Shaded sites tucked between mature trees give Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius a forest camping feel that sets it apart from more open campgrounds. Located within Wayne National Forest, this US Forest Service campground operates from early April through late November with sites accommodating RVs up to 58 feet. Electric, water, and sewer hookups are available at $15-20 per night.
Most sites benefit from natural tree separation, providing privacy between neighbors. Chris S. notes that "most of the sites shaded and separated by trees" creates the privacy campers value here. The campground sits above Lake Vesuvius, offering direct access to fishing for crappie, bass, and catfish. A small beach area allows swimming, while hiking trails wind through the surrounding forest.
Basic amenities include restrooms, showers, and a dump station, though some visitors report inconsistent maintenance in the facilities. Water pressure can vary significantly between sites, with some experiencing extremely high pressure. The campground's forested setting means campers feel immersed in the woods rather than simply parked near them.
For those exploring places to camp around Wayne National Forest, nearby options include Sand Hill Trailhead and Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. Reservations are recommended during peak season, and sites closer to the lake tend to fill first.
Description
Overview
Iron Ridge is one of two campgrounds in the Vesuvius Recreation Area in southeastern Ohio's Wayne National Forest. Iron Ridge offers a great location for outdoor recreation, with activities like boating, swimming and fishing on Lake Vesuvius. Horseback riding and hiking are also available in the rolling hills surrounding the campground.
Recreation
Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the area's most popular activities. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie or bluegill. More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground. A 1/2-mile hiking trail connects the campground to Lake Vesuvius. Lake Shore Trail offers an 8-mile loop around the lake and shorter trails lead to Rock House Cave, a grand, tunnel-like sandstone cave that was once used by Native Americans for shelter.
Facilities
The campground offers multiple sites for RV camping, many of which have electric hookups. Some first-come, first-serve sites are also available. Each campsite can accommodate up to eight individuals. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground has accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water. Campsites 9, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 all have access to shared water spigots, while all other campsites have their own individual water-hookups. A dump station is located on-site.
Natural Features
Iron Ridge Campground is located on a wooded ridge above 143-acre Lake Vesuvius. A scenic forest of mature eastern hardwoods covers the area.
Nearby Attractions
The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.
Fee Info
There is a $5 electric hookup fee. The total fee of electric site is composed of $15 basic camping fee and $5 electric fee.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundIron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius is located in Ohio
Directions
From U.S. Highway 52 at Ironton, Take State Route 93 north for 6 miles to the Lake Vesuvius Road (County Road 29). Turn east toward Lake Vesuvius and travel 1 mile to the recreation area.
Address
6518 State Route 93
Pedro, OH 45659
Coordinates
38.610754 N
82.615067 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/3/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/3/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/3/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
