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Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Wayne National Forest, Ohio

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As of October 2026, Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is a campground in Wayne National Forest, Ohio with 3 campsites. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is located at 38.6053° N, 82.6304° W.

people allowed on 2 of 3 sites: 150

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 14 days

Published by Recreation.gov for Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

134

Group 2
Tent 1
Hookups 1

Amenities

restrooms
showers
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Hookups
001	2 Point	Tent	50	-
003	FURN	Group	150	Electric
004	ROAD	Group	150	-

About Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

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.

Rules and notices at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Pets are permitted within recreation areas, but must be caged, on a leash not longer than six feet, or under other physical restrictive control.

Camping or the establishment of a campsite within the Wayne National Forest shall be limited to a period of time not to exceed 14 days in any 30 day time period.

Click here for more information on the Wayne National Forest

Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Reservation Cut-Off Window: Reservations must be made 4 days prior to arrival. Any unreserved sites within the 4 day cut-off window are no longer reservable and only available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

State of Ohio Buckeye Pass is not accepted at any Wayne National Forest recreation sites that charges a fee.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area have?

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area has 3 campsites.