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Established Camping

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

NOTICE WATER SERVICE INTERRUPTION A water line break has occurred at the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area latrine facility, affecting restrooms that service the shelters and picnic area.Facilities will be temporarily closed until repairs are completed.We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to restore service.

Wayne National Forest closes Lake Vesuvius; surrounding recreation area remains open** PEDRO, Ohio (Sept. 18, 2025)** The Wayne National Forest has closed Lake Vesuvius in Lawrence County, Ohio, for public safety in order to repair the lake dams gate.The closure area covers Lake Vesuviuss normal maximum pool level only. The recreation area surrounding the lake remains open, including trails, campgrounds, and most other facilities. The Boat Launch is closed and will be dredged this fall and winter to clear sediment accumulated during heavy spring rain runoff.Visitors should observe the closure and be aware of personnel working in the area, said Forest Supervisor Lee Stewart. We appreciate your cooperation during these essential maintenance procedures, and we will do our best to minimize recreation impacts and maintain other operations normally.Dam conditions remain stable and safe, and there is no cause for concern as long as visitors observe the closure. The lakebed may be wet and hazardous as it emerges and dries, and the public should not attempt to walk on it to avoid getting stuck in thick mud. The full closure order and map are posted on the Forests Alerts webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/wayne/alerts.Forest employees opened the dams gate valve on August 13 to perform standard annual maintenance. However, the dam gate is unable to close due to malfunction or debris obstruction, and personnel must access the gate shaft to determine repairs. The lake will be drawn down 31 feet below normal pool levels in order to assess and fix the pool gate; increased water flow downstream of the dam is expected during this time.While water levels are low, staff will also take the opportunity to conduct a full infrastructure assessment at Lake Vesuvius. In addition to dredging the Boat Launch, they will evaluate the Boardwalk, remove hazard trees, and repair portions of the NF 1955 road that was damaged by ice storms in 2021.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, near Pedro, Ohio, is a solid spot for campers looking to unwind in nature. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it’s a great place to kick back, enjoy the outdoors, and maybe even bring your furry friends along—though pets aren’t allowed at the campground itself.

The area is known for its scenic hiking trails and fishing opportunities, making it a hit with families and backpackers alike. Visitors have mentioned that the campground feels remote, yet it offers essential facilities like toilets and trash disposal, so you won’t be completely roughing it. One camper noted, “Great location to earn some backpacking miles,” highlighting the well-maintained trails that provide a sense of space and distance from other campers.

If you’re into water activities, the lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing, with some reviewers raving about the beautiful park setting. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to camp a bit away from the trails, but that just adds to the tranquility. Whether you’re planning a family day trip or a longer stay, Lake Vesuvius has the right mix of relaxation and adventure to keep everyone entertained.

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Location

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is located in Ohio

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Address

IRONTON RANGER DISTRICT 6518 STATE ROUTE 93
Pedro, OH 45659

Coordinates

38.605288 N
82.630433 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Detours Nearby

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 25, 2023

Quiet, relaxing

Stayed here for 2 nights. Scarlet Oak campground. Drove and checked out the other two campgrounds which were also nice. Some sites are really small and some are right along the road. Not crowded at all during our visit. Some sites are sloped from slight to more severe. We did have to take our camper off our truck (truck camper) in order to get level. Our site had a large “yard” and trees. All great for our two big dogs. Site had w/e.

Site023
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Awesome Backpacking

Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups. When camping and hiking here, you feel space and distance from other campers, with the perks of established facilities.

  • Review photo of Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area by Ruby W., June 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area by Ruby W., June 24, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 7, 2019

Perfect Family Destination

This Recreation Area offers hiking trails, picnic opportunities, along with shelter house rentals for those family get togethers. The damn provides an excellent place for photos, while the lake is excellent for fishing and birdwatching. Year-round Campground with Electric, tent sites are also available. Perfect quiet area for a family day trip or spending a few days.

  • Review photo of Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area by Lisa S., April 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area by Lisa S., April 7, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2018

awesome

great place to camp and kayak. must camp 150ft from the trail. no cell service.beautiful park

  • Review photo of Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area by Neal C., September 1, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2017

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, Wayne National Forest, Ironton District, Iron Ridge Campground (Pedro, OH)

The Iron Ridge Campground sites are relatively close together; however, the Iron Ridge campground boasts a handful of sites that sit below the road, and, thus, offer more privacy. I didn't camp at Oak Hill, but I have explored it a few times. Even during the week, that campground was packed with campers. If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge. The fishing isn't bad at Vesuvius, but the shore access can be crowded, which has resulted in a limited number of keeper fish. The Lakeshore Trail is well-marked and generally nice, but, at times, a bit unkempt in the summer. The lake views are somewhat limited by brush and trail/lakeside growth, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get a good view of the lake. We also hiked the Whiskey Run Trail, which was short and hilly, but conveniently located right off the campground. The Whiskey Run also offers just enough lake access to let your dogs swim or to put a pole in the water. It also passes an impressive rock shelter. The very short (but rewarding) Rockhouse Trail is a right on top of the major lake action (near the boat ramps and beach area). The benefit is a nice rock house at the end, as well as interpretive signage that sheds light on Ohio's iron industry and history.

Site32/33 Iron Ridge
  • Review photo of Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area by Brew W., August 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area by Brew W., August 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area by Brew W., August 15, 2017
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2016

Small wooded sites

This is a relatively simple little site with fishing, swimming, and a boardwalk. We were there in early November for the leaves and it wasn’t too crowded then. There aren’t many campsites so summer could be an issue without reservations. The camp sites were nicely spread out within the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area offers several camping options. The recreation area features multiple campgrounds including Iron Ridge and Scarlet Oak, with Oak Hill being another option. There are sites with electric hookups for RVs and designated tent sites available. The campground is open year-round. Some campers enjoy more secluded primitive camping along the trails (maintaining 150ft distance from trails). Sites vary in size and privacy levels, with some Iron Ridge sites below the road offering more seclusion. The campgrounds aren't typically crowded outside summer season, but reservations are recommended during peak times.

How do I get to Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area in Ohio?

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is located near Ironton in southern Ohio. The recreation area is accessible by car, with several access points depending on which campground or area you're visiting. While specific driving directions aren't detailed, the area is well-established with proper signage. For precise directions, it's recommended to use a GPS navigation system or contact the Wayne National Forest office for the most accurate route information from your starting location.

Are there cabins available at Lake Vesuvius?

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area does not appear to have cabin accommodations available for visitors. The camping options primarily consist of developed campgrounds with electric sites, tent camping areas, and primitive camping opportunities along the trails. For those seeking indoor accommodations, it would be advisable to check nearby communities for cabins, lodges, or other rental options outside the recreation area.

What fishing opportunities are available at Lake Vesuvius?

Lake Vesuvius offers excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. The lake is a popular spot for anglers, with the dam area providing particular access. While specific fish species aren't mentioned, the lake supports typical Ohio freshwater fishing. Beyond traditional shoreline fishing, the lake is suitable for kayaking, which can provide access to more remote fishing spots. The area also offers opportunities for wildlife observation and birdwatching while fishing along the shoreline. For current fishing regulations or license requirements, check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.