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The southeastern region of Ohio surrounding Bremen features predominantly dispersed camping options within Wayne National Forest, with Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail offering one of the most popular primitive camping experiences. Located approximately 30 miles southeast of Bremen, Wildcat Hollow provides free backcountry camping along both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop trail system. Monday Creek OHV area and several trailheads including Dorr Run Red Oak and New Straitsville serve as additional dispersed camping locations, primarily catering to tent campers and those with smaller recreational vehicles. Most sites consist of simple clearings with stone fire rings and minimal amenities, reflecting the region's focus on primitive, self-sufficient camping rather than developed facilities.
Trail and road conditions significantly impact camping experiences in this area, particularly during wet seasons. According to camper Steve C., "The trails can be a bit muddy after it rains and probably take a long time to dry out down in the valleys." Spring conditions often create challenging access, with multiple reviewers noting muddy trails at Wildcat Hollow even during summer months. Cell service varies considerably, with ridgetops offering connectivity while valleys typically have limited or no service. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, with campers advised to bring their own supplies rather than filtering from local streams. Vault toilets are available at trailheads but may close seasonally, as noted by Doug H.: "Pit toilet closed for winter. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season."
Campers consistently highlight the seclusion and natural beauty as primary attractions. Wildcat Hollow receives particular praise for spring wildflowers, with Lucille W. noting the "forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers" during this season. Weekend crowding affects site availability at popular trailheads, with Taylor P. reporting, "Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring." The primitive nature of these sites appeals to those seeking solitude, with Jason M. describing how "the further you go, the less you see of people." Wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking trails, and OHV recreation serve as primary activities, though visitors should note that OHV trails typically close during winter months while hiking trails remain accessible year-round.
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $15 / night
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 opportunities near Bremen, Ohio concentrate within Wayne National Forest, where primitive sites offer a true backcountry experience. This Appalachian foothills region features predominantly second-growth forest with elevation changes between 700-1100 feet. Winter camping requires additional preparation as many facilities close seasonally, though some trails remain accessible year-round.
OHV trail riding: Monday Creek OHV area provides extensive trail networks for off-road enthusiasts. "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," notes Kevin C. about Monday Creek OHV Dispersed.
Bouldering: The challenging terrain near Witch's Peak offers opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts. "There are several boulder routes as well. At the end of the short trail is a cool rock shelter! A very neat local treasure," explains Lucille W. about the Witch's Peak area. The trail access requires preparation for steep climbs.
Seasonal wildflower viewing: Spring brings abundant native wildflower displays throughout the Wayne National Forest trail systems. Trillium, Virginia bluebells, and various woodland species typically peak in April and early May, with fall offering colorful foliage displays during October.
Solitude and quiet: Many campers value the remote nature of dispersed sites. "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," shares Ruby W. about Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed.
Cost-free camping: Free camping near Bremen, Ohio attracts budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Jason M. notes about Wildcat Hollow, "There are several primitive campsites along the trail with nothing more than a stone fire ring and a clearing, so pack in everything you need including water. A great spot. We will return."
Trail variety: The combination of shorter and longer hiking loops appeals to different skill levels. "The trail has a smaller loop and a larger loop. Both are fairly easy hikes," explains a regular visitor to the area. Some trailheads offer quick access to campsites within the first mile for those seeking shorter hikes.
Water availability challenges: Surface water sources throughout the region may be unsuitable for filtering. "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 Steve C.
Seasonal facility closures: Winter camping requires additional preparation. "OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter," reports Doug H. about Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
Persistent mud issues: Trail conditions remain challenging even during dry seasons. "The 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 stretch between the trailhead and the loop," reports Eric S., who visited in July.
Choose accessible sites: For families with younger children, select campsites closer to trailheads. "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 Chris B. about an easier access option at New Straitsville Trailhead.
Avoid peak weekends: Family camping tends to be more successful midweek when competition for sites decreases. "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., highlighting weekend congestion.
Monitor weather forecasts: Rain significantly impacts trail conditions, making hiking difficult for children. "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits," warns Shane about trail conditions that can challenge younger hikers and make gear transport difficult.
Size restrictions matter: Most dispersed camping areas near Bremen have limited space for larger vehicles. "Overall not a bad spot for a one night travel spot but I could see it being more congested between April-December (OHV permitted season)," notes Mic B., suggesting caution during busy seasons.
Consider primitive conditions: No hookups or services exist at these locations. "This is pack in/pack out," reminds Jade G., adding that "if you are looking for car style camping, this is not it." Small trailers and vans fare better than large motorhomes in these primitive settings.
Cell service variability: Connectivity depends on topography throughout the region. "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 camper, suggesting preparing offline navigation and entertainment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bremen, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bremen, OH is New Straitsville Trailhead with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
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