Dispersed camping opportunities exist in several areas of Wayne National Forest within driving distance of Amanda, Ohio. The Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area and Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provide primitive sites for tent and limited RV camping. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed Camping offers backcountry sites accessible via hiking trails. Most of these areas are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and feature minimal or no amenities, following true dispersed camping principles on public land.
Access routes to many dispersed sites feature unpaved forest roads that can become muddy and difficult to navigate after rainfall. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching several trailheads, particularly during spring when conditions deteriorate. Most sites have fire rings but limited facilities, with vault toilets available at some trailheads but closed seasonally. Campers should bring all necessary water, as sources in the area are unreliable and potentially contaminated. Camping is generally limited to 14 days in a 30-day period per Forest Service regulations.
The dispersed camping areas near Amanda attract visitors seeking solitude and natural surroundings. The Wildcat Hollow area features hiking loops with primitive campsites scattered along trails. "The parking lot can be full of cars and a lot of the obvious campsites along the trail can be taken, but I have also camped here when no one else was around," noted one visitor of Wildcat Hollow. Monday Creek OHV area provides access to motorized recreation trails with camping spots near the trailhead. Some areas become congested during OHV season (April-December) but remain relatively quiet in winter months. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better reception on ridgetops and limited or no service in valleys.
"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."
"Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."
"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."
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.
RangerThe trail in is super steep. The climb is totally worth it though. Some amazing rock out croppings and views up there! There are several boulder routes as well. At the end of the short trail is a cool rock shelter! A very neat local treasure.
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.
Dispersed camping near Amanda, Ohio centers around Wayne National Forest, where primitive sites occupy former mining and logging lands. Most locations sit at elevations between 700-1100 feet with rolling terrain characterized by narrow ridges and valleys. Weather conditions vary significantly with valley temperatures often cooler and more humid than ridge sites, especially during spring months when overnight temperatures can drop below 40°F even when daytime highs reach 70°F.
Trail exploration: Wildcat Hollow offers both short and long loop options for hikers of varying experience levels. "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," notes Lucille W. from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed.
Rock climbing: Witch's Peak provides technical climbing routes accessible via a challenging hike. "The trail in is super steep. The climb is totally worth it though. Some amazing rock out croppings and views up there! There are several boulder routes as well. At the end of the short trail is a cool rock shelter," shares Lucille W. from Witch's Peak.
OHV trails: Monday Creek area maintains motorized recreation trails popular during the April-December season. "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," reports Kevin C. from Monday Creek OHV Dispersed.
Seclusion and quiet: Free backcountry sites offer genuine wilderness camping experiences. "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," writes Ruby W.
Accessibility for beginners: Several areas provide entry-level backpacking opportunities with reasonable terrain. "Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek. I will note I have seen this site crowded before. BUT I have also camped here and no one else was around," observes Lucille W.
Off-season solitude: Winter months provide significantly less crowded camping experiences. "Stayed one night. OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter," reports Doug H. from Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
Water availability concerns: Surface water throughout the forest requires treatment and may be contaminated. "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," warns Steve C.
Mud and trail conditions: Trails frequently become waterlogged after rainfall. "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," cautions Eric S.
Site competition on weekends: Popular areas fill quickly during peak seasons. "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 Taylor P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Amanda, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Amanda, OH is Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
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