Facility Details - LAKE VESUVIUS RECREATION AREA, OH

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.

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.

Recreation:

Lake Vesuvius is a popular location for boating, canoeing, swimming and fishing. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. A boat ramp is located on-site. Canoe and paddle boat rentals are available. 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.

Nearby Attractions:

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

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Accessible Flush Toilets Accessible Trails Accessible Vault Toilets Amphitheater Backpacking Beach Access Boat Ramp Boating Campfire Rings Canoeing Drinking Water Electric Hookups Grills	Group Camping Hiking Horseback Riding Trails Horseshoe Pit Lake Access Paddle Boating Parking Area Picnic Shelters Showers Swimming Trailheads Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

Click here for more information on the Wayne National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
38.59972, -82.63306
38°35'59"N, 82°37'59"W

From 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.