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Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, located within the Wayne National Forest, offers wholesome family fun while catering to those who want to "get away from it all." There are numerous picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the primary recreational area near the dam and fishing docks. There are two group picnic shelters available by reservation only, located near the old furnace. Both shelters are equipped with water, grills and picnic tables. The two group picnic shelters are,

  • Vesuvius Furnace Shelter, which is equipped with electricity and is located next to a ball field. It is $35/day and can hold 200 people.
  • The Roadside Shelter, which has no electricity and costs $25/day and can hold 200 people.

    • The relatively placid Vesuvius Lake holds boundless opportunities for fishing. Stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill fingerlings, no fisherman should come back empty handed! Besides fishing from the shoreline, there are numerous fishing piers, some of which are handicap accessible. A small boat shack is located along the lake, where paddle boats, canoes, and Jon boats can be rented from 10 AM to 8 PM.

    Directions

    From U.S. Route 52, take the Ohio Route 93 interchange. Turn onto Ohio Route 93 north and follow the winding four- and two-lane road six miles to the Vesuvius Recreation Area entrance. It is approximately 35 miles south of Jackson, Ohio Route 32, and U.S. Route 35.

    Camping

    Iron Ridge Campground

    * $10/night + $3 for electric hookup (optional).
    * Open from May 1 to Oct. 31.
    * 41 units.
    Amentites
    Electric hookups at sites 1-8, 17-29.; Sites 3, 5, 7 are handicap accessible.

    Oak Hill Campground

    * $12/night + $3 for electric hookup (optional).
    * Open May to September.
    * 24 electric units, 16 primitive sites (tent only).
    Amentites
    Sites 1-18 reservable (see below); Sites 19-32 are non-reservable; Sites 3, 7, 16 are handicap accessible.

    Two Points Group Campground

    *With shelter: $25/night ; capacity: 100 people.
    *Without shelter: $15/night ; capacity 25 people.
    *Open May to September.
    *Reservations can be made through 1-877-444-6777, for first-come first-serve basis.
    Amentites
    Toilets are not handicapp-accessible.

    Trails

    There are numerous trails, ranging from easy day-hikes to backpacking treks through the hills of southern Ohio. There is one lengthy trail designed for horseback, while two others are accessible to those in wheelchairs. A listing of trails in several districts are located on U.S. Forestry Service's web-site. Trails near the Vesuvius Recreation Area are in the Ironton district.

    Rock House Trail

    Beginning at the ranger's garage along County Route 29, proceed north along Forest Road 1961 which hugs the western front of Lake Vesuvius. The Lake Shore Trail descends alongside the banks and offers several picturesque views of the dam and lake before climbing to a handicapped-accessible boardwalk and fishing pier is visible along the western bank. The unique boardwalk was constructed in 2003. Continue north to the boat ramp parking area and cross it to the paved and graveled Rock House trail. This shaded path winds amongst a maturing deciduous forest before coming to a boardwalk that leads to Rock House, named for several large rock formations and overhangs.

    Return via the Rock House Trail and the boardwalk towards the ranger's garage.
    Difficulty
    Scenery
    Distance
    3 mile(s)
    Trailhead
    The trailhead is at a parking area adjacent to the Vesuvius Furnace. The trail begins on the western banks of the creek south of the dam and north of the ranger's garage.

    Vesuvius Backpack Trail

    This lengthy backpacking trail allows for scenic viewing throughout the hills of the region. See this site for a printable map.
    Difficulty
    Scenery
    Distance
    16 mile(s)

    Vesuvius Horse Trail

    This 31-mile loop horseback trail, along various other loops ranging 1/2-mile to 5 1/4-miles in length. These horse trails wind through the headlands of southern Ohio, and provide spectacular views of the forested hills, brush land, open fields, and wildlife. It is open to horseback riding and hikers only. More information, including trailheads, can be found here.
    Difficulty
    Scenery
    Distance
    31 mile(s)

    Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail

    This eight-mile trail follows close to the shorelines of the lake. See this site for a printable map.
    Difficulty
    Scenery
    Distance
    8 mile(s)

    Further Reading

    1. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

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