How much does camping cost at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius?

Camping fees at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius range from $15-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius first-come first-served or reservation?

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius before I book?

Yes! Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius?

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius is open April 11, 2025 - October 12, 2025. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius?

Yes, Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius?

Fire policies at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius: Campfire wood must be sourced locally. Rules discourage noise and excessive disturbances.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius have?

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius?

Yes, pets are allowed at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius?

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius?

Popular activities at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

4.23

128 reviews

6518 State Route 93

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Ohio

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

801 ft

Price

$15 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open April 11 - Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Wayne National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

801 ft

Price

$15 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open April 11 - Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Wayne National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

$15.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Electric hookup fee is $5, combined with a $15 base fee for standard electric sites. Tent-only sites have similar pricing.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$20.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

740-534-6500

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 128 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikinglake

"User reviews for Iron Ridge Campground are predominantly positive, highlighting its natural beauty, spacious sites, and recreational activities. Common praises include the well-maintained facilities and the peaceful environment. Criticisms center around maintenance issues, such as out-of-order bathrooms and lack of hot water in showers. Several reviews also express frustration over the lack of on-site firewood sales and the absence of Wi-Fi."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6518 State Route 93

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

6518 State Route 93

Nearby places

Ironton, Ohio (less than 10 miles)

Nearby supplies

Ironton, Ohio (less than 10 miles away) offers supplies, groceries, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

Early fall is the sweet spot. Late September through early October brings daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, with 40s at night. The hardwoods color up, the bugs die down, and the trails empty out. Good for long paddles and shoreline fishing without the summer heat. Note the campground closes for the season on October 12, so plan for late September or the first week of October. Weekdays are very quiet. Summer works for lake activities but brings heat and insects.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Top 15% in OH

Fall reviews highlight spectacular foliage and scenic beauty.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 11, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 11 - October 12, 2025.
Current Alerts: Cold water in bathhouses and closures of certain amenities during specific times.

About Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

Iron Ridge sits on a forested bluff above Lake Vesuvius, a 143-acre reservoir in Wayne National Forest. The campground has 40 sites with electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and showers. Sites cost $15-$20 per night. Spacing varies: some sites feel private and roomy, others crowd closer when the campground fills.

Iron Ridge Campground offers a variety of camping options, including sites for RVs, tents, and first-come, first-serve sites. "The campground offers multiple sites for RV camping, many of which have electric hookups. Some first-come, first-serve sites are also available." (Authoritative Content). It caters to campers seeking both modern amenities and a traditional outdoor experience.

Historical Significance

The Lake Shore Trail leads to Rock House Cave, a sandstone overhang that sheltered Native American communities. The cave is a natural formation carved by erosion over thousands of years. It's the main historical site tied to the campground.

Weather and SeasonsEarly fall is the sweet spot. Late September through early October brings daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, with 40s at night. The hardwoods color up, the bugs die down, and the trails empty out. Good for long paddles and shoreline fishing without the summer heat. Note the campground closes for the season on October 12, so plan for late September or the first week of October. Weekdays are very quiet. Summer works for lake activities but brings heat and insects.

ElevationFrom your ridgetop sanctuary, the campground commands breathtaking views as it rises majestically above Lake Vesuvius, offering campers a eagle's-eye perspective of the shimmering waters below while keeping you nestled among the treetops.

Natural Features and SceneryEastern hardwoods blanket the ridges around the campground at 801 feet elevation. The forest canopy shades most sites, and the lake reflects the surrounding hills from below. This is classic Appalachian foothill terrain: rolling ridges carved by patient erosion, hidden hollows, and thick deciduous forest. The lake provides 143 acres of open water ringed by wooded shoreline. In fall, the hardwoods turn.

Geological RegionDeep in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio's Wayne National Forest, this 143-acre aquatic jewel sits cradled by mature eastern hardwood forests that have stood sentinel for centuries. The landscape tells the story of ancient seas and patient erosion, creating the dramatic ridges, hidden hollows, and pristine lake that define this remarkable corner of Appalachian foothills.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

14 nights in a 30-day period

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates up to 8 individuals.

