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The Wayne National Forest surrounds Caldwell, Ohio with numerous dispersed camping options, primarily focused on primitive backcountry experiences. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed Camping, located about 30 miles west of Caldwell near Corning, offers free primitive camping along hiking trails with established fire rings and basic facilities at the trailhead. Other nearby options include Kinderhook Horse Trail, which provides limited camping spots suitable for small campers or tents, and Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area, which caters to off-highway vehicle enthusiasts with primitive camping areas. Most dispersed campsites in the region are undeveloped, typically limited to vault toilets and occasional picnic tables, making self-sufficiency essential.
Trail conditions and seasonal weather significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Spring brings muddy conditions that can make access challenging, particularly at Wildcat Hollow where hikers report extensive mud issues. As one camper noted, "The trails can be a bit muddy after it rains and probably take a long time to dry out down in the valleys." Cell service varies considerably, with better reception on ridges and limited connectivity in valleys. Most dispersed sites require visitors to pack in their own water, as stream water is often not recommended for filtering due to local mining and drilling activities. Winter camping is possible but limited, with some facilities like pit toilets closed during the off-season.
Campers consistently mention the seclusion and natural beauty as primary draws to the area. Wildcat Hollow receives particular praise for its spring wildflowers and relative solitude. "It's quite secluded, has well established trails, and has a variety of remote campsites to choose from," reports one visitor. Weekend crowding can be an issue at popular trailheads, with several reviewers noting the need to arrive early to secure spots with fire rings. Kinderhook Horse Trail offers camping with access to equestrian trails but receives mixed reviews regarding privacy, with some visitors reporting frequent traffic from locals. Most sites throughout the region permit fires in established rings and allow pets on leash, though amenities remain minimal with the emphasis on self-sufficient, primitive 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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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.
ScoutArea 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.
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.
TravelerParking 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.
Dispersed camping opportunities around Caldwell, Ohio primarily concentrate within Wayne National Forest. This mixed hardwood forest covers over 244,000 acres across southeastern Ohio with elevation changes from 650 to 1,100 feet. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and mild winters with occasional snow, making camping accessible year-round though conditions vary significantly by season.
Hike interconnected trail systems: At Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, campers can access both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop with numerous primitive sites along the way. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," notes one regular visitor.
Explore rock formations: Free camping near Witch's Peak provides access to unique geological features. "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," reports one hiker.
Off-highway vehicle recreation: The Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area offers extensive trail networks specifically designed for off-road vehicles. "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," shares one camper who appreciated the convenient access.
Solitude and seclusion: Many campers value the remote nature of dispersed camping in Wayne National Forest. "I camp here allllll the time. Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," writes a reviewer about Wildcat Hollow.
Established fire rings: At Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, fire rings are coveted amenities. "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," explains a camper who visited during a busy weekend.
Vault toilets at trailheads: Basic facilities at main access points provide minimal but appreciated amenities. "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," notes a visitor to Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Water availability concerns: Surface water throughout the region may be unsafe for filtering. One camper at Kinderhook Horse Trail reports, "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."
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Many trails become extremely muddy after rainfall. "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," cautions a Wildcat Hollow visitor.
Limited services in winter: Seasonal closures affect available facilities. "Stayed one night. OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter," reports a winter visitor to Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
Choose accessible trailhead sites: For families with young children, camping near trailheads offers easier access. "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," shares a visitor to Wildcat Hollow.
Arrive early on weekends: Popular sites fill quickly, especially those with established amenities. "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," notes a regular visitor.
Consider weekday visits: Midweek camping offers significantly less crowding at popular sites. At New Straitsville Trailhead, a camper observed: "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)."
Small rigs only: Most dispersed camping areas have limited space for larger vehicles. "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," advises a visitor to Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Be self-sufficient: No hookups or services exist at any dispersed sites. "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," clarifies a Wildcat Hollow visitor.
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.
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