Wayne National Forest offers several options for free camping near Athens, Ohio. The forest covers over 244,000 acres across southeastern Ohio with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,050 feet. Most dispersed camping locations in the area require high-clearance vehicles due to unpaved forest service roads that become particularly difficult after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails with campsites: Wildcat Hollow offers both 5-mile and 15-mile loop options with numerous primitive campsites. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," notes one regular camper at Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed.
Rock climbing access: The steep hike to Witch's Peak rewards climbers with unique features. "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," according to one visitor.
OHV trail riding: Monday Creek area provides designated trails for off-highway vehicles. "Camped 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," reports a camper at Monday Creek OHV Dispersed.
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Several areas provide isolation, particularly on weekdays. "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," mentions a backpacker who stayed at Wildcat Hollow.
Basic amenities at some locations: "There is a restroom and garbage can at the trail head. The trail has a smaller loop and a larger loop. Both are fairly easy hikes," notes a frequent camper about their experience at Wildcat Hollow.
Off-season accessibility: Some trailheads remain open year-round. "Stayed one night. OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter," explains a winter visitor to Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
What you should know
Water availability challenges: Pack in all water needed for your stay. "There are signs posted at the trailhead that advise against it plus there is still active oil drilling in one of the hollows," warns a camper about water filtration at Wildcat Hollow.
Seasonal trail conditions: Spring and post-rain periods create difficult hiking conditions. "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits," cautions one visitor about Wildcat Hollow trails.
Trailhead congestion: Many dispersed sites fill quickly on weekends. "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 camper at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
Limited site facilities: Most areas provide minimal infrastructure. "The sites themselves are just semi-cleared areas with stone fire rings so it is totally primitive camping," explains a backpacker about Wildcat Hollow.
Tips for camping with families
Choose locations with toilets: Some trailheads offer basic bathroom facilities. "There were restrooms and several fire rings. Cell service was available, but not great," notes a camper at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
Consider shorter trail options: For families with younger children, select shorter loops. "The trail has a smaller loop and a larger loop. Both are fairly easy hikes," advises a regular visitor to Wildcat Hollow.
Pack extra supplies: With limited amenities, preparation is essential. "This is pack in/pack out," reminds one camper at Kinderhook Horse Trail, where "close to the restroom there's a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump."
Tips from RVers
Small RV considerations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only compact rigs. "Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained," advises an RV visitor to Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Overnight convenience: Some trailheads work well for quick stopovers. "Just 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," shares a visitor at Wildcat Hollow.
No hookups available: All dispersed camping in Wayne National Forest lacks RV amenities. "No hook-ups of any kind," confirms a visitor to Kinderhook Horse Trail, though they noted having "2 to 3 bars cell service" with ATT.
