## 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.

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

## 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. 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.

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

Ashland Huntington West KOA

Ole Henry's Camping retreat

Chief Logan State Park

Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy West Virginia. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. It's easy to find a West Virginia campground for horse camping with the Dyrt. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

West Virginia

The Best Equestrian Camping in West Virginia

Are you looking for a place to stay in East Lynn Lake with your horse? Finding a place to stay in West Virginia while traveling with your horse is easy. These scenic and easy-to-reach West Virginia campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.

East Lynn Lake

The Best Equestrian Camping Near East Lynn Lake, West Virginia

German Bridge - Dewey Lake

Greenbo Lake State Park

This recreation area is part of Dewey Lake

Jenny Wiley State Park

Hidden deep under the northeast forests of Kentucky, strange formations with names like Giant Turkey, Headache Rock, and The Cathedral mingle with cave corals, underground waterfalls and thousands of endangered bats. This is what awaits visitors to Carter Caves State Resort Park, approximately 90 miles east of Lexington. The park was only established, and the cave environments protected, in 1946. Prior to this, the land—and caves—have a long and storied history. It begins millions of years ago, when North America was in its development stage, with the land rising and falling, cracking and washing away. This began forming the caves as seen today. Fast-forward to the 1800s, and the caves served as a resource during the War of 1812. Today however, this 2000-acre park—both above and below ground—serves as a recreation destination for campers and adventurers.   

The resort at Carter Caves offers a variety of overnight options, including camping, cottages and a lodge. Campers will find a large campground with 89 RV sites with utilities, 30 primitive tent sites, eight equestrian sites, and two bunkhouses. Most RV sites are back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 60 feet; bunkhouses can accommodate up to six people. The campground features bathhouses with showers, water faucets, picnic shelters, horse stables, and a playground. The park’s cottages are fully equipped with linens, cookware, and most have wood-burning fireplaces; these can accommodate up to eight people. The Lewis Caveland Lodge offers 28 rooms with full amenities, balconies and patios. Dogs are permitted in designated areas, and must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $18–$55/night; cottages and lodge rooms are $75–$240/night. 

The main attraction at Carter Caves State Resort Park is … the caves! There are six named caves in the park for exploring. Some are open year-round, some are only open during the summer. The park offers guided walking tours in four of the caves. Tours range from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, and require some stair-climbing and stooping. There are also two caves open for self-exploration. These are undeveloped, and require visitors to provide their own light source. For the adventurous, there are also two cave crawling expeditions. These tours are three hours long, and explore tight, undeveloped passages that require lots of crawling, stooping and duck-walking in muddy conditions. For visitors who would rather stay and play above ground, the park features 26 miles of hiking trails, guided horseback rides, putt-putt golf, rock climbing, and fishing and paddling on Smoky Valley Lake. 


Carter Caves State Resort Park

Join the fun near Charleston. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Charleston is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Charleston

The Best Camping Near Charleston, West Virginia

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Charleston. Charleston is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your West Virginia camping adventure.

Huntington, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Huntington is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Huntington and user-submitted reviews.

Huntington

The Best Camping Near Huntington, West Virginia

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Huntington, WV has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Huntington is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Searching for the best camping near Parkersburg, WV? Parkersburg is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Parkersburg, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Parkersburg

The Best Camping Near Parkersburg, West Virginia

Join the fun near Morgantown. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that West Virginia camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Morgantown

The Best Camping Near Morgantown, West Virginia

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Wheeling, WV has a lot to offer. Wheeling is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Wheeling. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Wheeling

The Best Camping Near Wheeling, West Virginia

Weirton, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that West Virginia camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Weirton, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Weirton

The Best Camping Near Weirton, West Virginia

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Fairmont. Fairmont is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Fairmont and user-submitted reviews.

Fairmont

The Best Camping Near Fairmont, West Virginia

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Beckley. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Beckley is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Beckley

The Best Camping Near Beckley, West Virginia

Monongahela National Forest, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Monongahela National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Monongahela National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Monongahela National Forest

The Best Camping Near Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

New River Gorge National River preserves more than 70,000 acres of land and is home to some of West Virginia’s best whitewater flowing through it. In fact, the river running through it is one of North America’s oldest rivers.

The best camping near New River Gorge National River is anywhere you can find it. All campsites are primitive, first-come, first-served, and, best of all, free. Backcountry camping works the same way. You can park your van down by the river for free, as long as you’re self-sustaining. Amenities will be minimal at any of the nine campgrounds. Not all campgrounds are drive-in or RV accessible, so verify ahead of time. As long as you follow the park’s ordinances, you can camp here for up to 14 days. If you want more traditional lodging, there are a handful of cities nearby, but the main one is Beckley, WV.

New River Gorge National River

New River Gorge National River is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that West Virginia camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near New River Gorge National River, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

The Best Camping Near New River Gorge National River, West Virginia

Summersville Lake, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Summersville Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Summersville Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Summersville Lake

The Best Camping Near Summersville Lake, West Virginia

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Jennings Randolph Lake, WV has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Jennings Randolph Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Jennings Randolph Lake

The Best Camping Near Jennings Randolph Lake, West Virginia

R.D. Bailey Lake, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are R.D. Bailey Lake campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in R.D. Bailey Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

R.D. Bailey Lake

The Best Camping Near R.D. Bailey Lake, West Virginia

Are you in need of a campground near Beech Fork Lake, WV? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that West Virginia camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Beech Fork Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Beech Fork Lake

The Best Camping Near Beech Fork Lake, West Virginia

Looking for the best campgrounds near Bluestone Lake, WV? Bluestone Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Bluestone Lake

The Best Camping Near Bluestone Lake, West Virginia

Burnsville Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Burnsville Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Burnsville Lake camping trip.

Burnsville Lake

The Best Camping Near Burnsville Lake, West Virginia

Searching for the best camping near East Lynn Lake, WV? East Lynn Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near East Lynn Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping Near East Lynn Lake, West Virginia

Sutton Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Sutton Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Sutton Lake, WV. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Equestrian Camping in East Lynn Lake

Top Campgrounds in East Lynn Lake (9)

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