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Best Dispersed Camping near Canal Winchester, OH

12 Reviews

Wayne National Forest offers dispersed camping options approximately 40 miles southeast of Canal Winchester, Ohio. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail provides free primitive camping with designated sites along both short (5-mile) and long (15-mile) trail loops. The area requires hikers to pack in all supplies including water, as stream water is not recommended for filtering. Sites consist of basic clearings with stone fire rings and no amenities beyond a pit toilet at the trailhead parking area.

Several OHV trailhead areas in Wayne National Forest also permit camping, including Monday Creek OHV Dispersed and Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead. Monday Creek features vault toilets, trash receptacles, and allows fires and alcohol. Dorr-Run provides similar basic amenities but with seasonal limitations. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used as well. There were restrooms and several fire rings." Most dispersed sites experience heavy weekend use during OHV season (April-December) but become significantly less crowded during winter months when many facilities close.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Canal Winchester, Ohio (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Canal Winchester, OH

3 Photos of 6 Canal Winchester Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Canal Winchester, OH

12 Reviews of 6 Canal Winchester Campgrounds

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 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.

  • Steve C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 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.

  • E
    Jul. 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

  • J
    Nov. 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 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

  • Chris B.
    Jun. 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.

  • S
    Aug. 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.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 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.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 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.

Guide to Canal Winchester

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Canal Winchester, Ohio, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a more rustic and secluded outdoor experience. With a variety of locations to choose from, each offers unique features and opportunities for adventure.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Canal Winchester, Ohio

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, allow campfires, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, the Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area has no drinking water or picnic tables, so pack accordingly.
  • Always check for seasonal access; some areas may have restrictions during winter months, as noted by visitors at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.

Dispersed campers should check out Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail

  • The Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed area features a challenging backpacking loop, ideal for those seeking an adventurous hike.
  • Expect to find several primitive campsites along the trail, but be aware that they can be muddy after rain, as highlighted by previous campers.
  • This location is known for its stunning spring wildflowers, making it a picturesque spot for nature lovers.

Scenic views and solitude at Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead

  • The Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead offers a peaceful environment for those looking to escape the crowds, although it currently has no reviews.
  • Access is easy via drive-in, making it a convenient choice for campers wanting to set up quickly and enjoy the surroundings.
  • While amenities are minimal, the area is perfect for those who appreciate a more natural camping experience without the need for permits.

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.

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