Best Campgrounds near Pedro, OH

The rolling hills of southeastern Ohio surrounding Pedro feature several camping options within Wayne National Forest, with Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area serving as a central attraction. Iron Ridge and Oak Hill campgrounds provide established sites with varying amenities near the lake, accommodating both tent and RV campers. Pine Knob Loop offers more primitive tent camping experiences for those seeking a quieter forest setting. The region's camping landscape extends beyond Pedro to nearby areas including Hanging Rock Recreation Site for dispersed camping and several Kentucky options just across the Ohio River, such as Greenbo Lake State Resort Park and Carter Caves State Resort Park, both offering more developed facilities.

Camping in this region operates primarily from April through October, with most facilities closing for winter. Cell phone coverage can be spotty throughout the area, particularly in the more remote sections of Wayne National Forest. As one visitor noted, "The Iron Ridge Campground sites are relatively close together; however, the campground boasts a handful of sites that sit below the road, offering more privacy." Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months, especially at Lake Vesuvius where fishing and boating are popular activities. The area experiences typical Appalachian weather patterns with humid summers and occasional heavy rainfall that can affect trail conditions.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Pedro area. Lake Vesuvius provides fishing opportunities, though shore access can become crowded during peak times. Trails connecting campgrounds to water features receive consistent praise, with the Lakeshore Trail described as "well-marked and generally nice, but at times a bit unkempt in summer." Many campers appreciate the historical context of the region, with interpretive signage highlighting Ohio's iron industry history. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, turkey, and various bird species. Campers frequently mention the relative quiet of the area compared to more developed recreation zones, though sites at Oak Hill tend to fill quickly even during weekdays.

Best Camping Sites Near Pedro, Ohio (99)

    1. Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

    8 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $15 - $20 / night

    "The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."

    "Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."

    2. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 473-7324

    $19 - $44 / night

    "Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."

    "Plenty of shade and a huge hill behind our site. Bathrooms were clean.

    A lot of unsupervised children running around, in the stream and riding bikes."

    3. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $35 - $52 / night

    "If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."

    "Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."

    4. Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius

    3 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $20 / night

    "Nice view and close to the lake as well! There is a beach about a 10 minute drive away from the camp. Very nice showers and bathrooms!"

    "The restrooms are clean, the sites are well maintained and the lake is close by for some good kayaking and fishing."

    5. Ashland Huntington West KOA

    17 Reviews
    Grayson, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 929-5504

    "Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."

    "We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."

    6. Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    3 Reviews
    Hanging Rock, OH
    5 miles
    Website

    "The bad was locals firing guns for the hell of it for an hour straight and the trash left behind from the previous campers. Once night fall hit everything was quiet so I couldn't complain too much."

    7. Pine Knob Loop Campground

    1 Review
    Pedro, OH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    "We hiked in at this point near Lake Vesuvius in the Wayne National Forest. Found a secluded spot up the trail. Lots of fun and a good hike- easy enough for an 8 year old!"

    8. Oak Hill Campground

    1 Review
    Pedro, OH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    "Although the water and electric hookups are on the opposite side unless you drive through the loop the wrong way, this setup has an unexpected benefit—it faces directly toward the woods."

    9. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."

    "Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."

    10. Blacks Camper Lots

    3 Reviews
    Ashland, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 922-2805

    $50 / night

    "All around probably the best camper lots in the area. Very quiet and tucked away but still close enough to run into town. Ms. Cindy is very nice and more than willing to help with anything."

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Recent Reviews near Pedro, OH

423 Reviews of 99 Pedro Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Jackson Lake State Park Campground

    A day a life in the office

    I drove an hour and a half to get here because dyrt showed that we had full AT&T service here that is not the trucks we have between one and two bars of AT&T service so we’ll see if we drove here for me to be able to work for a couple days and be out in God’s creation

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    Under Construction

    The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.

  • John M.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    A Wonderful Campground!

    We had a wonderful weekend stay at this campground; we were fortunate to get a river view site which was amazing. It is so peaceful to watch the river and see the occasional boat or barge go by. The campground is a very nice facility with unique cabins and nice full hook up sites. They have a nice store, restroom and shower facilities and they even have a small menu that they can prepare and bring to your site including a delicious chocolate chip cookie desert!

    The owners are the real gem here; they are so friendly and accommodating and go out of their way to make you feel at home! We had a grandchild visit and we forgot a jacket and Julie(owner) went out of her way to find a hoodie out of her Halloween stock, so he would have something for the weekend. 

