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Several dispersed camping areas are available in Wayne National Forest approximately 30 miles southeast of Circleville. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers free tent camping with basic amenities including vault toilets and trash receptacles. The area features drive-in access and allows campfires and pets. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening" with "vaulted toilet and garbage cans as a welcome bonus."
Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed provides free primitive camping accessible only by hiking. The area features two loop trails—a shorter 5-mile route and a longer 15-mile option—with multiple established sites along both paths. These sites typically include stone fire rings in cleared areas but no other amenities. Campers should pack in all water, as a review noted "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." The trail conditions can be challenging, particularly after rainfall when significant mud makes hiking difficult. Other dispersed options include Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead and Witch's Peak, both offering primitive camping with varying levels of accessibility.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."
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.
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.
GuideIf 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.
RangerI 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.
Dispersed camping near Circleville, Ohio provides access to Wayne National Forest's 244,000 acres of public land across southeastern Ohio. The forest sits within the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,250 feet. Forest roads throughout Wayne National Forest can become difficult to navigate during wet conditions, particularly in spring and after heavy rainfall events.
Trail running opportunities: At Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, the trail system offers spring wildflower viewing. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," notes Lucille W., who frequently visits the area.
Rock climbing access: The hike to Witch's Peak rewards climbers with unique formations. "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," explains Lucille W.
Off-season hiking: Wayne National Forest maintains year-round hiking access even when OHV trails close. According to Doug H. who visited Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, "OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season."
Seclusion and privacy: The more remote campsites at Wildcat Hollow offer genuine solitude. Jason M. reports, "The land is all regrowth forest and the further you go, the less you see of people - a novelty in this part of Ohio."
Trailhead accessibility: For those wanting minimal hiking with camping access, short walks provide immediate options. "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," advises Shane at Wildcat Hollow.
Overnight convenience: Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers straightforward camping for travelers. Kevin C. notes, "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty."
Water limitations: Streams throughout Wayne National Forest can be unreliable for filtering. Ruby W. mentions that Wildcat Hollow has "a small shelter with bathrooms and other amenities, but not much else" at the trailhead, requiring water to be packed in.
Trail conditions: Mud presents a significant challenge on these trails, particularly after rain. Shane warns about Wildcat Hollow: "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits."
Fire safety considerations: Campers should use existing fire rings when available. According to Leon H., "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."
Best first-time backpacking location: The shorter loop options make Wildcat Hollow ideal for introducing children to overnight hiking. Lucille W. confirms it's a "perfect place for a first time backpacking trek."
Campsite selection considerations: Choose carefully where to set up tents with children. Leon H. cautions, "there were lots of dead trees/widowmakers, so be careful where you pitch your tent."
Off-peak timing strategy: Weekdays offer significantly less crowded experiences. Chris B. reports, "Parked our RRT in the parking lot on a Monday evening and had the place pretty much all to ourselves all night."
Parking lot camping options: The trailhead at New Straitsville Trailhead provides basic overnight accommodation for travelers. Mic B. notes it's "not a bad spot for a one night travel spot but I could see it being more congested between April-December (OHV permitted season)."
Weekend congestion awareness: Expect higher traffic during peak OHV season. Taylor P. experienced this at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead: "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."
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly by location and elevation. Taylor P. advises, "Cell service was available, but not great" at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, while Steve C. notes at Wildcat Hollow, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Circleville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Circleville, OH is Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Circleville, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Circleville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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