How much does camping cost at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area range from $35-$52/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area 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 Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area has 11 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 Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is open April 11 - October 12.. 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 Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

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

Can I have a campfire at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area: Campfires allowed, but firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive species.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area have?

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. 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 Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, 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 Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

4.40

54 reviews

IRONTON RANGER DISTRICT, 6518 STATE ROUTE 93, PEDRO, OH 45659, USA

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat HikingSummer 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

591 ft

Price

$35 - $52/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open April 11 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

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

591 ft

Price

$35 - $52/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open April 11 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Wayne National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

$35.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary depending on site type and season. Group Shelter Electric ($52), Group Shelter Nonelectric ($42), Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric ($35)....

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$35.00

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

4.40

Recommended

Based on 54 reviews

488 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlake

"Overall, the campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, variety of activities, and well-maintained trails. "Amazing trails! Clean and well-kept," said one user review. However, issues like lack of signage and occasional cleanliness concerns were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

IRONTON RANGER DISTRICT, 6518 STATE ROUTE 93, PEDRO, OH 45659, USA

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

IRONTON RANGER DISTRICT, 6518 STATE ROUTE 93, PEDRO, OH 45659, USA

Nearby places

Ironton (10 miles, approx. 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

The closest town for groceries, fuel, and supplies is Ironton, OH, approximately 10 miles from the campground.

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Access via paved roads from State Route 93 and County Road 29. Roads are generally accessible for most vehicles, but user reviews mention limited signage and difficulties turning around RVs.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Fall delivers the best experience at Lake Vesuvius. Crisp days between 50-70°F showcase peak hardwood color against the sandstone cliffs, and lake reflections are spectacular in calm conditions. The campground closes October 12, so early-to-mid October hits the sweet spot for foliage and comfortable temperatures. Weekdays are quieter than weekends during leaf season. One reviewer recommends off-season visits: "We went off-season and virtually had the park to ourselves." Summer brings swimming weather but higher humidity.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in OH

Fall foliage and views over the lake and hills are highlighted; hiking and overlooks are excellent in fall.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 11 - October 12.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 11 to October 12.
Current Alerts: Beach access was reported closed in recent reviews. Additional closure notices may apply.

About Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area sits in Wayne National Forest near Ironton, offering a 143-acre no-wake lake surrounded by sandstone outcrops and hardwood forest. The recreation area has two campsites (tent and group options, $35-52/night) plus extensive day-use facilities. Reviewers praise the clean, well-maintained trails and variety of water activities, though signage can be lacking.

The campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including developed family campgrounds, a group campsite for up to 50 people, and group picnic shelters accommodating up to 150 people.

Historical Significance

The Vesuvius iron furnace stands at the base of the dam, a preserved remnant from Ohio's 19th-century ironworking era. The structure offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past, when furnaces dotted these hills.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best experience at Lake Vesuvius. Crisp days between 50-70°F showcase peak hardwood color against the sandstone cliffs, and lake reflections are spectacular in calm conditions. The campground closes October 12, so early-to-mid October hits the sweet spot for foliage and comfortable temperatures. Weekdays are quieter than weekends during leaf season. One reviewer recommends off-season visits: "We went off-season and virtually had the park to ourselves." Summer brings swimming weather but higher humidity.

ElevationNestled within the rolling embrace of Wayne National Forest's rugged hills, Lake Vesuvius occupies a natural bowl carved by ancient geological forces. The varied terrain creates intimate valleys and scenic overlooks, offering constantly changing perspectives as you explore the winding trails that climb and descend through this beautifully forested landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryMassive sandstone formations punctuate the Appalachian foothills here, some rising directly from the forest floor near the shoreline. The 143-acre lake was created by damming Storms Creek, and its calm, reflective surface mirrors the surrounding ridges. Dense hardwood forest covers the hillsides at 591 feet elevation. Rock outcrops reveal layers of sedimentary history, and the creek continues cutting through sandstone below the dam. One reviewer noted the entire lake is a no-wake zone, which keeps the water serene for paddling.

Geological RegionCarved into the ancient Appalachian foothills of Wayne National Forest, Lake Vesuvius showcases the region's dramatic geological story. Massive sandstone outcroppings reveal millions of years of Earth's history, while Storms Creek continues its patient work of shaping the landscape. The 143-acre lake, formed by human ingenuity working with natural contours, has become an integral part of this rugged terrain, creating a perfect harmony between the wild hills and tranquil waters.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights, up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites can accommodate up to 50 tent campers.

Groups

Group campsites can accommodate up to 50 people for tent camping, equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutLevel, paved sites with limited privacy between them. The recreation area includes two family campground areas, group camping options, and picnic shelters scattered around the property.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityUnreserved sites within 4 days of arrival are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but may be limited depending on prior reservations.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee. Group reservations canceled within 14 days of arrival forfeit the first night's fee entirely.

AccessibilityAccessible amenities include vault toilets, flush toilets, and a 1/3-mile boardwalk by the lake for leisurely strolls.

PrivacyCampground spaces are level and paved, but they lack privacy," according to one user review.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers suggest Site 15 for its favorable location and features.

Need help booking Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

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

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Campers can engage in a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and archery. The area includes over 25 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of horseback riding trails, and a swimming beach at Big Bend. A 1/3-mile accessible boardwalk and a 1/2-mile Longbow Archery Trail are popular features alongside a large playing field and a fishing pier.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area includes snakes, uneven terrain on hiking trails, and occasional fallen trees (as noted by one user).

Active AlertsBeach access was reported closed in recent reviews. Additional closure notices may apply.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed, but firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive species.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital, police station, and emergency services located in Ironton, OH (approx. 10 miles).

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection services are available, though cleanliness and maintenance could vary. One review mentioned issues with trash in the group shelter area.

Water Features143-acre lake on Storms Creek, with beach access, a boat ramp, and scenic overlooks.

Weather at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

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

4.4

54 reviews

Recommended

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, the campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, variety of activities, and well-maintained trails. "Amazing trails! Clean and well-kept," said one user review. However, issues like lack of signage and occasional cleanliness concerns were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the clean trails, variety of activities, and serene environment. "It's a great place to kayak. The entire lake is a no-wake zone."

Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include cleanliness issues at group shelters, lack of privacy at campsites, and beach closures. One reviewer mentioned, "The place was absolutely disgusting...trash everywhere."

Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, as noted by one reviewer. Users also recommend visiting during off-season for a quieter experience. "We went off-season and virtually had the park to ourselves."

Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for swimming and kayaking, but the beach closure can be an issue. Off-season is noted for peacefulness and fewer visitors.

Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A perfect place if you are looking for wilderness, hikes, boating, picnic, trails, and beach enjoyment." -Tripty Fnu. "The place was absolutely disgusting...trash everywhere." -Lisa M.

Based on 54 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 was highlighted as a favorite by one reviewer. Another reviewer complained about the lack of signage leading to the campground.

Based on 54 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible amenities include vault and flush toilets, as well as a 1/3-mile boardwalk. Reviews frequently mention the cleanliness and maintenance of these facilities.

Based on 54 reviews