Top Free Dispersed Camping near Canal Winchester, OH

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Canal Winchester? We've got you covered. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Canal Winchester, OH (6)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Canal Winchester

11 Reviews of 6 Canal Winchester Campgrounds


  • 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 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 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 Canal Winchester

Camping near Canal Winchester, Ohio, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic 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 and Boating: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "Excellent location for hiking and water sports," highlighting the park's versatility.
  • Disc Golf: If you enjoy disc golf, check out Buck Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Large park with a marina, archery range, disc golf and more," making it a great spot for various activities.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Mohican State Park Campground said, "Restrooms and showers clean and sanitary," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the ample space at sites like Delaware State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Some sites were bigger than others but all had plenty of space and a lot of tree shade."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like John Bryan State Park Campground are noted for being family-friendly. A camper shared, "It was a great experience, we will most definitely be back!"

What you should know:

  • Close Proximity of Sites: Some campgrounds have sites that are quite close together. A camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots were pretty darn close together for a state park."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A camper at John Bryan State Park Campground warned, "The sheer number and boldness of raccoons...freaked the kids and new campers out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Alum Creek State Park Campground, where amenities like a pool can keep kids entertained. One reviewer said, "They had a pool which people seemed to enjoy."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan hikes or nature walks. A family at Mohican State Park Campground enjoyed the trails, stating, "The pool is nice in the summer and the people working at check-in are so nice."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along items that make camping easier for kids, like comfortable sleeping gear. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "Good hiking all around and the lake is beautiful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Before booking, check if the sites are level. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground noted, "The site was nice because you only have one other site next to you."
  • Be Aware of Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Buck Creek State Park Campground shared, "It was busy & loud like you'd expect."
  • Utilize Local Resources: Make use of nearby towns for supplies. A camper at Deer Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The lodge is close enough to go get food too."

Camping near Canal Winchester, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Canal Winchester, 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 Canal Winchester, OH?

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Canal Winchester, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.