    We will be back!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice spots on the Ohio River

    We had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs. We will return

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Great site, not a lot to do.

    Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.

  • Jay T.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Attractive campground with variety of sites and amenities

    Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites.   Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path.  We stayed in 12.  If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're  for tent campers only.  The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights.  The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient.  All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.

  • Adriyel P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Ashland Huntington West KOA

    Good Basic KOA

    Plenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.

  • A
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Saint Albans Roadside Park

    Sweet spot!

    Wonderful overnight stop. Free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Nice campground

    Been going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s.  Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.

    Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.

    Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.

    Very bike friendly.


Guide to Pedro

The Pedro area of southeastern Ohio sits within the Appalachian foothills at approximately 600-700 feet elevation, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. Wayne National Forest encompasses over 244,000 acres in this region, with Lake Vesuvius serving as a 143-acre reservoir constructed in the 1930s. The area experiences typical seasonal transitions with daytime summer temperatures commonly reaching 80-90°F while winter lows can drop below freezing.

What to do

Hiking trails: Several well-maintained hiking paths traverse Wayne National Forest near Pine Knob Loop Campground, which connects to the larger trail system. "We hiked in at this point near Lake Vesuvius in the Wayne National Forest. Found a secluded spot up the trail. Lots of fun and a good hike- easy enough for an 8 year old!" notes one visitor.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes provide fishing spots throughout the camping sites near Pedro, Ohio. At Hanging Rock Recreation Site, anglers find accessible water features. As one camper reported, "The good was I found a spot quickly and had 2 entire ponds to myself." The site also features "tons of little lakes that are ideal for fishing" according to another review.

Cave exploration: For those willing to drive 45 minutes from Pedro, Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers unique underground adventures. "The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen. 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," advises a visitor.

What campers like

Privacy levels: Campers frequently note the varying degrees of seclusion at different camping sites near Pedro, Ohio. At Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius, guests appreciate the natural separation between sites: "Most of the sites shaded and separated by trees. Love the privacy this provides. Our favorite 'close to home campground'!"

Natural surroundings: The forested environment creates an immersive outdoor experience. A visitor to Oak Hill Campground described their site: "This orientation allowed us to savor the tranquility of the forest, adding a layer of privacy and a more intimate connection with nature."

Waterfront access: Beyond Lake Vesuvius, many campers value the variety of water features. At Blacks Camper Lots, the scenic setting impressed visitors: "It was quiet, private and beautiful, we loved it! Also, the owners are awesome people. We would definitely stay here again!"

What you should know

Cell phone limitations: Beyond the spotty coverage mentioned in Wayne National Forest, connectivity varies significantly throughout camping locations near Pedro. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park visitors report: "There was no AT&T service, but Verizon had service."

Utility connections: At many sites, the placement of hookups requires planning. At Oak Hill Campground, campers note that "the water and electric hookups are on the opposite side unless you drive through the loop the wrong way." Similarly, at Carter Caves, visitors warn that "some of the sites were around 50 ft from the electric hook up."

Seasonal activity: Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with facilities closing for winter. Warm weather brings increased activity, particularly on weekends, when sites fill quickly. One Iron Ridge camper observes it's "our favorite 'close to home campground'!" suggesting local popularity during peak seasons.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: For families with children, designated swimming areas provide safe recreation. A visitor to Ashland Huntington West KOA mentions, "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."

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences through natural features or programming. Carter Caves provides "informative tours" and one visitor recommends: "Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!"

Recreational amenities: Many campgrounds near Pedro offer additional activities beyond hiking and swimming. At Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, one visitor mentions "mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way."

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: RVers should research specific site details before arriving at campsites around Pedro. At Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, some campers note that "some sites are really small and some are right along the road" while others mention "some sites are sloped from slight to more severe."

Electrical requirements: Different campgrounds offer various power options. At Ashland Huntington West KOA, one RVer reports their site "was NOT very level. On gravel. Picnic tables and fire ring." They add a caution about proximity between sites: "Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us)."

Water pressure variations: RVers should be prepared for utility inconsistencies at certain camping areas near Pedro. A camper at Iron Ridge warns: "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others. We stayed at site 6 which wasn't too difficult to park but the water pressure was extremely high."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pedro, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pedro, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 99 campgrounds and RV parks near Pedro, OH and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pedro, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pedro, OH is Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pedro, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Pedro, OH.

What parks are near Pedro, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Pedro, OH that allow camping, notably Beech Fork Lake and Grayson Lake.