Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius
Open for the 2026 season. The campground opened April 10, 2026 and closes October 11, 2026. Lake Vesuvius itself is closed for dam repairs until September 30, 2027; swimming, boating, and fishing are unavailable. The campground, trails, and other recreation facilities remain open. Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance; unreserved sites are first-come, first-served.
Flood Watch issued May 22 at 12:34PM EDT until May 23 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of northeast Kentucky, including the following counties, Boyd, Carter, Greenup and Lawrence, southeast Ohio, including the following counties, Athens, Gallia, Jackson OH, Lawrence OH, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton and Washington, and West Virginia, including the following counties, Cabell, Jackson WV, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Tyler, Wayne, Wirt and Wood. * WHEN...Through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Rain will persist through tonight. Rainfall totals of one to two inches are expected across the area, with locally higher amounts possible in locations impacted by thunderstorms or just Embedded heavier downpours. Areas that received locally heavy rain over the past several days will be most vulnerable to flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Iron Ridge is one of two family campgrounds at the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, Wayne National Forest's premier developed recreation site in southeastern Ohio. The campground occupies a wooded ridge above the 143-acre lake, surrounded by mature eastern hardwoods. A total of 32 campsites are available: 21 RV sites with electric and water hookups, and 11 tent sites with water access only. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground features flush toilets, showers, potable water throughout, and an on-site dump station. Large RVs can be accommodated. The Whiskey Run Trail (0.85 miles) connects the campground to the Lake Shore Trail and the broader trail network, which includes over 40 miles of hiking, horseback riding, and biking trails. The trail passes remnants of historic charcoal pits and an old whiskey still. Note: Lake Vesuvius itself is currently closed for dam gate repairs until September 2027. The campground and surrounding recreation area trails remain open and accessible. Swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake are not available during this closure.
Directions
From US Highway 52 at Ironton, take State Route 93 north for 6 miles to Lake Vesuvius Road (County Road 29). Turn east toward Lake Vesuvius and travel 1 mile to the recreation area. Continue past the furnace and lake, up the hill approximately another mile, then take the first road on the left into the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 - $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (740) 534-6500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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