Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, named for the old Vesuvius iron furnace, is the Wayne National Forest's premier developed recreation site. The 143-acre lake and 1,200-acre complex provides the perfect spot for a getaway. Lake Vesuvius is a popular location for swimming and fishing, and anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. A boat ramp is located on-site and a swimming beach is at Big Bend. A large playing field and multiple hiking trails are available within the recreation area. The accessible 1/3-mile boardwalk along the southwest edge of the lake provides an opportunity for a leisurely stroll, and the slightly longer 1/2-mile Longbow Archery Trail accesses at least 25 field targets for shooting practice. The area boasts more than 25 miles of hiking trails and more than 45 miles of horseback riding trails. The recreation area offers two developed family campgrounds, a group camp and group picnic shelters. The group campsite can accommodate up to 50 people for tent camping and is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills; accessible vault toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. Group shelters can accommodate up to 150 people, with picnic tables, campfire rings and grills, as well as accessible flush toilets and drinking water. One shelter provides electricity, while the other does not, and each has access to an amphitheater. The lake sits on Storms Creek, which was dammed in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The rugged hills and rock outcroppings offer a scenic backdrop, and the historic Vesuvius iron furnace is located at the base of the dam. The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles away.