Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

Wayne National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking

Location: PEDRO, OH, OH

Price: From $15 per night

Price range: $15–$20 per night

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (86 reviews)

Season: May through October

Iron Ridge is one of two campgrounds in the Vesuvius Recreation Area in southeastern Ohio’s Wayne National Forest. Iron Ridge offers a great location for outdoor recreation, with activities like boating, swimming and fishing on Lake Vesuvius. Horseback riding and hiking are also available in the rolling hills surrounding the campground.The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the area’s most popular activities.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile.

Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Showers, Dump Station, Electric Hookups, Fishing

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/iron-ridge-lake-vesuvius to be notified when sites open up.

Iron Ridge offers spacious, level sites with excellent amenities including flush toilets, showers, and a great location for fishing, boating, and swimming on Lake Vesuvius. Google reviewers consistently praise the large spaced-out sites and friendly atmosphere.

Wildlife alert: American Black Bear, Eastern Copperhead, and Rough Greensnake present in the area. Also common: White-tailed Deer, Red-tailed Hawk, Canada Goose.

Insider tips for Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius: Book early — this is a federal campground with high demand Request site 15 or 19 for verified good spacing and levelness based on positive reviews AT&T 5G coverage confirmed at site 15 Avoid site 31 in favor of site 32 according to camper feedback

Skip Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius if: You need water or sewer hookups — only electric hookups available on select sites. You prefer year-round camping — seasonal operations May through October only. Water levels are low (September reports noted minimal lake water).

Best time to visit Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius: Early May — Verified camper reported excellent bird activity and photography opportunities in early May 2026. May through October — Official operating season for the campground.

Nearby campgrounds: Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area (PEDRO, OH), Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius (PEDRO, OH), Beech Fork Shelters (LAVALETTE, WV), Grayson Lake Damsite Shelters (GRAYSON, KY).