Top Free Dispersed Camping near Caldwell, OH

Looking for dispersed camping near Caldwell? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Caldwell, OH (8)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Caldwell

15 Reviews of 8 Caldwell Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Kinderhook Horse Trail
    September 16, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Okay small area

    Was a “okay” small area to stay at for free. There was a lot of bees, yellow jackets. The bathroom was clean, but the "non-flush" toilet was just gross.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Monday Creek OHV Dispersed
    July 19, 2024

    Monday Creek OHV Dispersed

    Busy but good camping spot

    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. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kinderhook Horse Trail
    May 28, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Flat tentspots

    Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kinderhook Horse Trail
    May 27, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Nice small trailhead area

    Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained. Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet. No hook-ups of any kind. I did not camp here due to severe weather warnings. With att had 2 to 3 bars cell service.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    August 14, 2022

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Beware the mud!

    If 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    November 1, 2020

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Very wet in the spring, but a challenging backpacking loop

    This 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    October 23, 2020

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Awesome packbacking spot

    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. 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Witch’s Peak
    April 8, 2020

    Witch’s Peak

    Sweet spot

    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! A very neat local treasure.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    April 7, 2020

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Amazing spring wildflowers

    I 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    July 1, 2019

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    The trail horribly muddy

    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 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    June 24, 2019

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Great Secluded Location

    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. There is a small shelter with bathrooms and other amenities, but not much else.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    June 16, 2019

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Wonderful overnight spot.

    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.  Clean pit toilet. Nice trails to walk. nice area to visit i'll be back againg sometime this year.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    September 21, 2018

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Away...away....AWAY!!!! Great spot ot avoid the crowds. Shhhhhhh!

    Went backpack camping with a friend on this loop - we took the shorter of the two. The land is all regrowth forest and the further you go, the less you see of people - a novelty in this part of the world.

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    August 7, 2018

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Backpacking haven

    This 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



Guide to Caldwell

Camping near Caldwell, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: At Wolf Run State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing right from the lakefront. A visitor shared, "We had the whole back section to ourselves! Not a soul on site but a few boats out fishing."
  • Swimming: Campbell Cove Camping features a swimming area that’s great for kids. One reviewer noted, "The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Salt Fork State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms are always clean and I appreciate having wash racks for the horses."
  • Spacious sites: Many campers enjoy the large sites at Dillon State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Dillon is one of our favorite camping destinations. They have very large sites."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Lake Hope State Park Campground is noted for being great for families. A reviewer said, "We love Lake Hope. Many trails to hike. The lake is beautiful."

What you should know:

  • Close quarters: Some campgrounds have sites that are pretty close together. A camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground remarked, "The spots were pretty darn close together for a state park."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have the same level of amenities. A visitor at Forked Run State Park Campground noted, "Campground in need of an update and targeted maintenance."
  • Weather considerations: Be prepared for rain, as it can affect your plans. One camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "It was humid and we got rained out during our trip."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring activities: Kids will enjoy the playgrounds and swimming areas at places like Campbell Cove Camping. A parent shared, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole."
  • Plan for meals: Make sure to pack easy meals or check if the campground has a market. A visitor at Salt Fork State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is super nice and well taken care of."
  • Choose the right site: Look for sites that offer some privacy and space. A camper at Burr Oak State Park Campground said, "The non-electric sites are a little hilly but we slept in our Kia Soul next to the picnic table."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Forked Run State Park Campground advised, "Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking."
  • Be ready for slopes: Some sites can be hilly, so be prepared for that. A visitor at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together."
  • Bring your own supplies: Not all campgrounds have stores nearby. A camper at Dillon State Park Campground mentioned, "Expect to use your car a lot at this park as things are spaced pretty far apart."

Camping around Caldwell, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Caldwell, OH?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Caldwell, OH is Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Caldwell, OH?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Caldwell, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.