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Note: On Friday June 7, and Saturday June 8, this location will be participating in "fee free days" for National Get Outdoors Day. Reservations for these two days are no longer being accepted. Existing reservations will be honored. Customers may arrive first-come, first-served and camp free on these two nights only based on current availability. For further information contact the Ironton Ranger District Office at (740) 534-6500.
NOTE: On Friday September 27, and Saturday September 28, this location will be participating in "fee free days" for National Public Lands Day. Reservations for these two days are not being accepted. Customers may arrive first-come, first-served and camp free on these two nights only based on current availability. For further information contact the Ironton Ranger District Office at (740) 534-6500.

LAKE VESUVIUS RECREATION AREA, OH

Status: Open through Sun Oct 27 2013   Season Dates

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.

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.

Recreation:

Lake Vesuvius is a popular location for boating, canoeing, swimming and fishing. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. A boat ramp is located on-site. Canoe and paddle boat rentals are available. 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.

Nearby Attractions:

The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Accessible Flush Toilets
  • Accessible Trails
  • Accessible Vault Toilets
  • Amphitheater
  • Backpacking
  • Beach Access
  • Boat Ramp
  • Boating
  • Campfire Rings
  • Canoeing
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Grills
  • Group Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding Trails
  • Horseshoe Pit
  • Lake Access
  • Paddle Boating
  • Parking Area
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Showers
  • Swimming
  • Trailheads
  • Wildlife Viewing
Know Before You Go
  • Click here for more information on the Wayne National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
38.59972, -82.63306
38°35'59"N, 82°37'59"W

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.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

LAKE VESUVIUS RECREATION AREA
WAYNE
OH

Phone Number:

Project Office:(740)534-6500