to moderately sloped, allowing for easy access. Beech and maple trees cover the area, offering shade and beautiful fall color. A variety of wildlife makes its home around the lake. Visitors delight in viewing nesting ospreys. Bald eagles can occasionally be seen in the area as well. Nearby Attractions Noah's Lost Ark Animal Sanctuary is just one mile south. The sanctuary is home to a large variety of big and small cats, including lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, bobcats and lynx. Wolves, coyotes, fox, bears, camels, zebras and primates also live in Noah's Lost Ark. Children love the sanctuary's petting zoo and educational tours.

Overview Alum Creek Lake is located in Delaware County, Ohio, just minutes north of Columbus. The lake provides an ideal location for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and hunting. Recreation Alum Creek Lake is known as one the best fishing lakes in the state. A wide variety of fish including white, rock, small and largemouth bass, bluegill, white and black crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, muskie and saugeye thrive in the lake. This spacious day-use area is also a popular spot for water sports and swimming. A boat ramp, large swimming beach and marina are all located nearby. Facilities Alum Creek Lake is known as one the best fishing lakes in the state. A wide variety of fish including white, rock, small and largemouth bass, bluegill, white and black crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, muskie and saugeye thrive in the lake. This spacious day-use area is also a popular spot for water sports and swimming. A boat ramp, large swimming beach and marina are all located nearby. Natural Features The lake is situated among gently rolling hills, where open meadows and wooded areas cover the shoreline. A variety of songbirds and waterfowl can be found in the area. Nearby Attractions Alum Creek State Park is adjacent, boasting a 3000-foot swimming beach, a marina with a variety of boat rentals and a large campground. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails meander through the park. Other attractions near the lake include the Columbus Zoo, the Center of Science and Industry and the Olentangy Indian Caverns.

Overview Paint Creek Dam Site Area, located on Paint Creek Lake, offers great opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Scioto area of southwestern Ohio. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, camping, picnicking and rock climbing. Recreation The campground is operated by the Ohio Department of State Parks and offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities, including mini and disc golf, a nature center and an amphitheater. Other activities on land include picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting and rock climbing. A swimming beach, summer nature programs, three boat ramps, a marina and boat rentals can all be found around the lake. In winter months, sledding and cross-country skiing are available. The Corps of Engineers downstream recreation area offers picnicking, a trail, a play area and rock climbing opportunities. Two access points to the stream provide kayaking and canoeing opportunities on the river. Paint Creek has long been a popular fishing stream, where white and black crappie, blue gill, smallmouth and spotted bass, rock bass, suckers, darters, channel catfish and saugeye are commonly found. A 1.5-mile hiking trail meanders near Little Pond, and individual picnic sites with grills are scattered throughout the area and available on a first come, first served basis. Facilities The campground is operated by the Ohio Department of State Parks and offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities, including mini and disc golf, a nature center and an amphitheater. Other activities on land include picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting and rock climbing. A swimming beach, summer nature programs, three boat ramps, a marina and boat rentals can all be found around the lake. In winter months, sledding and cross-country skiing are available. The Corps of Engineers downstream recreation area offers picnicking, a trail, a play area and rock climbing opportunities. Two access points to the stream provide kayaking and canoeing opportunities on the river. Paint Creek has long been a popular fishing stream, where white and black crappie, blue gill, smallmouth and spotted bass, rock bass, suckers, darters, channel catfish and saugeye are commonly found. A 1.5-mile hiking trail meanders near Little Pond, and individual picnic sites with grills are scattered throughout the area and available on a first come, first served basis. Natural Features The lake is situated among gently rolling hills, where a mix of open meadows and wooded areas cover the shoreline. A variety of songbirds and waterfowl can be found in the area. Nearby Attractions The Paint Creek Lake area offers several points of interest within a short drive, including the First Dental School Museum, Highlands Nature Sanctuary and the Sugarloaf Outdoor Drama Theater. Several points of cultural significance include Tecumseh, Serpent Mound, Seip Mound and the Hopewell Indian Culture National Park. Rocky Fork State Park, Paint Creek State Park and Pike Lake State Park are all in the area as well, offering additional recreational opportunities. The nearby cities of Greenfield, Chillicothe, Hillsboro and Washington Courthouse host annual festivals in the spring, summer and fall.

Overview Mill Creek Day-Use Park is located on Berlin Lake in northeastern Ohio, where visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking and camping. The Day Use Area is open year round on a first come first serve basis, except during the recreation season when the picnic shelter can be reserved. A variety of recreational opportunities are available in the day-use area, the adjacent campground and nearby wildlife areas. Recreation The lake is a popular location for boating, swimming and fishing. Berlin Lake is renowned for its excellent walleye fishing. It is one of the few area lakes where natural reproduction of the species occurs. Anglers will also find largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, crappie and bluegill. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages over 6,800 acres of project lands for public hunting and wildlife management purposes. Small game species are found in abundance and hunting areas can be easily accessed nearby. Facilities The lake is a popular location for boating, swimming and fishing. Berlin Lake is renowned for its excellent walleye fishing. It is one of the few area lakes where natural reproduction of the species occurs. Anglers will also find largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, crappie and bluegill. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages over 6,800 acres of project lands for public hunting and wildlife management purposes. Small game species are found in abundance and hunting areas can be easily accessed nearby. Natural Features Berlin Lake is situated on the Mahoning River, where it covers 3,590 acres and offers 70 miles of shoreline. The banks of the lake are gently to moderately sloped, allowing for easy access. Beech and maple trees cover the area, offering shade and beautiful fall color. A variety of wildlife makes its home around the lake. Visitors delight in viewing nesting ospreys. Bald eagles can occasionally be seen in the area as well. Nearby Attractions Noah's Lost Ark Animal Sanctuary is just one mile south. The sanctuary is home to a large variety of big and small cats, including lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, bobcats and lynx. Wolves, coyotes, fox, bears, camels, zebras and primates also live in Noah's Lost Ark. Children love the sanctuary's petting zoo and educational tours.

Overview C.J. Brown Reservoir is located in west-central Ohio, two miles northeast of Springfield; thirty-five miles northeast of Dayton, and forty-five miles west of Columbus. Recreation There are many recreational opportunities to enjoy at the lake including fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. At nearby Buck Creek State Park, visitors also enjoy swimming, boating, and camping. Facilities There are many recreational opportunities to enjoy at the lake including fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. At nearby Buck Creek State Park, visitors also enjoy swimming, boating, and camping. Natural Features The Buck Creek valley was once a patchwork of wetland fens, prairie meadows, oak savannas, and open oak woodlands. Today, the 2,120 acre C.J. Brown Reservoir is surrounded by varied habitats, from brushy old fields, to restored prairie, to forest. C.J. Brown was designated an Ohio Important Bird Area in 2002. Nearby Attractions At adjacent Buck Creek State Park, there is a campground, rental cottages, a marina, swimming beach, and trails. Springfield, Ohio, is just a few miles away, and has several museums that are worth visiting, including the Heritage Center and the Frank Lloyd Wright Westcott House. Charges & Cancellations Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of your reservation. A $10.00 fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. For full Details see the Recreation One Stop cancellation Policy