Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
The Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is the Wayne National Forest's premier developed recreation site and is named after the historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace. The rugged hills and out-cropping cliffs provide a scenic backdrop for this historical and beautiful site.
It contains a 143-acre lake, two family campgrounds and one group campground, beach and swim area, multiple picnic areas, fishing, boating, hiking, scenic overlook and an archery trail. This recreation area is home to the 46-mile Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System, open from early spring to winter.
Reservations
Camping and shelter reservations can be made at recreation.gov.
General Information
The Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is located in Lawrence County, 6.5 miles north of Ironton, just off State Route 93.
Maps and Guides
Year-round (Portions closed seasonally)
Only boats with electric motors are allowed on Lake Vesuvius.
Canoes and kayaks avaiable to rent from Kountry Kayaks between May and September at the Lake Vesuvius Boat Ramp. Contact this permitted outfitter for more information.
Address: 6518 State Route 93 Pedro, OH 45659
Phone: (740) 534-6500
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Ironton, Ohio: Take State Route 93 north 6.5 miles. Turn on County Road 29 and follow the signs to the Recreation Area (1 mile).
Facility and Amenity Information
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Horse Riding and Camping
Outdoor Science and Learning
Water Activities
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Picnicking
Hiking
Horse Camping Info
There are two trailheads, one of which has ample room for camping with horses.
Horseback Riding Info
46 miles of trails offer riders many loops and options on this trail system.
Viewing Scenery Info
This area is scenic for many reasons. It's topography lends itself to panoramic views from the roads, trails, and overlooks. The lake is a beautiful backdrop to the forested rolling hills and the furnace and historic Civilian Conservation Corps era buildings lend an air of nostalgia to the site. There is even the famous "Indian head" rock near the entrance - which is a giant rock formation which looks like the profile of a Native American overlooking the lake.
Special Features
lake, furnace, Indian head rock, dam, boardwalk
Viewing Wildlife Info
This large lake nestled in the wooded hills is encircled by over 25 miles of hiking trails. These trails travel through some of the most striking landscapes that Ohio has to offer with a variety of vegetation, rock outcrops, and many species of wildlife.
Species
Woodland songbirds, deer, beaver, and turkey are commonly seen. Soaring above the lakes or perched in shoreline trees you may also see hawks and osprey.
Viewing Plants Info
This large lake nestled in the wooded hills is encircled by over 25 miles of hiking trails. These trails travel through some of the most striking landscapes that Ohio has to offer with a variety of vegetation and spectacular array of spring wild flowers and fall color.
Species
Various upland and bottomland species.
Special Feature
Interpretive hikes are given as part of the nature center programing on plants
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Only non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors are allowed on Lake Vesuvius. Kountry Kayaks is a local vendor who rents canoes and kayaks from May through September. Contact this vendor for more information.
Trailer Parking
parking is provided at the boat ramp
Launch Ramps
a long loading ramp and dock flanks the boat ramp
Class of rapids
none
Type of Craft
Size Restrictions
small boats
Fuel availability
no
Marina/Mooring
none
Rental info:
Canoes and Kayaks are available seasonally for rent - contact Kountry Kayaks.
Swimming Info
The beach area has a bath house and offers swimming opportunities in season. No life guards are present but the site has picnic tables, sand, and is an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon in the water.
Fees:
$3 for parking
Recreational and Target Shooting Info
This area has a 1/2-mile barrier free trail with eight archery field targets.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
This 143-acre lake is stocked by ODNR and has a boat ramp.
Fish Species
largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish are commonly caught
Fishing Platform
See Boardwalk below
Cleaning Station
none
Fishing Method
A boat ramp is available and boats with electric motors are allowed.
Picnicking - Single Info
The Vesuvius Recreation area has a large day use picnicking area plus two picnic shelters.
Picnicking - Groups Info
There are two picnic shelters at the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area.
Backpacking Info
Lake Vesuvius includes a 16 mile backpacking trail.
Day Hikes Info
Several hiking trails are available at Lake Vesuvius.