About Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Beach Access
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.
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
Brad M
VerifiedApril 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: 2 Point
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
VerifiedApril 20, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: 2 Point
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
Thirteendays
August 5, 2024
There's pretty much something here for everyone. A boat launch, kayak rentals, miles of trails, and picnic areas. The views of the lake are outstanding and peaceful.
Rob H
August 27, 2023
Calab Butcher and Bob Webb were very instrumental in making this a great event
“The Vesuvius Challenge 4 mi race”
Our 70 runners this year love the park trees
lake and shelter house…our numbers are increasing
Rob H
August 27, 2023
Calab Butcher and Bob Webb were very instrumental in making this a great event
“The Vesuvius Challenge 4 mi race”
Our 70 runners this year love the park trees
lake and shelter house…our numbers are increasing
Lisa M
May 28, 2023
The place was absolutely disgusting. I was so embarrassed to have my guests see the shelter like it was. There was trash everywhere including a full bag onto of the picnic tables when we arrived. The tables had melted marshmallows, night crawlers and dirt all over the benches so there was very limited seating. There was bugs everywhere do to food being left behind on the tables. The reservation paper hadn't even been changed in 2 days so we had to keep telling people we had it reserved while we were cleaning it. There was no trash bags to put in the cans so there was a huge mess inside the trash bins. Very disappointed
Lisa M
May 28, 2023
The place was absolutely disgusting. I was so embarrassed to have my guests see the shelter like it was. There was trash everywhere including a full bag onto of the picnic tables when we arrived. The tables had melted marshmallows, night crawlers and dirt all over the benches so there was very limited seating. There was bugs everywhere do to food being left behind on the tables. The reservation paper hadn't even been changed in 2 days so we had to keep telling people we had it reserved while we were cleaning it. There was no trash bags to put in the cans so there was a huge mess inside the trash bins. Very disappointed
Tripty Fnu
February 14, 2023
This is a perfect place if you are looking for wilderness, hikes, boating, picnic, trails, and beach enjoyment. The area is a little quiet but you will feel relaxed. I visited with my kids and I don't find any problem here. We spent 4 hours in this area.
Andrea F
September 22, 2022
It’s beautiful at lake Vesuvius! My husband and I got married there in 2013. My daughter wanted her wedding there and she got it on September 15, 2022! I love the view from the furnace shelter!
Andrea F
September 22, 2022
It’s beautiful at lake Vesuvius! My husband and I got married there in 2013. My daughter wanted her wedding there and she got it on September 15, 2022! I love the view from the furnace shelter!
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.
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
Last updated: October 17, 2026
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