Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius
Open seasonally from early spring through fall. Lake Vesuvius itself is closed for dam gate repairs through at least early 2026, but the campground, trails, and surrounding recreation area remain open. Reservations required 4 days in advance via Recreation.gov; sites within 4 days are first-come, first-served. Pine Knob Loop opens during deer gun season (first-come, first-served, no water hookups). Maximum stay is 14 days per 30-day period.
Flash Flood Warning issued September 20 at 4:38AM EDT until September 20 at 8:45AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
FFWRLX The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Gallia County in southeastern Ohio... Jackson County in southeastern Ohio... North Central Lawrence County in southeastern Ohio... Southern Meigs County in southeastern Ohio... Southeastern Vinton County in southeastern Ohio... Northwestern Jackson County in northwestern West Virginia... Mason County in western West Virginia... * Until 845 AM EDT. * At 438 AM EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Jackson, Point Pleasant, Gallipolis, Rio Grande, Racine, Ravenswood, New Haven, Gallia, Henderson, Vinton, Gage.
Special Weather Statement issued September 20 at 4:10AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
At 410 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 7 miles west of Jackson to near Franklin Furnace. Movement was east at 25 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Ironton, Jackson, Oak Hill, Rio Grande, Proctorville, Lake Vesuvius, Barboursville, Gallia, Vernon, Waterloo, Aid, Crown City, Athalia, Vinton, Hanging Rock, Adamsville, Mabee, Scottown, Pea Ridge, and Petersburg. This includes Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 16 and 18.
About
Oak Hill Campground is one of two camping areas within the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, situated on the west side of the 143-acre lake in Wayne National Forest. The campground was recently renovated and upgraded with modern conveniences including electric hookups and flush toilets with showers. A mixed hardwood-pine forest with many mature oak trees provides shade throughout the four camping loops. The campground offers 27 RV sites across Pine Knob, White Oak, Post Oak, and Scarlet Oak loops, plus a 50-person group site called Two Points. Each site includes water and 20/30/50-amp electric hookups, a campfire ring with grill, and a picnic table. Two flush restroom buildings with showers and one vault restroom serve the campground. More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads at or near the campground. A spur within the campground connects to the Rock House Trail, which leads to a cave Native Americans used as shelter. The Rock House, Black Oak, Old Beach, and Scarlet Oak trails form a 1.5-mile loop with 200 feet of elevation change. Boating, fishing, and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are popular activities, with bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill available.
Directions
From US Highway 52 at Ironton, take State Route 93 north for 9 miles to Lake Vesuvius Road (County Road 29). Turn east toward Lake Vesuvius and travel 1 mile to the recreation area entrance. Turn left at the entrance, pass the lake and boat dock, and continue approximately 1 mile to the campground on the right.
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 | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 64ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 64ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (740) 534-6500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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