Best Dispersed Camping near Friendship, OH

The southeastern Ohio landscape surrounding Friendship offers primarily dispersed camping options within Wayne National Forest, with sites like Hanging Rock Recreation Area and Sand Hill Trailhead providing primitive outdoor experiences. Located approximately 15 miles from the Ohio River, these camping areas feature minimal amenities and attract visitors seeking free or low-cost alternatives to developed campgrounds. Nearby Paragon Dispersed Camping Area in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest represents another option within driving distance. Most sites accommodate both tent and small RV camping, though facilities are limited to basic pit toilets without drinking water or electric hookups. The region's mix of forested hills, small lakes, and ATV trails creates a rustic camping environment popular with anglers, hikers, and off-road enthusiasts.

Campers should prepare for self-sufficient stays as amenities are extremely limited throughout the region. "There is no potable water or electrical hookups, but with our solar panel we are always ready for primitive sites," notes one Paragon visitor. "There are no trash cans or dumpsters in the area, so plan accordingly." Navigation challenges are common, with several reviewers mentioning difficulty locating sites due to the patchwork of public and private lands. As one camper advised, "Next time I will purchase a paper map before I go because Wayne National Forest has a lot of private lands interspersed." Cell reception is unreliable in many areas, making offline maps essential. Weather conditions can create muddy access roads, particularly during spring and after heavy rainfall, sometimes limiting site accessibility.

Wildlife viewing opportunities include herons, woodpeckers, and various bird species, particularly around lake areas. Several campers report mixed experiences regarding site conditions and atmosphere. "The good was I found a spot quickly and had two entire ponds to myself," mentioned one Hanging Rock visitor, while others noted concerns about trash accumulation and occasional noise from other visitors. Nighttime experiences vary significantly, with some enjoying peaceful evenings with fireflies while others report disturbances. Fishing remains popular at lakeside sites, with easy water access for small boats and kayaks. Visitors consistently recommend practicing Leave No Trace principles, as trash management is an ongoing challenge at many dispersed sites in the region.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Friendship, Ohio (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Friendship, OH

8 Photos of 5 Friendship Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Friendship, OH

13 Reviews of 5 Friendship Campgrounds


  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful & Free, but Lots of Trash Around

    We simply love camping in the National Forest Service campgrounds, most often because they are isolated, beautiful, inexpensive and usually, very quiet. We rolled up on a Tuesday night in mid-July and found the campground about ¾ full but still plenty of space for our little trailer. With about a dozen or so sites, some along the lakeshore, others closeby, lots of options exist to be alone or with a group. 

    There is no potable water or electrical hookups, but with our solar panel we are always ready for primitive sites.  There were portable pit-toilets (bring your own TP, if you want to have some). There are no trash cans or dumpsters in the area, so plan accordingly. The main activity of folks in the campground seemed to be fishing, so I assume the fishing is good, or at least the trying is. But launching a kayak for an easy paddle about the lake couldn’t be easier from your site. 

    We arrived right after a busy holiday weekend, and found our site (and those next to it) full of extra fire rings and heaps of trash. It’s discouraging to love these camping areas and find them in such a rough state after others use them. It’s a good reminder to come prepared to pick up after yourself and others who aren’t as thoughtful. We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left. Carry it in, folks, and then carry it out.

  • Wayne H.
    Sep. 1, 2019

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Broke campers dream

    This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake. No fire pits, no restrooms, no water or electricity hookups. Most spots have boat in access! Will definitely be going back! Located in Morehead, KY.

  • Lynn G.
    Sep. 30, 2017

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Dispersed camping in Daniel Boone National Forest

    The National Forest has hiking, multi-use trails, and boating (there is a ramp nearby). This is dispersed camping, meaning there are no amenities besides a pit toilet and a few fire rings. Make sure to bring your own water treatment.

    Yay: Close to the river, on the less busy side of the forest. Drive along the road and decide which campsite to stay at. All free.

    Nay: Sadly, there was a lot of trash at all the sites. Not all sites have fire rings. There are only 7 sites so and no reservations so you may end up out of luck (but there are many other campgrounds in the area). Can be very muddy!

    Surprise: call or visit the ranger office before entering the forest to get the latest recommendations for good trails and where to see wildlife!

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2020

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Motor Vehicle Area

    The Hanging Rock Recreation area features tons of well kept ATV trails for motor bikes or quads (max width allowed is 50 inches). Besides the ATV trails, there are tons of little lakes that are ideal for fishing! There is a large parking area in the middle of the park with a restroom, and at least one other restroom further down the road. I noticed several “fire pits” in gravel pull offs in the park. Not sure if fires are allowed though.

    We hiked here today to retrieve some trail cameras from the surrounding Wayne National Forest for a spotted skunk study at Ohio University. Along and just off the trails were tons of gorgeous wildflowers like trilliums, violets, showy orchids, and more!

  • Dylane S.
    Jun. 22, 2019

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Not always accessible

    June 2019 was not able to access the campsite due to a gate blocking the road.

