The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Pedro, Ohio
Camper submitted image from Lake Vesuvius Recreation AreaView 21 Photos
PeopleMap showing campground location near Pedro, Ohio

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Fishing and kayaking opportunities draw campers to Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, where three separate campgrounds spread across forested terrain in Wayne National Forest. The recreation area centers around a 165-acre lake with boat ramps, swimming areas, and shoreline access, though campers report crowded conditions at popular fishing spots during peak times.

Iron Ridge Campground offers the most privacy, with several sites positioned below the main road and away from traffic. Oak Hill Campground fills quickly even on weekdays, while Scarlet Oak provides a mix of site sizes, some directly along the roadway. Sites range from small to spacious, with many featuring significant slopes that may require leveling equipment for RVs. Electric hookups serve most sites, and cell service reaches the area despite one reviewer noting connectivity issues.

Trail access connects directly from the campgrounds to hiking routes including the Lakeshore Trail and shorter Whiskey Run Trail, which leads to rock shelters and additional lake access points. The Rockhouse Trail provides a brief walk to interpretive displays about Ohio's iron industry history. Road conditions can be rough, particularly for larger vehicles navigating to some sites.

"Great location to earn some backpacking miles," notes Ruby W., highlighting the area's appeal for hikers. Campers seeking additional options can explore campgrounds around Pedro or nearby Oak Hill Campground for different settings.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

TransAmerica Trail Road Trip

TransAmerica Trail Road Trip

TransAmerica Trail Road Trip Segment: Berea to Yorktown

Berea to Yorktown: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsLake Vesuvius Recreation Area is located in Ohio near Pedro

Detail location of campground
Public 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

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/16/26

Is Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/16/26

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

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Ohio Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers regularly cited nicely spaced forested sites and peaceful atmosphere with good facilities. Some noted site slopes requiring leveling and closer spacing at Iron Ridge campground.

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.

Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

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.

Keep Exploring