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 10 to October 11. 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.

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. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.40

54 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat HikingGreat for Groups

Featured in:Tent Camping Ohio Group Camping Ohio

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Wayne National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Wayne National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

$35.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC - FURN: $52.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC-ROAD: $42.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-2 POINT: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$35.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

740-534-6500

I manage this campground

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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)

Weather at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Current alerts(5)

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

Best Time to Camp at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most dramatic scenery at Lake Vesuvius—crisp, clear days (typically 50–70°F) and peak hardwood color make the sandstone outcrops and lake reflections spectacular. Hiking, shoreline fishing, and scenic drives are at their best with cooler temperatures and lower humidity, while weekends draw leaf-peepers but weekday visits are pleasantly uncrowded. Note the campground is open through October 12, so plan early- to mid-October for the brightest foliage and calm water conditions for a Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall described as best season: crisp days, peak hardwood color and spectacular lake reflections.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 10 to October 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 11 to October 12.

About Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area sits in Wayne National Forest near Ironton, offering tent and RV camping on a no-wake lake surrounded by hardwood forest and sandstone outcrops. The Forest Service operates this small campground with electric and water hookups, showers, and flush toilets. Visitors kayak, fish the shoreline, hike the surrounding trails, and swim when the beach is open.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most dramatic scenery at Lake Vesuvius—crisp, clear days (typically 50–70°F) and peak hardwood color make the sandstone outcrops and lake reflections spectacular. Hiking, shoreline fishing, and scenic drives are at their best with cooler temperatures and lower humidity, while weekends draw leaf-peepers but weekday visits are pleasantly uncrowded. Note the campground is open through October 12, so plan early- to mid-October for the brightest foliage and calm water conditions for a Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation591 ft above sea level

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.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within this recreation area.

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 allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

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

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.

Best CampsitesSite 15 gets mentioned as a favorite by users. However, one reviewer warns that "campground spaces are level and paved, but they lack privacy.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area offers a wide range of facilities and amenities, making it a versatile destination for campers. It includes developed family campgrounds, a group campsite for up to 50 people, and group picnic shelters accommodating up to 150 people. Standard amenities include accessible vault toilets, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and an amphitheater. The site also features electricity hookups at one of the group shelters, a boat ramp, and a swimming beach.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon'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.

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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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

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

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

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