Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

IRON RIDGE - LAKE VESUVIUS

Part of Wayne National Forest

Overview

Iron Ridge is one of two campgrounds in the Vesuvius Recreation Area in southeastern Ohio's Wayne National Forest. Iron Ridge offers a great location for outdoor recreation, with activities like boating, swimming and fishing on Lake Vesuvius. Horseback riding and hiking are also available in the rolling hills surrounding the campground.

Facilities

The campground offers multiple sites for RV camping, many of which have electric hookups. Some first-come, first-serve sites are also available. Each campsite can accommodate up to eight individuals.



Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground has accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water. Campsites 9, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 all have access to shared water spigots, while all other campsites have their own individual water-hookups. A dump station is located on-site.

Natural Features

Iron Ridge Campground is located on a wooded ridge above 143-acre Lake Vesuvius. A scenic forest of mature eastern hardwoods covers the area.

Recreation

Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the area's most popular activities. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie or bluegill.

More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground. A 1/2-mile hiking trail connects the campground to Lake Vesuvius. Lake Shore Trail offers an 8-mile loop around the lake and shorter trails lead to Rock House Cave, a grand, tunnel-like sandstone cave that was once used by Native Americans for shelter.

Nearby Attractions

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

Important Notices

  • Additional fees will be collected at the campground for extra vehicles
  • 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.
  • Campers may not occupy an individual developed campsite with more than eight persons at one time.
  • Campers may not occupy more than three developed camping units at one time (one RV and two tents sites).
  • Pets are permitted within recreation areas, but must be caged, on a leash not longer than six feet, or under other physical restrictive control.
  • 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 campsites 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.

Available Activities

  • Hunting - Hunting
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Camping - Camping
  • Boating - Boating
  • Fishing - Fishing

Directions

<b> From U.S. Highway 52 at Ironton,</b> Take State Route 93 north for 6 miles to the Lake Vesuvius Road (County Road 29). Turn east toward Lake Vesuvius and travel 1 mile to the recreation area.

Contact Information

Phone: 740-534-6500

6518 State Route 93
PEDRO, OH 45659

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery