My husband and I sort of spontaneously decided to camp at Wayne National Forest this past weekend because 1) it was going to be 90+ degrees all weekend 2) we were seeking an adventure for our 3rd anniversary
From northeast Ohio, this has got to be the farthest you can go without leaving the state, yet all four hours of this drive were worth it.
Due to our last minute decision to to make this trip, reservations online were unavailable. We were left with the non-reservable walk-in only sites. When we got there, I assumed the Pine Knob Loop was where we would stay since it was, according to the website, first come-first serve tent only sites. But when we got there, all the sites were already reserved and all had campers! What??? The nearby Oak Hill campground was also taken. Feeling discouraged, I tried Iron Ridge campground. Only at the very end of the campground where cars turn around, we found our spot! There were only a handful still available. The site we chose had a parking spot on the road with stairs descending into your site. Actually, it was the perfect little spot for us.
We proceeded to stuff $30 in an envelope ($15/night) and into the drop box to pay. For those of you who aren't used to camping, this is how you reserve a walk-in site. Luckily we had cash when we usually do not!
Once we got settled in, we went to the beach which was in the most beautiful wooded setting. The water was the perfect temperature for cooling down and even on this hot weekend, the beach never felt overpopulated. There were many families there enjoying themselves, playing with floats and cooking out. But please be aware of the long winding road to get there. You'll fall off a cliff if you don't stay on the road. Also, there was a sign saying you have to pay $3 to access the beach (you're supposed to put money in an envelope like with camping) but we didn't because we already had a hang tag permit on our car from the campsite.
The next day we braved the 8 mile Lakeshore Trail. This trail takes you around the entire perimeter of Lake Vesuvius. The views are stunning and the hike isn't too strenuous (unless of course you're me and decide to hike in the blazing heat). Take several bottles of water and some food! Even with the aid of the woods shading us, it took us four hours to complete. It was so rewarding though. My husband and I usually opt for several shorter hikes as opposed to one big one, but when I read about Lake Vesuvius, this trail kept coming up as one of the popular things to do, and I gave in to curiosity. The beach is even on the trail for a cool off spot. We saw many kayakers enjoying themselves as well.
Before I close this out, I want to say that this is the first time that camp nazis didn't bother us on a camping trip. The park does have county sheriffs patrolling it so don't be alarmed. The negatives, why was Pine Knob falsely advertised? Why doesn't the website say cash-only for walk-ins? Why was there a glass vial in the fire pit? I disposed of it...but still. I won't even take stars off because I had such a fantastic weekend and would return again. There are trails we haven't hiked yet and I would return to that beach in a heartbeat.
PS there is a helpful ranger station just around the corner for maps and tips, as well as a couple corner stores for camping needs! read more