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Best Dispersed Camping near Cumberland, OH

18 Reviews

Wayne National Forest offers several free dispersed camping areas near Cumberland, Ohio. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail provides primitive campsites along a trail system with both 5-mile and 15-mile loop options. Sites feature stone fire rings but no amenities beyond vault toilets at the trailhead. The trail can become extremely muddy after rainfall, with many campers noting difficult hiking conditions even during summer months.

Monday Creek OHV area provides free dispersed camping with vault toilets and garbage receptacles. The area primarily serves off-highway vehicle users, with camping spots located at trailheads. Kinderhook Horse Trail offers limited dispersed camping primarily designed for equestrian users, featuring vault toilets, picnic tables, and a manual water pump, though reviews indicate the site receives frequent short-term visitors that may impact privacy. Additional options include Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead and smaller areas like Witch's Peak, which requires a steep hike to access camping areas near rock outcroppings. The 14-day boondocking limit applies throughout the national forest. One camper shared, "The trail is challenging terrain, especially when backpacking. It can be very wet and muddy in the spring, so be prepared for that."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cumberland, Ohio (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cumberland, OH

4 Photos of 8 Cumberland Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cumberland, OH

18 Reviews of 8 Cumberland 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Nice small trailhead area

    Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained. Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet. No hook-ups of any kind. I did not camp here due to severe weather warnings. With att had 2 to 3 bars cell service.

  • 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.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Annika E.
    May. 28, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Flat tentspots

    Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill.

Guide to Cumberland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cumberland, Ohio, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of scenic spots and outdoor activities. With options for hiking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful retreats, this area offers a perfect escape into the wilderness.

Scenic Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed features a challenging terrain with a beautiful 5-mile loop, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while camping.
  • For a more secluded experience, the Witch’s Peak offers steep trails leading to stunning rock outcroppings and breathtaking views, perfect for adventurous campers.
  • The Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provides access to various hiking paths, making it a great spot for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors while camping.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Cumberland

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse trails at the Kinderhook Horse Trail, which offers well-maintained paths suitable for both horseback riding and hiking.
  • Campers can enjoy fishing and wildlife watching at the Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, where the natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
  • The New Straitsville Trailhead is perfect for those looking to drive in and set up camp before heading out to explore the nearby trails.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Features

  • The Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles.
  • At the Stone Church Trailhead, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the forest while being close to hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints.
  • The Monday Creek OHV Dispersed is known for its primitive camping experience, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cumberland, OH?

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

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

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