Oak Hill Campground

For Ohioans seeking a tranquil escape into the heart of the Wayne National Forest, Oak Hill Campground in Pedro offers an idyllic setting. Nestled amidst large, mature trees that provide ample shade and a sense of established natural beauty, this campground is a true gem for those who appreciate peace and quiet in a well-maintained environment. It's a place where the stress of daily life fades, replaced by the gentle sounds of nature and the opportunity to truly unwind by a pristine lake.

Oak Hill Campground, one of two camping areas within the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, has seen recent renovations and upgrades, ensuring a comfortable stay for campers. Visitors consistently praise the new infrastructure, highlighting the cleanliness and functionality of the restrooms and showers—a crucial detail for any enjoyable camping trip. The spaciousness of the sites is another frequently mentioned advantage, allowing for a more private and relaxed experience even when the campground is bustling. While some unique site layouts might place picnic tables or fire pits in unexpected spots, the overall generous size compensates for any minor quirks.

The centerpiece of the recreation area is the stunning 143-acre Lake Vesuvius, an electric-motors-only lake that makes for incredibly peaceful canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. This serene lake, combined with over 40 miles of nearby hiking trails, offers a diverse range of activities for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a refreshing family getaway, Oak Hill Campground provides a well-appointed and beautiful base to explore the charm of southeastern Ohio's natural landscape.

Location and Accessibility

Oak Hill Campground is conveniently situated at 916 Co Rd 29, Pedro, OH 45659, USA. This address places it firmly within the picturesque Wayne National Forest, specifically in the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area in Lawrence County. For Ohio residents, reaching this tranquil retreat involves a scenic drive through the rolling hills and dense forests of southeastern Ohio. The campground is located approximately 6.5 miles north of Ironton, Ohio, just off State Route 93. Visitors will turn onto County Road 29 and follow the signs leading directly to the recreation area and then the campground entrance.

The journey to Oak Hill Campground, while immersing you in the beautiful Ohio countryside, is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading to the site. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for campers from various parts of the state, allowing for a relatively easy drive before settling into the serene environment. The campground’s location on a ridge on the west side of Lake Vesuvius means that while you're surrounded by deep woods, the lake is always just a short distance away, ensuring convenient access to its recreational opportunities. Its setting offers a perfect balance of being "away from it all" without being overly remote or difficult to reach.

Services Offered

• Electric Campsites: The campground features 27 RV-friendly sites equipped with electric hookups (including 20, 30, and 50 amp service) and water hookups, providing modern conveniences in a natural setting. Some sites are also fully accessible.
• Tent Sites: Designated tent sites are available, offering a more traditional camping experience amidst the natural surroundings.
• Group Site: A dedicated group site, "Two Points Group Camp," is available and can accommodate up to 50 people, including a picnic shelter, ideal for larger gatherings.
• Modern Flush Restrooms and Showers: Recently renovated facilities include clean flush toilets and hot showers, consistently praised by visitors for their upkeep and functionality.
• Vault Restrooms: In addition to modern facilities, vault restrooms are also available throughout the campground.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a grill, for outdoor cooking and enjoyment.
• Dump Station: An on-site sanitary dump station is available for RVers, making waste disposal convenient.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground.
• Accessible Sites: Multiple campsites are fully accessible to ensure comfort and ease of use for all visitors.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are generally permitted in the campground but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times, in accordance with park regulations.

