Home › Ohio › Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
FSU.S. Forest Service — PEDRO · Ohio · Wayne National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Wayne National Forest |
| Location | PEDRO · Ohio · Wayne National Forest · 38.60529, -82.63043 · Map |
| Sites | 3 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 group shelter nonelectric; 1 group shelter electric; 1 group tent only area nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 1 of 3 sites (up to 15 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 3 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 3 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 3 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 6:00 AM · Out 10:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 740-534-6500 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, named for the old Vesuvius iron furnace, is the Wayne National Forest's premier developed recreation site. The 143-acre lake and 1,200-acre complex provides the perfect spot for a getaway. Recreation Lake Vesuvius is a popular location for swimming and fishing. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. A boat ramp is located on-site. A swimming beach is located at Big Bend.
A large playing field and multiple hiking trails are available within the recreation area. The accessible 1/3-mile boardwalk along the southwest edge of the lake provides an opportunity for a leisurely stroll through the area, and the slightly longer 1/2-mile Longbow Archery Trail, accesses at least 25 field targets for shooting practice. The area boasts more than 25 miles of hiking trails and more than 45 miles of horseback riding trails. Facilities The recreation area offers two developed family campgrounds, a group camp and group picnic shelters. The group campsite can accommodate up to 50 people for tent camping. It is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets, showers and drinking water are provided.
Group shelters can accommodate up to 150 people. Picnic tables, campfire rings and grills are provided, as well as accessible flush toilets and drinking water. One shelter provides electricity, while the other does not. Each has access to an amphitheater. Natural Features The lake sits on Storms Creek, which was dammed in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The rugged hills and rock outcroppings offer a scenic backdrop for this beautiful recreation area. The historic Vesuvius iron furnace is located at the base of the dam. Nearby Attractions The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.
Directions, from the listing
From U.S. Highway 52 at Ironton, take State Route 93 north for less than 10 miles to Lake Vesuvius Road (County Road 29). Turn east toward Lake Vesuvius and travel 1 mile to the recreation area.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · PEDRO OhioFSU.S. Forest ServiceOak Hill - Lake Vesuvius
1 mi straight-line · PEDRO OhioUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersPaint Creek Dam Site
59 mi straight-line · BAINBRIDGE OhioUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersDeer Creek Lake Day Use
77 mi straight-line · MT. STERLING OhioUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCaesar Creek Lake
98 mi straight-line · Waynesville Ohio
Trip Card — Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
PEDRO · Ohio · Wayne National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | PEDRO · Ohio · Wayne National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 1 |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 3 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232062 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.