Top Free Dispersed Camping near Creola, OH

Want to go dispersed camping near Creola? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Creola, OH (8)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Creola

12 Reviews of 8 Creola Campgrounds


  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • Steve C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • Marisa A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hill Trailhead
    Oct. 16, 2020

    Sand Hill Trailhead

    Dispersed Camping best off Horseback Trails

    We arrived late at night wishing we had better cell reception and a paper map of the National Forest. We were grateful to have the Dyrt's info downloaded on my chromebook. Even still, Wayne National Forest is a maze of public and private land. The Ironton Campground has been closed during 2020 as part of a water main line break. We initially tried the Hanging Rock OHV trailhead, but locals used that area for partying when we were there and it wasn't ideal to camp at the trailhead with about a dozen cars speeding along the gravel roads around midnight. We found the Sand Hill Trail head and pitched camp not too far from where we parked. The NF website says fires are allowed if you make a stone ring. We just skipped it. It is a very pretty area along Vesuvius Lake with trees and bluffs. We saw a ranger in the morning and he suggested next time we just camp at the horsecamp. The pins on the Dyrt's map were inaccurately located when we were using it with multiple entries. Next time I will purchase a paper map before I go because Wayne National Forest has alot of private lands interspersed and it is not all that clear without an official map. Hopefully the Dyrt will get better at hyper locating those lines.

  • Lucille W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Witch’s Peak
    Apr. 8, 2020

    Witch’s Peak

    Sweet spot

    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! A very neat local treasure.

  • Lucille W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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

  • Ruby W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • Chris B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • Jason M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    Sep. 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.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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



Guide to Creola

Camping near Creola, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Lake Hope State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "The lake is beautiful and there is a very nice lodge for meals," highlighting the area's charm.
  • Family Activities: Campbell Cove Camping features a playground and swimming area. One family said, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole," making it a hit for families.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Tar Hollow State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Our stay was quiet and relaxing," which is ideal for those looking to unwind.
  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Burr Oak State Park Campground often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms. One visitor remarked, "The bathrooms and bathhouse were clean," which is always a plus.
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday is appreciated by many. A guest said, "The staff was friendly, courteous and great to deal with," making for a pleasant stay.

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Campers at A.W. Marion State Park Campground noted that sites can be close together. One reviewer mentioned, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together," so be prepared for some neighborly interactions.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Scioto Trail State Park Campground, have basic facilities. A camper shared, "The campground was very meh," indicating that it might not have all the bells and whistles.
  • Weather Considerations: At Zaleski State Forest, rain can make trails muddy. One visitor advised, "If recent rainfall in the area be mindful of the mud," so check the forecast before heading out.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Campbell Cove Camping that offer playgrounds and activities. A parent mentioned, "The bathrooms are so clean," which is a big deal when camping with kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, like hiking or swimming, to keep everyone entertained. One family enjoyed, "A nice clean swimming area," at Lake Hope State Park Campground.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground noted, "We only had a day there," so quick snacks can help maximize your time outdoors.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: RVers at Top O' The Caves Campground found that some sites are sloped. One camper said, "It took all my wood, stackers, levelers and a bit of luck to get my camper level," so be prepared to adjust.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need more amenities, consider campgrounds like Hocking Hills KOA Holiday that offer full hookups. A visitor mentioned, "Sites are reasonably level," which is helpful for RV setups.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Campers at Top O' The Caves Campground noted that noise can be an issue. One said, "The camper next to us had their truck doors open and radio cranked up all day," so choose your site wisely for a quieter experience.

Camping near Creola, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Creola, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.