Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is a national forest campground in Ohio. Hookups: electric.
- Type
- National forest campground
- Location
- Ohio
- Coordinates
- 38.60529, -82.63043
- Hookups
- Electric
- Activities
- Archery, Boating, Camping, Canoeing, Day Use Area, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Picnicking, Swimming Site, Wildlife Viewing
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 740-534-6500
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
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. Recreation Lake Vesuvius is a popular location for swimming and fishing. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. A boat ramp is located on-site. 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. Natural Features The lake sits on Storms Creek, which was
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- Ohio Valley Propane · 20 mi
- Low clearances
- 8 bridges or tunnels at 14 ft or less within 10 mi
- Off-road routes
- 65 designated routes (69 mi) within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Ridge Campground | Private campground | 0.7 mi | — | — |
| Oak Hill Campground | Private campground | 0.7 mi | — | — |
| Oak Hill Campground | National forest campground | 0.8 mi | — | — |
| Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius | National forest campground | 0.9 mi | — | Full hookups |
| Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius | National forest campground | 1.0 mi | — | Full hookups |
| Two Points Group Campground | National forest group campground | 1.0 mi | — | — |
Open Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area in DryRig
Save it offline, check your rig's clearance on the drive in, and see what's nearby on the map.
Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.