Top Free Dispersed Camping near Friendship, OH

Looking for dispersed camping near Friendship? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Friendship, OH (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hill Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hill Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Hill Trailhead

    1. Sand Hill Trailhead

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    17 Saves

    This trailhead is part of the Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System. The Lake Vesuvius horseback trails system 46.66 miles long and is composed of 9 trails, 4 trailheads, and one horse campground. The Lake Vesuvius horse trails wind through some of the most striking landscapes in Ohio. They will lead you through a variety of vegetation where many species of wildlife live. You will ride along rock cliffs, water falls, streams and along ridge tops. Expect to see open fields, brushland, mature forest, and young forests. Along the way, you will notice man's influence and land management activities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      2. Hanging Rock Recreation Area

      1 Review
      4 Saves

      The Hanging Rock area of the Wayne National Forest provides some excellent opportunities for riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs). This system has 26 miles of trail available for off-highway vehicle, mountain bike, and hiking use. Camping is allowed at the trailheads during the open season. Camping is also frequently done around the Hanging Rock ponds by fisherman and during hunting seasons by all the hunters that use the area.

      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

      3. Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

      7 Reviews
      43 Photos
      74 Saves

      Paragon is a primitive camping area with 7 designated campsites, some with lantern posts and fire rings. Alert: August 21, 2019 - The U.S. Forest Service opened a section of Paragon Road on Friday, August 16, 2019. The gate closest to Highway 519 was opened and motor vehicles will be able to drive to the first two loops commonly used for camping, swimming, and fishing. The new gate has been installed to allow vehicle access into the area while road work and repairs continue. The new gate will also allow the two camping loops to remain open when Cave Run Lake is 1.5 to 2 feet above summer pool and inundating the lowest portions of Paragon Road, which has occurred many times in the last decade and resulted in closure of the entire road and camping area. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your trip to this area. Learn more... The campground is located on the Cumberland Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest. Cave Run Lake is widely known for its scenic beauty and varied outdoor recreation opportunities. The lake is also the home of Kentucky's state record muskie.This 8,270-acre lake is jointly operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service. Nearby facilities: Poppin Rock Boat Ramp

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Trash
      • No image available

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Friendship

      12 Reviews of 4 Friendship Campgrounds


      • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
        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!

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Hanging Rock Recreation Site
        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.

      • Rob G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Hanging Rock Recreation Site
        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!

      • 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.

      • Dawn P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
        Oct. 10, 2020

        Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

        Scary

        This place was trashy.  Cars came and went all night. People are living there.  There were people hunting something until 2 am with flashlights. (Guessing frogs) 

        Don’t go

      • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
        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.

      • Lucille W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Hanging Rock Recreation Site
        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!

      • Wayne H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
        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.

      • Sandra M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
        Aug. 26, 2019

        Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

        Beautiful place

        It is a beautiful campground.. just make sure you clean up after your selves so the next person doesn't have to clean your mess! 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 and take your trash with you when you leave..

      • Lynn G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
        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!



      Guide to Friendship

      Camping near Friendship, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful lakes to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this scenic area.

      What to do:

      • Hiking and Exploring Caves: Carter Caves State Resort Park is a great spot for hiking. One visitor mentioned, “There are many hiking options, some that explore the various caves around the grounds. The caves themselves are quite the treat.”
      • Fishing and Boating: Grayson Lake State Park Campground provides opportunities for fishing and renting boats. A camper noted, “You can fish, rent boats and kayaks. Also, the hiking isn’t too bad!”
      • Family Activities: Sandy Springs Campground is perfect for families. One reviewer said, “The campsite is totally geared towards family fun! The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family!”

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Grayson Lake State Park Campground stated, “Staff cleans the bathhouse every hour.”
      • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Sandy Springs Campground said, “The owners go out of their way to make sure that you are ok or if you need anything.”
      • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. A reviewer at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius mentioned, “Beautiful place to camp... The hiking trails are scenic and pretty.”

      What you should know:

      • Site Sizes Vary: Some campgrounds have uneven or sloped sites. A camper at Grayson Lake State Park Campground noted, “Many spots slant down and cannot level.”
      • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Carter Caves State Resort Park mentioned, “Note: there are no full hookup sites, which is not uncommon for KY State Parks.”
      • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Pike Lake State Park Campground expressed frustration, saying, “There is no escaping the sound of the cars on the road.”

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Sandy Springs Campground, which offers activities for kids. One parent shared, “My kids were busy nonstop with planned fun activities!”
      • Check for Playground Facilities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds. A reviewer at Carter Caves State Resort Park mentioned, “There is a nice playground and a camp store for any items you have forgotten.”
      • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise after hours. A camper at Carter Caves State Resort Park noted, “There’s a quiet time reserved for after 11pm.”

      Tips from RVers:

      • Bring Extra Cords and Hoses: Some sites have hookups that are far from the camping spots. A visitor at Grayson Lake State Park Campground advised, “Be prepared to bring extra electric cord and hose.”
      • Check Site Levels: Make sure to choose a level site for your RV. A camper at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park mentioned, “Some sites are really not level!”
      • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Options: If you have a larger RV, check for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. A reviewer at Ashland Huntington West KOA said, “Sites are level gravel, grounds are clean.”

      Camping near Friendship, Ohio, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

      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 Sand Hill Trailhead with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Friendship, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.