The Wayne National Forest region encompasses over 250,000 acres of public land with elevation ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet. Camping spots near Hanging Rock, Ohio primarily feature seasonal availability from April through October, with specific areas staying open into November. The terrain consists mostly of mixed hardwood forests with numerous small ponds and streams throughout the camping areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Vesuvius provides multiple fishing spots with crappie, bass, and catfish stocked for anglers. At Oasis Point RV Resort & Adventure Lake, visitors can enjoy catch-and-release fishing in the dedicated pond. "There is a smaller pond for fishing, I'm pretty sure it's catch and release," noted one camper about this option.
Hiking trails: The Rockhouse Trail near Oak Hill Campground offers a short but rewarding hike leading to geological features. At Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius, "Great hiking and Lake Vesuvius is small but beautiful. Also, there's a hidden gem of a cave/overhang along one of the hiking trails," according to a visitor who appreciated the trail system.
Water recreation: Several campsites offer swimming and paddling options throughout the summer months. Oasis Point features "a large pond that has a nice beach, a huge slide and a zip line. They have kayaks, paddle boards and floats first come first serve," as described by a family who visited in 2024.
Cave exploration: The area has notable cave systems within driving distance. A camper at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground shared, "Make sure to get a permit for Horn Hollow on a day of no rain or else you will not be able to enter it," highlighting the importance of planning cave visits around weather conditions.
What campers like
Private camping spots: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites for those seeking quiet. At Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, "Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet," according to a recent visitor who appreciated the solitude.
Spacious site layouts: Multiple campgrounds feature well-designed camping pads with adequate space. One visitor to Iron Ridge noted, "Nice, quiet campground. Not a ton of privacy, but much better than an RV park. More shade and privacy here than the nearby Oak Hill campground on the other side of the lake."
Wildlife viewing: The forested settings provide ample opportunities to spot native species. A visitor to Hanging Rock Recreation Site mentioned, "Along and just off the trails were tons of gorgeous wildflowers like trilliums, violets, showy orchids, and more!" during a spring visit.
Fishing access: Most camping areas provide direct water access for fishing enthusiasts. "We fished all day and night. Caught a bunch of fish and had a catfish fry. The mountain views are awesome," reported a camper at Little Bear Island Campground, highlighting the productive fishing in the Little Sandy River.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in this region have poor to nonexistent mobile coverage. At Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, a camper noted, "There was no AT&T service, but Verizon had service," suggesting visitors bring multiple carrier options if connectivity is important.
Shared utility connections: Several campgrounds have unusual hookup arrangements. A visitor to Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground warned, "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though," indicating campers should come prepared with additional equipment.
Variable road conditions: Access to some sites can be challenging after rain. At Little Bear Island Campground, a visitor reported, "It was too muddy, it's a dirt road. I was nervous about getting stuck, and that was without my trailer attached," suggesting caution during wet weather.
Trash management concerns: Some dispersed camping areas have limited facilities. A reviewer at Hanging Rock Recreation Site mentioned "the trash left behind from the previous campers" as a drawback, indicating visitors should bring trash bags and be prepared to pack out waste.
Tips for camping with families
Look for developed amenities: Campgrounds with structured activities tend to be more family-friendly. At Ashland Huntington West KOA, a visitor reported, "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites. Camp store had lots of food options and coffee. Pool was small but big enough to enjoy."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds have higher activity levels than others. One visitor to Greenbo Lake State Resort Park mentioned, "The kids had fun because there were about 100 kids in the campground running around. There was a vacation bible school going on. Our kids were invited to take part in activities."
Check bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies significantly between locations. At Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius, a camper noted, "Very nice showers and bathrooms!" which can make a significant difference for families with young children.
Plan for weather challenges: Many sites offer limited shelter options during inclement weather. A visitor to Oak Hill mentioned, "Sadly, it was raining the entire time we were at this site. However, the campground was very nice!" suggesting bringing additional tarps or shade structures.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure concerns: Check water systems at each campsite before setting up. A camper at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius cautioned, "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others...the water pressure was extremely high," which can damage RV plumbing systems without a regulator.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven parking pads. At the Ashland Huntington West KOA, a visitor mentioned, "Site was NOT very level. On gravel. Picnic tables and fire ring," indicating the need for leveling blocks.
Power sharing arrangements: Some campgrounds have unusual electrical hookup systems. A camper at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park warned, "They advertise the sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups. What they didnt say was that you had to share a post. The people beside me already had the 50 amp."
Access road limitations: Check road conditions before bringing larger RVs. At Little Bear Island Campground, the dirt access road becomes problematic in wet conditions, making it unsuitable for larger rigs during rainy periods.