  • Rob G.
    Apr. 18, 2021

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Great spot and easy to find!

    With that being said, there was good and bad. The good was I found a spot quickly and had 2 entire ponds to myself. The bad was locals firing guns for the hell of it for an hour straight and the trash left behind from the previous campers. Once night fall hit everything was quiet so I couldn't complain too much. Awesome morning sunrise!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Better Than Walmart

    We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn’t know if there were any place to turn our rv around. Very quiet night and were visited by fireflies which was awesome.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful location just off a paved road

    We came in on a Friday late afternoon and there were only a few camping sites available. We found a spot right on the lake.

    Our first morning a heron was fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us. We saw him catch a fish. There were woodpeckers, hawks and several other birds I did not recognize.

    The view of the lake from our camp site was amazing. Very picture worthy!

    The campsites are pretty close together providing less than optimal privacy. Some of the campers stayed up late but they kept the noise level down.

    While there we saw one group hang a deer carcass in a tree. Good times!


Guide to Friendship

Dispersed camping near Friendship, Ohio centers around Wayne National Forest, Ohio's only national forest. The patchwork of public land covers over 250,000 acres across three separate units, with the Ironton Ranger District closest to Friendship. Elevations range from 600 to 1,200 feet, creating varied terrain that becomes challenging to navigate during wet seasons when forest roads deteriorate.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, campers can access Cave Run Lake directly from most sites. "We saw a heron fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us. We saw him catch a fish. There were woodpeckers, hawks and several other birds I did not recognize," reports Kevin C., highlighting the wildlife viewing potential.

ATV trail riding: Hanging Rock Recreation Site features an extensive trail system for off-road vehicles under 50 inches wide. "The Hanging Rock Recreation area features tons of well kept ATV trails for motor bikes or quads. Besides the ATV trails, there are tons of little lakes that are ideal for fishing," notes Lucille W.

Wildlife observation: Forest areas throughout Wayne National Forest support diverse bird populations. During spring, wildflowers create additional nature viewing opportunities. "Along and just off the trails were tons of gorgeous wildflowers like trilliums, violets, showy orchids, and more," according to one visitor at Hanging Rock.

What campers like

Solitude and water access: Some campers appreciate the remote feeling at certain sites. "The good was I found a spot quickly and had 2 entire ponds to myself," writes Rob G. about his experience at Hanging Rock. Lakeside sites provide easy boat launch access for kayaks and small watercraft.

Cost-free camping: Wayne National Forest and Kentucky Paragon offer budget-conscious options. "This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake," explains Wayne H., underscoring the accessibility despite primitive conditions.

Night sky viewing: Clear nights in the forest provide opportunities for stargazing. "We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn't know if there were any place to turn our rv around. Very quiet night and were visited by fireflies which was awesome," shares Jay S. about an overnight stay at Hanging Rock Recreation Site.

What you should know

Site availability concerns: Most dispersed camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited sites. "There are only 7 sites and no reservations so you may end up out of luck (but there are many other campgrounds in the area)," advises Lynn G. about Paragon.

Variable access conditions: Roads to camping areas may become impassable or closed without notice. One Paragon visitor reported: "June 2019 was not able to access the campsite due to a gate blocking the road." Always have backup plans when targeting dispersed sites.

Trash management responsibility: Pack-out requirements apply at all dispersed sites. "We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left. Carry it in, folks, and then carry it out," reminds Shari G. from her Paragon experience.

Tips for camping with families

Security considerations: Some areas experience variable nighttime activity. "Cars came and went all night. People are living there. There were people hunting something until 2 am with flashlights," reports Dawn P. about Paragon Dispersed Camping, suggesting families research site-specific reviews for current conditions.

Wildlife precautions: Sand Hill Trailhead and surrounding areas require proper food storage. "If you leave food and garbage out you will attract Bears. Always remember we are in their home so yes they will come for food! Just keep your area tidy and clean," advises Sandra M.

Map requirements: Cell service throughout Wayne National Forest remains unreliable for navigation. "We arrived late at night wishing we had better cell reception and a paper map of the National Forest," shares Marisa A., suggesting visitors "purchase a paper map before I go because Wayne National Forest has alot of private lands interspersed."

Tips from RVers

Limited turning radius: Forest roads typically lack turnaround areas for larger vehicles. At Hanging Rock, Jay S. notes they "stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn't know if there were any place to turn our rv around," highlighting the importance of arriving during daylight hours to assess maneuverability.

Self-sufficiency requirement: RVers must bring all necessary supplies. "There is no potable water or electrical hookups, but with our solar panel we are always ready for primitive sites," explains Shari G. about camping at Paragon, emphasizing the need for alternative power sources and water reserves.

Site surface conditions: Many forest access roads and camping areas become problematic after rain. Multiple reviewers note muddy conditions that can strand vehicles, particularly at Sand Hill Trailhead and surrounding dispersed sites in Wayne National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Friendship, OH is Hanging Rock Recreation Site with a 3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Friendship, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Friendship, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.