Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
Campground · Ohio · 3 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Wayne National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 3
- Bookable sites
- up to 150
- People per site
- 580 ft
- Elevation
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.The facts
- 3 bookable sites
- 2 sites for day use only
- Up to 150 people per site
- Loops: 2 Point, FURN, ROAD
Site types
- 1 Group Shelter Electric
- 1 Group Shelter Nonelectric
- 1 Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
Amenities
- Electric hookups
- Shade
Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, pets allowed.
3 campsites at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | 2 Point | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 50 | |
| 003 | FURN | Group Shelter Electric | — | Gravel | — | 150 | |
| 004 | ROAD | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 150 |
Getting there
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.
38.60529, -82.63043 · 38°36'19.0"N 82°37'49.6"W
Typical weather
Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 40°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 44 | 54 | 67 | 75 | 83 | 85 | 84 | 78 | 67 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 32 | 41 | 51 | 61 | 65 | 63 | 56 | 43 | 32 | 27 |
| Precip in | 3.5 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 3.9 | 3.3 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.2 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
- Can you reserve a site at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?
- Yes, Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area have?
- 3 sites.
- Does Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area have hookups?
- Electric.
Camping near Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
- Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius 0.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius 1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Balancing Rock Trailhead 0.1 mi · Facility
- Underground Railroad: Vesuvius Furnace 0.1 mi · Facility
- Longbow Archery Trailhead 0.6 mi · Facility
- Iron Ridge Campground 0.7 mi · Campground
- Pine Knob Loop 1 mi · Campground
- Ironton Ranger District - Ironton Area 1 mi · Facility
- Two Point Group Campground 1.1 mi · Campground
- Bluegrass Trailhead 4 mi · Facility
- John's Creek Trailhead 4.2 mi · Facility
- Superior OHV System 5.9 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 740-534-6500
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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