Best Dispersed Camping near Chillicothe, OH
Dispersed camping opportunities exist in several locations within an hour's drive of Chillicothe, Ohio, primarily in the Wayne National Forest area. The Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area and Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provide free primitive camping options with minimal amenities. These sites are located on public forest land and offer basic accommodations for tent camping and some RV access. New Straitsville Trailhead and Stone Church Trailhead also permit dispersed camping, though they function primarily as access points for off-highway vehicle trails.
Access to most dispersed sites requires driving on unpaved forest roads that may become difficult during wet weather. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching some areas, particularly during off-season months. Most sites feature fire rings where fires are permitted when no bans are in effect. Vault toilets are available at several locations including Monday Creek OHV and Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, though these facilities may close during winter months. Water is not provided at any of these locations, and campers must pack in all necessary supplies. Cell service is limited throughout the region.
The camping experience varies seasonally, with weekends during OHV season (April-December) seeing higher traffic at trailhead camping areas. Witch's Peak offers a more secluded option accessible only by hiking, featuring rock outcroppings and natural shelters. The steep trail access limits crowds but rewards with scenic views. Campers at Dorr-Run note the availability of multiple pull-off areas with fire rings. "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," reported one visitor. Another camper at Monday Creek OHV noted, "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."
