Dispersed camping near Alexandria, Ohio is concentrated in the Wayne National Forest, where several primitive, undeveloped sites exist along hiking and OHV (off-highway vehicle) trails. The Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail area provides free dispersed camping with multiple established sites along its trail system. Additional options include Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area and several trailheads such as Dorr-Run Red Oak, Dorr Run-Elm, New Straitsville, and Stone Church that permit overnight stays. These areas function as primitive camping zones rather than developed campgrounds.
Access routes to these dispersed sites range from maintained gravel roads to rougher forest service roads that may become challenging after rainfall. Most dispersed camping locations lack amenities such as drinking water, showers, or hookups. While some trailhead areas have vault toilets and trash collection, campers should prepare to pack out all waste. Fires are permitted at some locations but prohibited at others. The Wildcat Hollow area features established fire rings at designated campsites. Pets are allowed at certain locations but must typically be leashed. Cell service varies significantly, with better reception on ridges and limited connectivity in valleys.
The camping experience in these areas tends to be rustic and self-sufficient. Wildcat Hollow offers a more secluded backpacking experience with both 5-mile and 15-mile loop trail options. Monday Creek and the trailhead sites attract more OHV enthusiasts during the permitted season (April-December). The spring season brings notable wildflower displays at Wildcat Hollow. Campsites can fill quickly on weekends, particularly at popular trailheads. "The trail can be a cesspool of mud in too many places especially on the stretch between the trailhead and the loop," noted one visitor about Wildcat Hollow. Another camper reported, "Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring," regarding the Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
"Wildcat Hollow is a fantastic free camping and backpacking location. It’s quite secluded, has well established trails, and has a variety of remote campsites to choose from."
"Great spot for walk in or hike in camping! There are a couple of campsites at the trailhead and quite a few all along the trail."
"Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."
"OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season. Nice place."
"The second night we only had one tent near us. There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well."
"Relatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer."
RangerWildcat Hollow is a fantastic free camping and backpacking location. It’s quite secluded, has well established trails, and has a variety of remote campsites to choose from. There is a small shelter with bathrooms and other amenities, but not much else.
TravelerGreat spot for walk in or hike in camping! There are a couple of campsites at the trailhead and quite a few all along the trail. There is a 5 mile loop or a longer ~15 mile loop that you can hike and there are campsites every couple of miles. The sites themselves are just semi-cleared areas with stone fire rings so it is totally primitive camping. The trails can be a bit muddy after it rains and probably take a long time to dry out down in the valleys. While there is water in the valleys I wouldn’t use it even with a filter. There are signs posted at the trailhead that advise against it plus there is still active oil drilling in one of the hollows (the only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars) There is cell service when you’re up in the ridges but there are a lot of dead zones in the valleys and even at the trailhead. Overall, it was a beautiful, quiet place and I only saw 2 other people in the trail while I was hiking out the second day.
ScoutThe campsites looked OK. Dry. No water available to filter. Cautioned against using the water. But the trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places esp on the stetch between the trailhead and the loop. I turned around. The trail needs to be planked, elevated or rerouted. This is on July 1. The seasonal creek beds all dry, but the muddy trail is awful especially in comparison to the hype that I read
RangerThis campground is nice. They are all designated campsites but they are first-come-first serve. They are hike-to only.
It is great for hiking and backpacking camping but if you are looking for car style camping, this is not it.
The trail is challenging terrain, especially when backpacking. It can be very wet and muddy in the spring (or after any rains), so be prepared for that.
The road to it is difficult also (as are most with dispersed camping).
There are no amenities except for an outhouse in the parking lot.
This is pack in/pack out.
GuideThis is part of the Wayne National Forest and a section of the Buckeye Trail. It is a great area for backpacking as camping is free and allowed anywhere along the trail, see the web site for limitations. "Small, open fires are permitted except during extremely high fire danger. Fire rings should be used when available. Make sure all campfires are extinguished before vacating the campsite."~Wayne National web site. Water can be difficult, there are streams but you should pack in any that you need. I took my daughters on a backpacking trip here in August 2016. It is a great area, but there were lots of dead trees/widowmakers, so be careful where you pitch your tent. Pets are allowed but must be on a 6 foot leash. Many other hiking, camping and other outdoor activities are close by.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/wayne/recarea/?recid=6228
ScoutJust wanted an overnight spot to clear our heads and enjoy the outdoors. Parked our RRT in the parking lot on a Monday evening and had the place pretty much all to ourselves all night. Clean pit toilet. Nice trails to walk. nice area to visit i'll be back againg sometime this year.
GuideIf you're just looking for a quick campsite then pull up to the trailhead and you can find several within the first mile of the trail. Otherwise, the good sites are miles in and will necessitate doing the entire loop. If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits.
RangerI camp here allllll the time. Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek. I will note I have seen this site crowded before. The parking lot can be full of cars and a lot of the obvious / easy campsites along the trail can be taken. BUT I have also camped here and no one else was around. There is a restroom and garage can at the trail head. The trail has a smaller loop and a larger loop. Both are fairly easy hikes. I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers.
RangerCamped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus.
Dispersed camping options near Alexandria, Ohio concentrate in the Wayne National Forest, with the forest's Athens Ranger District providing the majority of primitive sites. The area sits in the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau region with elevations ranging from 600-1000 feet. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with spring camping frequently encountering muddy trail conditions that require appropriate footwear and tent site selection.
Explore seasonal wildflower displays: During spring months, the forest floor throughout Wayne National Forest becomes carpeted with diverse wildflower species. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," notes one Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed camper.
Tackle backpacking loops: For hikers seeking overnight adventures, several established trails offer options for different experience levels. "The trail has a smaller loop and a larger loop. Both are fairly easy hikes," explains a regular Wildcat Hollow visitor.
Enjoy off-highway vehicle trails: The Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area provides access to designated motorized trails. "Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening," reports one camper, highlighting the popularity of these routes among off-road enthusiasts.
Find solitude during off-peak times: Weekdays and non-summer months typically see fewer visitors. "I have also camped here and no one else was around," mentions a Wildcat Hollow regular, contrasting with busier weekend periods.
Accessible primitive camping: Many dispersed sites allow drive-up access without requiring extensive hiking. "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty," notes a visitor to Monday Creek OHV area.
Multiple camping zone options: The region offers different camping environments based on preferred activities. "There are a couple of campsites at the trailhead and quite a few all along the trail," explains a Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead visitor regarding campsite distribution.
Cell service on ridges: Despite the primitive setting, communication remains possible in certain areas. "There is cell service when you're up in the ridges but there are a lot of dead zones in the valleys and even at the trailhead," reports one Wildcat Hollow camper.
Basic amenities at trailheads: Some access points provide minimal but appreciated facilities. "Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus," mentions a Monday Creek visitor.
Seasonal trail conditions: Spring and post-rain periods create challenging ground conditions. "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits," warns a New Straitsville Trailhead visitor about trail navigation.
Water quality concerns: Despite available water sources, treatment may not make them potable. "While there is water in the valleys I wouldn't use it even with a filter. There are signs posted at the trailhead that advise against it plus there is still active oil drilling in one of the hollows," cautions a Wildcat Hollow camper.
Weekend crowding: Popular sites fill quickly during peak periods. "Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring. The second night we only had one tent near us," reports a Dorr-Run Red Oak visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Alexandria, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Alexandria, OH is Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
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