Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
LAKE VESUVIUS RECREATION AREA
Lake Vesuvius Iron Furnace
Lake Vesuvius Iron Furnace
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

About Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

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.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

001, Loop: 2 Point

⛺ Tent
  • Paved

Site Details

Up to 50 guests
Surface: Paved
View Site Details

Reviews (32)

What Guests Are Saying

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area offers beautiful views, nice campgrounds, and well-maintained facilities, including clean vault toilets and ample picnic tables. While the lake is currently drained and ticks were reported to be an issue, many visitors still enjoyed the trails and appreciated the peaceful environment. The handicap-accessible trail is a good option for those looking for a leisurely walk.

Review Summary

3.7
32 reviews
5
40.6%
13
4
28.1%
9
3
6.3%
2
2
6.3%
2
1
18.8%
6

Mike L

Verified

June 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: 2 Point

1

The campsite was poorly maintained, there was no water available at any of the sites, and the campground was unmonitored and unsecured. we constantly had to defend the site from unwanted visitors all through the day and night. We felt very unsafe. We will never return to camp here again!

Mike L

Verified

June 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: 2 Point

1

The campsite was poorly maintained, there was no water available at any of the sites, and the campground was unmonitored and unsecured. we constantly had to defend the site from unwanted visitors all through the day and night. We felt very unsafe. We will never return to camp here again!

Alexa C

Verified

August 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: 2 Point

4

Rode about 6 hours on a motorcycle and we camped out here, a group of 12 of us. It was a great time! Bathroom was clean, everything was well kept. We will definitely be back

Alexa C

Verified

August 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: 2 Point

4

Rode about 6 hours on a motorcycle and we camped out here, a group of 12 of us. It was a great time! Bathroom was clean, everything was well kept. We will definitely be back

Brad M

Verified

April 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: 2 Point

5

A wonderful experience at the Two Point Group Campground. The site was in great shape with plenty of flat spots for pitching a tent. Vault toilet was perhaps the cleanest one I've ever seen. There are tons of fire rings and the shelter has quite a few picnic tables. The site is also located a bit off the main road, so you do get that isolated and remote feel

Brad M

Verified

April 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: 2 Point

5

A wonderful experience at the Two Point Group Campground. The site was in great shape with plenty of flat spots for pitching a tent. Vault toilet was perhaps the cleanest one I've ever seen. There are tons of fire rings and the shelter has quite a few picnic tables. The site is also located a bit off the main road, so you do get that isolated and remote feel

Joshua K

Verified

June 28, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: 2 Point

4

Our family lives this area. Great camp sites, beautiful views, peace and quiet. The poison ivy and ticks were both worse than usual this year, and we were very disappointed that progress on the dam has essentially stopped. Very anxious to can here again when there's actually a lake!

Location & Directions for Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Ironton Ranger District, Pedro, OH 45659 United States

Elevation: 177 ft

Getting There

From U.S. Highway 52 at Ironton, take State Route 93 north for less than 10 mi to Lake Vesuvius Road (County Road 29). Turn east toward Lake Vesuvius and travel 1 mi to the recreation area.

Nearest town

Pedro, OH - 3 mi

About 5 min to downtown

Highway access

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is accessible via U.S. Highway 52 at Ironton, which is approximately 10 miles away, and State Route 93, which connects directly to the campground.

Policies & Rules

General

  • 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.
  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 17, 2026

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Explore Pedro, OH

Nearby larger city

Columbus, OH

Approx. 96 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 614 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service