Alison B.recommendsApril 20, 2024
Arcadian Oasis
Tent camping in comfort!
Arcadian Oasis is very spacious with a comfy bed for 2 and plenty of floor space for 1 or 2 others. It was well equipped with a power station, light, stove, cold box and even a can of insect spray (which we put to good use). It has a great deck looking toward the lake, and a fire pit. We only stayed 1 night, so we didn't brave the outdoor shower! Pit toilets are basic but well maintained.
The site was very peaceful, with well distanced sites and is excellent for tent camping. The star gazing is amazing. It is both very rural, but also close to shops and sights in Ironton and close to some beautiful state parks. Highly recommend!
Jackie W.recommendsApril 15, 2024
Bedrock
Kayaks, Birds, Stars, Serenity
We had the best time camping at AVO and Michael is such a wonderful and warm host. Having access to the state park and kayaking on the lake made the trip extra special, especially to see the Eclipse. Michael has built something truly spectacular there and clearly has put a ton of love and care into this spot, with many attention to details. It's a camping haven with many amenities!
This would be a great campground to group camp with a crew of friends. Bedrock worked well for us as it was quiet and a bit further from many of the other campgrounds. It was just a short walk up to the pit toilet and a bit more of a walk to get to the front of the campground, but we didn't mind this at all as we spent most of our time at our site birdwatching and stargazing!
There was a sauna, hot tub, and even a shower that could be used which we did not expect. We had a nice bench to do all of our food prep and cooking and having the truck bed tent was so nice for one of our group members who didn't have to worry about setting up a tent.
We would recommend exploring and taking full advantage of the kayaks while you're there and making it up to Taum Sauk state park. It is so breathtaking! Thanks for a great trip, we only wished we lived closer and could visit more often!
Dana M.recommendsApril 9, 2024
Nesta Vista
Amazing time at AVO Camp! Hosts greeted us happily and made sure we had everything we needed for a great stay. The kayaks were an extra bonus and made watching the eclipse even more special! Highly recommend. Thank you!
Caleb B.recommendsApril 8, 2024
Last site on the left
Great spot. I have never been solo camping before so this was my first time.
Easy to find the site because every spot is labeled! Once you see the dam and the lake, the entrance to the campgrounds is just beyond them up a gravel road.
Great weather allowed me to sleep under the stars and under the trees! The actual camp site was very well maintained and easy to set up a tent and stake it down.
Joe F.recommendsApril 6, 2024
Overlook
I haven’t camped yet due to RV in shop. Very nice host. He is saving a spot for me and Blue!
Henry H.recommendsApril 3, 2024
Last site on the left
A beautiful place in the woods!
My wife and I were the 1st official guests at AVO for the 2024 season. We spent the night here because we stopped in Ironton to have dinner with friends we hadn’t seen in a very long time. It is a beautiful place. It is obvious that Mike is putting his heart and soul into making his campground a real place of serenity and rejuvenation. The clear skies were very dark at night and the stars were magnificent. In the morning we saw the camp kitty in her box on the porch of the shack at the entrance road nursing her 4 kittens that had been born less than 48 hours earlier. The whole place is a perfect setting for a great time in the outdoors far away from noise and crowds.