Dispersed camping near East Lynn Lake offers several remote sites within Wayne National Forest along the Ohio-West Virginia border. This Appalachian region ranges in elevation from 600-1,300 feet with a humid subtropical climate. Vesuvius Lake and the surrounding areas feature distinctive bluffs and seasonal creeks that can affect accessibility during spring runoff periods.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The numerous small lakes in Wayne National Forest provide opportunities for catching bass and panfish. At Hanging Rock Recreation Site, campers have access to multiple fishing spots. According to Rob G., "I found a spot quickly and had 2 entire ponds to myself."
Wildflower viewing: Spring visitors can observe native Appalachian plant species throughout the camping areas. Lucille W. notes that "Along and just off the trails were tons of gorgeous wildflowers like trilliums, violets, showy orchids, and more!"
ATV trail riding: The designated trails at Hanging Rock Recreation Site accommodate vehicles under 50 inches wide. "The Hanging Rock Recreation area features tons of well kept ATV trails for motor bikes or quads (max width allowed is 50 inches)," reports Lucille W.
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many dispersed sites offer quiet surroundings away from developed areas. At Sand Hill Trailhead, you'll find more remote options. Marisa A. describes it as "a very pretty area along Vesuvius Lake with trees and bluffs."
Easy vehicle parking: The recreation areas have designated parking locations for day and overnight use. Jay S. found that "We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn't know if there were any place to turn our rv around. Very quiet night and were visited by fireflies which was awesome."
Sunrise views: The eastern ridges provide excellent morning vistas for early risers. Rob G. enjoyed his experience despite some challenges, noting "Awesome morning sunrise!"
What you should know
Navigation challenges: The complex patchwork of public and private land requires careful planning. Marisa A. advises, "Next time I will purchase a paper map before I go because Wayne National Forest has alot of private lands interspersed and it is not all that clear without an official map."
Variable site conditions: Some areas suffer from improper waste disposal and unauthorized activities. At Hanging Rock Recreation Area, David B. warns, "Trash in most places, people partying all the time. Watch for needles if you go! Be sure to wear shoes."
Noise concerns: Some locations experience disruptive activity, particularly on weekends. Rob G. observed, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Some dispersed areas may not be suitable for children due to potential hazards and limited facilities. At Timbre Ridge Lake, the absence of toilets and drinking water requires families to be fully self-sufficient.
Alternative sites: Consider using the horse camp area for more established facilities when camping with children. Marisa A. recounts, "We saw a ranger in the morning and he suggested next time we just camp at the horsecamp."
Wildlife viewing: Evening hours offer opportunities for children to observe native species. Jay S. reported being "visited by fireflies which was awesome" during their overnight stay.
Tips from RVers
Limited turning space: RV access is possible but challenging in some areas due to narrow roads and limited turnaround spots. Jay S. cautions about Hanging Rock: "We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn't know if there were any place to turn our rv around."
Overnight parking options: The main trailhead parking areas can accommodate overnight stays in a pinch. One RVer found Hanging Rock Recreation Site was "Better Than Walmart" for an overnight stay when other options weren't available.
Advance scouting: First-time visitors with larger vehicles should arrive with daylight hours remaining to assess site suitability. The combination of unpredictable road conditions and limited cell service makes nighttime arrival particularly difficult with larger vehicles.
