## 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

## Overview

Oak Hill Campground is one of two camping areas within Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. It has recently renovated and upgraded with modern conveniences like electric hookups and flush toilets. Lake Vesuvius is very close, providing access to ample recreational opportunities.

## Recreation

Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the most popular activities. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill.   
  
More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground. A spur within the campground connects to the Rock House Trail, which leads to a cave Native Americans used as a hide-out many years ago.

## Facilities

The campground offers dozens of accessible single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Each campsite can accommodate up to eight individuals. A group site can accommodate up to 50 people. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.   
  
Picnic tables, lantern posts, and campfire rings with grills are provided, as well as electric hookups, accessible flush and vault toilets, showers and drinking water. A dump station is located on-site.

## Natural Features

The campground is situated on the west side of the 143-acre lake. A mixed hardwood-pine forest with many mature oak trees covers the area. 

## Nearby Attractions

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

Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius

This recreation area is part of Beech Fork Lake

Beech Fork State Park (Lower Bowen)

The Wayne National Forest have been working to repair a major waterline break at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. This will affect the timely opening of all campgrounds at Lake Vesuvius. At this time, campgrounds are scheduled to reopen Friday, May 22nd, unless repairs are completed sooner. All affected customers’ reservations prior to 5/22/2020 will be fully refunded.

Pine Knob Loop Campground

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Beech Fork State Park

## Overview

Take a day trip to Beech Fork Lake and choose from one of five picnic areas. Hang out, fire up the grill, and enjoy time spent outdoors on one of the many hiking trails that weave through droves of Appalachian hardwood trees. Keep an eye out for birds like thrushes, chats, and cuckoos.

#### Natural Features:

Beech Fork Lake is a 720-acre reservoir in the western edge of West Virginia. Stemming from the lake are lush river valleys that attract many types of birds.   
  
Shelters are set in an open area with scattered trees near the northwest end of the lake. Two of the Beech Fork Shelters are close to the lake and feature panoramic views. The other two shelters are near a stream below the dam.   
  
The deck is at Stowers Branch Swim Beach in a shaded area close to the lake. A wooded area borders the recreation areas. 

#### Recreation:

Fishing is a popular activity, both by boat and on shore. Common fish include largemouth and hybrid striped bass, catfish and saugeye. Hiking is another great thing to do. The Spillway Trail can be accessed from shelters 1 and 2. 

Kids will be pleased to find horseshoe pits and a playground near each shelter. Basketball and volleyball courts are also provided for the sports enthusiasts, as well as a playground and swimming area near the deck. 

#### Facilities:

Electric hookups are included with each shelter, so you can bring anything from an electric grill to Christmas lights when planning your outing to the lake.  
  
Traditional grills are also supplied, so dont forget the charcoal. The deck is not a covered shelter and does not have electricity. 

#### Nearby Attractions:

Shelters are a close drive away from the Stowers Branch Swimming Beach, where the deck is located. The beach is close to the marina, a convenient spot for boat rentals, bait, and tackle.  
  
Beech Fork State Park, a 3,144 protected area for hiking, camping, boating and wildlife spotting, is on the eastern edge of the lake and about a 25-minute drive from the shelters.

Beech Fork Shelters

## Overview

East Lynn Lake Shelters are perfect for gathering friends and family for a fun-filled day of picnicking. Choose from four lakeside shelters along the northern tip of East Lynn Lake, a 1,005-acre lake just 35 miles south of Huntington, WV. 

East Lynn Lake is a man-made reservoir created in 1938 as part of an Ohio River Basin Flood management program. Today, its a beloved outdoor recreation area for water sports and hiking. 

#### Natural Features:

Shelters are situated on various terrains along the 12-mile long reservoir in the Ohio River Valley. Shelter 1 and 2 boast scenic overlooks at the top of the dam. Shelter 3 is nestled along a quiet creek-front, and shelter 4 is perched right on the lake with a convenient boat ramp. 

#### Recreation:

The reservoir is big enough that there are both wake-permitted and no wake zones. Visitors interested in water skiing can have their fun, while fisherman populate the calmer portions of the lake. More interested in the latter? East Lynn Lake boasts 29 species of native West Virginian fish, including musky, crappy, and bass. Outdoorsmen with a competitive edge can participate in bass tournaments held April through October.

#### Facilities:

Great for large groups and families. Each shelter seats up to 100 people, with nearby playgrounds and grassy fields. Shelter 1 and 2 have basketball courts as well. 

#### Nearby Attractions:

Adjacent to the shelters is the East Lynn Lake Wildlife Management Area, which offers 25,000 acres of public land used for hunting, fishing and hiking.

East Lynn Lake Shelters

Huntington / Fox Fire KOA

Creekside Cabins & RV 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

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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.

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.

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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

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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

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Fairmont

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Beckley

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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

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

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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.

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The Best Tent Camping in Huntington

Top Campgrounds in Huntington (62)

1.