The Appalachian foothills surrounding Pedro, Ohio offer camping options from primitive forest sites to family-oriented campgrounds with recreational amenities. The region receives approximately 43 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests and healthy watersheds throughout the area. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October due to the moderately cold winters, though some locations offer year-round availability.
What to do
Lake activities: Water level fluctuations. At Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius, visitors can enjoy both water and land activities. According to Jackson B., "the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming (there's a beach), kayaking, and fishing. They have plenty of crappie, bass, and catfish stocked in the lake and there are bait shops close by."
Hiking trails: Range from beginner to challenging. The region offers diverse hiking options. Corey M. noted at Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius, "Tons of hiking trails around the lake. We will definitely be back!" Iron Ridge campers appreciate the trails with one reviewer mentioning "there's a hidden gem of a cave/overhang along one of the hiking trails."
Family recreation beyond water: Multiple options. The Ashland Huntington West KOA offers numerous activities. Joseph C. reports, "The campground has miniature golf, a playground, a fenced area for dogs, a pond and a swimming pool." These amenities provide entertainment when weather conditions make water activities less appealing.
What campers like
Campsite privacy: More secluded than typical. Many campers appreciate the space between sites at Iron Ridge. Chris S. notes, "Most of the sites shaded and separated by trees. Love the privacy this provides. Our favorite 'close to home campground'!" This contrasts with more crowded camping experiences elsewhere.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained grounds. Campers consistently mention the maintenance standards. At Shawnee State Park Campground, Jay T. found that "The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient. All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful." This attention to cleanliness extends to the sites themselves.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Safe environments. Families appreciate the controlled setting. At Long's Retreat Family Resort, Rocky B. shares, "My wife and kids want to live there for the summer, and I sure can't argue. There is LOTS to do. Swimming, water slides, canoeing, go-cart racing, mini golf, and a full arcade give plenty of variety."
What you should know
Cell service: Limited or nonexistent. Many campsites in the region have poor connectivity. Robin R. commented about Long's Retreat, "Love no cell reception! Quiet clean and staff (owner) is always pleasant and helpful!" For those needing to stay connected, plan accordingly with alternative communication methods.
Site selection considerations: Terrain varies. Not all sites accommodate larger camping setups equally. Wendi L. from Iron Ridge advises, "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."
Weather preparedness: Quick mud formation. The soil conditions in the area create challenges after rain. According to one reviewer at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, "The site was very level and nicely maintained. The shower and bath house was clean, could use updating but overall acceptable." Pack appropriate footwear and tarps for wet conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple options on-site. Families particularly enjoy campgrounds with built-in entertainment. Kristi J. recommends Long's Retreat: "The kids can either swim up at the lake (with multiple water slides and a huge floating dock with diving board), the little kids can have fun in the splash pad right at the beach, go carts, rock wall climbing, basketball, arcade and so much more."
Special events: Schedule camping during themed weekends. Many campgrounds offer seasonal programming. At Shawnee State Park, Megan M. reports they were there "on their Halloween weekend, with a fun site-decorating contest and trick or treat in the afternoon, which was mildly annoying for us because they closed the roads from 2 to 6."
Tent site selection: Look for dedicated areas. For families tent camping, some sites offer better experiences. Jay T. notes about Shawnee State Park: "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Plan for extension cords/hoses. RV campers should prepare for varied utility placement. Jackie D. from Iron Ridge warns, "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. Well prepared sites with a clearing, fire ring, and a picnic table."
RV size restrictions: Check site details before booking. Larger RVs require careful site selection. Jarrod M. advises about Shawnee, "Nice Campground, electric but no water at the sites. Lots of good tent or small camper spots, but be selective if you have a camper bigger than 25ft. I recommend site 82, 83, 85, or 78."
Site leveling: Bring leveling blocks. Many RV sites require adjustment for comfort. One reviewer at KOA Huntington noted, "We stayed for an overnight. Site was NOT very level. On gravel. Picnic tables and fire ring." Adequate leveling equipment makes a significant difference in comfort.