Groups

No group sites are explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites have asphalt pads suitable for small RVs, tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. The spots are fairly level. Some sites require short walk-ins. Spacing varies: reviewers note good separation in most areas, but closer quarters when the campground is full.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityUnreserved campsites available within 4 days of arrival as first-come, first-serve. Some sites explicitly labeled as first-come-first-serve.

Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible flush toilets and easily accessible trails. However, one review noted that signage and navigation could be improved: "Interior roads are dangerous with non-forgiving low shoulders and non-existing signage or delineators." (Review by GERALD B).

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with some offering good privacy. "Iron Ridge CG offers many spacious sites as opposed to the Oak Hill CG. Some sites offer good privacy, too." (Review by MICHAEL B).

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. "The spots themselves are spaced out very well." (Review by Paxtyn B). However, some areas can feel crowded: "The sites would have been rather close to each other if they were full." (Review by ASHLEY R).

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with individual water hookups for convenience. Site 16 is prone to muddy conditions during rain.

Need help booking Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground supports a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Popular trails include the 8-mile Lake Shore Trail and the shorter trail leading to Rock House Cave. "More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground." (Authoritative Content). Fishing in Lake Vesuvius offers opportunities to catch bass, catfish, crappie, or bluegill. Boating and swimming are also popular options. Wildlife enthusiasts have noted the abundance of birds and small mammals: "Our camping trip was great even with out running water. The site was very clean and comfortable little ground squirrels, birds and the occasional squirrel made it a nice weekend." (Review by JEANETTE D).

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCold water showers, muddy RV pads during rainfall, and steep terrain at certain campsites.

Active AlertsCold water in bathhouses and closures of certain amenities during specific times.

Fire PolicyCampfire wood must be sourced locally. Rules discourage noise and excessive disturbances.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Enforced quiet hours. Complaints about hosts not enforcing rules at times.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but one user noted a need for more trash cans: "I do wish for two things more trash cans and fire wood sales." (Review by JEANETTE D).

Water FeaturesClose to Lake Vesuvius; trails provide access to the lake and Rock House Cave.

Camp HostCamp host 'Mark' noted as helpful in maintaining the campground.

Weather at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

128 reviews

Satisfactory

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Iron Ridge Campground are predominantly positive, highlighting its natural beauty, spacious sites, and recreational activities. Common praises include the well-maintained facilities and the peaceful environment. Criticisms center around maintenance issues, such as out-of-order bathrooms and lack of hot water in showers. Several reviews also express frustration over the lack of on-site firewood sales and the absence of Wi-Fi.

Review Summaries

Based on 128 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Beautiful campground with ample room on campsites." (Review by A Piper) - "Great level spots, fire pit, picnic table, asphalt parking for small RVs and vehicle parking near tent sites." (Review by...

Based on 128 reviews

Common Concerns

- "There is no hot water in the bathhouses!" (Review by ROBERT H) - "Interior roads are dangerous with non-forgiving low shoulders and non-existing signage or delineators." (Review by GERALD B) - "On...

Based on 128 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- "Bring sanitizer or your own hand soap though. There was none in our bathroom." (Review by Alex B) - "Do not forget to bring your own firewood as it is not sold on-site." (Authoritative Content and...

Based on 128 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer reviews praise the hiking trails and water activities, but also note maintenance issues like water spigot leaks (Review by WALTER F). Fall reviews highlight the scenic beauty and...

Based on 128 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Beautiful campground with many widely separated, private campsites." (Review by WALTER F) - "The camp host is very nice and helpful. Well-maintained campground." (Review by Goldie Canter) - "The...

Based on 128 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 16: "Great disappointment because the RV pad becomes a very big muddy mess when it rains." (Review by A Piper) - Site 22: "Beautiful view down ravine, level but narrow pad, water hydrant had...

Based on 128 reviews

Accessibility Features

- "Interior roads are dangerous with non-forgiving low shoulders and non-existing signage or delineators." (Review by GERALD B) - "Showers are free but cold water only." (General user sentiment)

Based on 128 reviews