Big Bend Swimming Beach
The Big Bend Swimming Beach is located at the upper end of scenic Lake Vesuvius. In addition to a sandy beach and shallow swimming area, the recreation site includes picnic tables, bathrooms, an outdoor shower, foot wash station, drinking water, and access to the Lakeshore Trail. No lifeguards are present at the beach. Big Bend Swimming Beach is open seasonally from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
Big Bend Swimming Beach is a fee area. Each vehicle must pay a $3 fee to enter the day-use area. Entry is free with a valid America the Beautiful Pass.
The Big Bend Swimming Beach is located in the Ironton Ranger District of the Wayne National Forest. The Wayne National Forest is part of the Forest Service, a Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages national forests and grasslands for multiple uses.
General Information
Open: May 23, 2025
Closes: Sept. 1, 2025
6:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily
Day Use: $3/vehicle/day.
Interagency Recreation Passes are Honored.
store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK.
A $3 per car entry fee is charged. Entry is free with a valid America the Beautiful Pass.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.620379
Longitude: -82.628707
Directions
Located 6.5 miles north of Ironton, Ohio, just off State Route 93. Turn on County Road 29 and follow the signs to the Recreation Area (1 mile). Turn at the entrance to the recreation area to the left and go past the lake and the boat dock. The beach is at the end of this road approximately 1.5 mile. GPS Lat/Long coordinates for the area are 38 deg 37' 12" / 82 deg 37' 43".
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
