Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
Open for the 2026 season. Campgrounds opened April 10, 2026 and reservable sites with water/electric operate through October 11, 2026. Note: Lake Vesuvius itself is closed for dam gate repairs through September 2027, but surrounding facilities including campgrounds, trails, and most recreation amenities remain open. The boat launch is closed for dredging and beach access is limited due to low water levels.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 9:51PM EDT until September 21 at 12:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of 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, Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Jackson WV, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Northwest Fayette, Northwest Nicholas, Northwest Pocahontas, Northwest Randolph, Northwest Webster, Pleasants, Putnam, Ritchie, Roane, Southeast Fayette, Southeast Nicholas, Southeast Pocahontas, Southeast Randolph, Southeast Webster, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Wirt and Wood. * WHEN...Through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Additional rounds of heavy showers and storms are expected to move through the area overnight into Monday morning. Locations that received heavy rain earlier in the day will be at greatest risk for additional flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is the premier developed recreation site in Wayne National Forest, named for the historic Vesuvius iron furnace located at the base of the dam. The 143-acre lake was created in 1939 when the Civilian Conservation Corps dammed Storms Creek. The recreation area spans 1,200 acres of rugged hills and rock outcroppings in southeastern Ohio's Lawrence County. Two developed family campgrounds serve visitors: Iron Ridge with 34 sites and Oak Hill with 32 sites, organized across multiple loops including White Oak, Post Oak, Pine Knob, and Scarlet Oak. Both campgrounds offer standard and electric sites with 30/20 amp hookups, water hookups at select sites, flush and vault toilets, and shower facilities. A group campground accommodates up to 50 people. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. The area boasts more than 25 miles of hiking trails and 46 miles of horseback riding trails. An accessible 1/3-mile boardwalk provides a leisurely walk along the lake's southwest edge. The Longbow Archery Trail offers 25 field targets for shooting practice. Fishing opportunities include bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill, though only electric motor boats are permitted on the lake.
Directions
From US Highway 52 at Ironton, take State Route 93 north for approximately 6.5 miles to Lake Vesuvius Road (County Road 29). Turn east and travel 1 mile to the recreation area.
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 | $35 - $52 |
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 | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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