Features / Highlights

• Spacious and Shaded Campsites: The campground is noted for its generously sized, level-enough sites, many featuring large, established trees that provide excellent natural shade and a feeling of seclusion.
• Access to Lake Vesuvius: Located very close to the 143-acre Lake Vesuvius, the campground offers immediate access to popular water activities such as peaceful canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
• Electric Motors Only Lake: Lake Vesuvius is designated for electric motor boats only, ensuring a quieter and more serene environment for paddling and fishing compared to lakes allowing gas motors.
• Excellent Fishing: Lake Vesuvius is known for good fishing, with anglers often catching bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Over 40 miles of trails exist in the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, with trailheads starting at or near the campground. A spur within Oak Hill Campground connects to the Rock House Trail, leading to a historical cave.
• Natural Beauty: The campground is nestled within a mixed hardwood-pine forest, offering beautiful scenery, especially with the mature oak trees that give the area its name.
• Renovated Infrastructure: Visitors benefit from relatively new and upgraded facilities, including modern restrooms and showers, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The quiet and serene environment, combined with opportunities for water activities and hiking, makes it an excellent choice for family camping.
• Year-Round Potential: While the main campground is seasonal (typically mid-April to mid-October), the Pine Knob Loop sometimes opens outside of the normal camping season for deer gun season (without water), offering unique opportunities for hunters.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Wayne National Forest, Oak Hill Campground operates under federal fee guidelines. While specific, short-term commercial "promotions" are not typically offered, the campground provides consistent value and special pricing for eligible visitors. Here’s what Ohio residents and other campers can generally expect regarding rates and discounts:

Standard Nightly Rates: Camping fees vary depending on the type of site. For electric sites, the nightly fee is typically around $20. There might be an additional fee for electricity on top of a base camping fee (e.g., a $15 base fee plus a $5 electric fee for a total of $20).

Senior Pass and Access Pass Discounts: Holders of the America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or older) and the Access Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities) receive a 50% discount on the camping fee for single campsites. The discounted fee for pass holders is often $12.50/night.

Group Site Fees: The Two Points Group Campground has a separate fee, typically around $35 per night, making it an economical option for larger groups or gatherings.

Reservation System: Campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made up to six months in advance. Any unreserved sites within a four-day cut-off window before arrival become available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seasonal Operation: The campground is generally open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October. It may open for specific periods outside this window (e.g., for deer gun season), but services like water might be limited during these times, and reservations may operate on a first-come, first-served basis only.

It is always advisable to visit the official Wayne National Forest website or Recreation.gov for the most current pricing, detailed site availability, and any specific policies regarding discounts or seasonal operations.

Contact Information

To plan your peaceful camping trip to Oak Hill Campground within the beautiful Wayne National Forest, or for any inquiries regarding site availability and park amenities, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 916 Co Rd 29, Pedro, OH 45659, USA

Ironton Ranger District Office (for information):

Phone: (740) 534-6500

Mobile Phone (for general inquiries, same as landline): +1 740-534-6500

For reservations, it is generally recommended to use the federal booking platform:

Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov

Given that it is part of a national forest, direct communication with the Ironton Ranger District is the best way to get the most up-to-date information on conditions, alerts, and specific rules.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Ohio residents, Oak Hill Campground in Pedro offers a quintessential yet often overlooked, opportunity to experience the natural splendor of the Wayne National Forest. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors. Firstly, its accessibility via well-maintained state and county roads makes it a convenient getaway without requiring extensive travel, transforming a regular weekend into a refreshing outdoor adventure. Locals appreciate campgrounds that are clean and well-maintained, and Oak Hill consistently delivers on this, with its new infrastructure and functional restrooms and showers being a standout feature.

The campground's spacious, shaded sites provide a sense of privacy and comfort that is highly valued, whether you're bringing a large RV or a smaller tent. But the true draw for Ohioans is the direct access to Lake Vesuvius. An electric-motors-only lake is a huge bonus, ensuring a quiet, peaceful experience for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing—activities deeply ingrained in Ohio’s outdoor culture. With over 40 miles of hiking trails originating nearby, it's a paradise for hikers, offering diverse landscapes to explore. Oak Hill Campground represents an affordable and serene retreat, allowing Ohioans to disconnect from their busy lives, enjoy quality time with family and friends amidst nature, and appreciate the tranquil beauty of their state's national forest, making it a perfect spot for regular visits and cherished memories.

Oak Hill Campground

916 Co Rd 29, Pedro, OH 45659, USA