Timbre Ridge Lake
04 reviewsTimbre Ridge Lake
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The site is free to use.
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About this campground
Nestled within the rolling hills of Wayne National Forest, Timbre Ridge Lake beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This pristine 100-acre lake offers a true back-to-nature escape through dispersed camping, where you'll forge your own path rather than settling into established sites. While the rugged terrain presents a genuine challenge—with steep slopes and limited flat ground that seasoned campers have noted—those who embrace the adventure are rewarded with unparalleled solitude and direct access to exceptional fishing waters. The surrounding forest creates an intimate amphitheater of nature, where hiking trails wind through ancient hardwoods and wildlife sightings become treasured memories.
The area primarily supports dispersed camping.
Weather and SeasonsThe changing seasons paint Timbre Ridge Lake in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can plunge into the 20s, with daytime highs hovering in the mid-40s—perfect for those who find beauty in frost-kissed mornings. Summer brings a different energy entirely, with warm, humid days reaching into the 80s, when the lake becomes an irresistible refuge from the heat. Many seasoned visitors consider spring and fall the golden seasons here, when moderate temperatures combine with either wildflower blooms or spectacular autumn foliage to create ideal camping conditions.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising from a mirror-smooth lake, surrounded by 1,200 acres of dense forest that seems to embrace the water in a protective circle. Timbre Ridge Lake serves as the jewel at the heart of this natural sanctuary, where towering trees create a living cathedral overhead and the only sounds are birdsong and gentle waves lapping against the shore. This untouched landscape offers photographers endless compositions, from dawn reflections to sunset silhouettes, while nature enthusiasts discover a living classroom of Appalachian ecology.
Geological RegionSet within the Ironton Ranger District of Wayne National Forest, Timbre Ridge Lake occupies a special place in Ohio's Appalachian foothills. The surrounding forested hills tell the ancient story of this geological region, where centuries of natural forces have carved out hidden valleys and ridgelines that create the area's distinctive rolling topography. This protected landscape within Wayne National Forest preserves not just trees and water, but an entire ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for generations, offering visitors a glimpse into Ohio's wild heart.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features are mentioned in the available sources.
Sites SizeNo specific details are provided regarding the campsite sizes.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites seem to be dispersed and very limited. Privacy levels are not explicitly discussed.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping areas are dispersed. Some reviews suggest hiking around the lake to find a suitable spot. However, the steep and uneven terrain may make this challenging.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No information about group camping sites is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round. Site is considered open year-round, but its operational status may contradict this.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is dispersed; no mention of walk-up or designated campsites.
Activities you can enjoy
Timbre Ridge Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily centered around its lake and forest environment.
Hiking
The area includes trails around the lake, but user reviews suggest that these are not well-maintained. "We eventually hiked to a spot around the lake (trails not maintained)."Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity here, particularly from boats. However, shore fishing is limited to the dam. "Good for fishing if you have a boat. If not you're stuck fishing off the dam."Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the lake, though specific designated areas are not mentioned.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed, but only electric motors may be used. "Electric motors only may be used to power your boat."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is encouraged, with the area being surrounded by 1,200 acres of forest.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are provided in the sources.Water Sports
No information on non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsThe terrain is noted to be steep, with reviews stating 'there is a huge steep hill on each side of this lake' that makes walking difficult. Roads may also be challenging due to mud bogging.
Active alertsSite closed as per authoritative sources.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific information about trash and recycling facilities at Timbre Ridge Lake.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground surrounds Timbre Ridge Lake, a 100-acre body of water.
Common complaintsUser reviews consistently note the lack of established campsites and the steep terrain. 'There is no place to set a campsite' and 'trails not maintained' were common themes.
Campground Map
Driving directionsGPS Lat/Long coordinates for the area are 38° 39' 16" / 82° 23' 00".
The parking area, dam, and boat ramp are closed from 10 PM to 6 AM unless fishing or camping. Roads are described in user reviews as challenging; one user noted that 'there is a road on the backside of the lake, but like most other Wayne National Forest roads, people decided to use it for mud bogging and it’s nearly impossible to drive on.'Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Timbre Ridge Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the area's natural beauty but criticize the lack of maintained camping facilities and difficult terrain.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
The lake is praised for its tranquility and suitability for boating and fishing. "Nice lake. It's quiet when you get away from all the people on the dock."
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Criticisms include the lack of designated campgrounds, extremely steep terrain, and unmaintained trails. "The only flat spot is the dam and no camp sites allowed on the dam."
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Future campers should prepare for dispersed camping and bring all necessary supplies, as there are no provided amenities or maintained campsites.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not specify seasonal trends, but the terrain and lack of facilities may make camping challenging during colder or wetter seasons.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Don't bother trying to camp here. There is no place to set a campsite." "There is no camping spots here for RVs." "We drove two hours to camp here and had to go back home."
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are not mentioned, but the dam is noted as the only flat area, where camping is not allowed.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews specific to accessibility features.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews address experiences with pets.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025