Water Activities
There are ample opportunities to enjoy the lakes and rivers on the Wayne National Forest.
Boating - Motorized
Boat ramps are provided at these locations for small boats. Come enjoy a day at one on the water.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Canoeing or non-motorized boats are allowed at several of our lakes and rivers. Click on the links below to learn more.
Swimming
There are two suggested places for swimming on the Wayne though people may swim in many of our rivers and lakes. Click below to learn more about Big Bend Beach at Lake Vesuvius or Timbre Ridge Lake. Neither have lifeguards and both are swimming at your own risk.
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Arabia Canoe Launch Site
Site Open
In late 2010, the Wayne National Forest Ironton Ranger District, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft, and the Symmes Creek Restoration Committee celebrated the opening…
Big Bend Swimming Beach
Site Open
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…
Frontier Boat Launch
Site Open
This boat launch facility is located in Washington County north of Marietta on State Route 7 along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. The 6-acre site includes 70 parking spaces for trucks and trailers plus…
Hanging Rock Recreation Area
Site Open
The Hanging Rock Recreation Area of the Wayne National Forest provides some excellent opportunities for riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs). This system has 26 miles of trail available for…
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
Site Open
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…
Lamping Homestead Recreation Area
Site Open
In Monroe County, this area offers camping, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, and a scenic hiking trail. The site has six walk-in campsites, eight picnic sites, and a picnic shelter. There are two…
Leith Run Recreation Area
Site Open
The Leith Run Campground provides a beautiful location on the Ohio River, where grassy campsites and picnic areas make for a comfortable getaway in the Wayne National Forest. The campground is…
Ring Mill Campground
Site Open
This was once the site of a mill and farmstead. The mill is now gone, but the stone house of its original owner, built in 1846, is still located at the site. The house is on the National Register of…
Symmes Creek/Morgan Sisters Trail System
The Symmes Creek/Morgan Sisters Trail System is located on the north side of the Ironton Ranger District in Gallia County, near Patriot, Ohio. It consists of six connected trails and loops and can be…
Timbre Ridge Lake
Site Closed
This beautiful 100-acre lake is located on the Ironton Ranger District in Lawrence County, Ohio. The surrounding forested hills will make a picturesque backdrop for fishing, hunting, camping, or…