Top Free Dispersed Camping near Gallipolis, OH

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gallipolis, OH (7)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Gallipolis

7 Reviews of 7 Gallipolis Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.



Guide to Gallipolis

Camping near Gallipolis, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by,” making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Caving: At Carter Caves State Resort Park, you can discover various caves. A visitor shared, “The caves themselves are quite the treat,” highlighting the unique experiences available.
  • Fishing and Boating: Grayson Lake State Park Campground offers fishing and boat rentals. One happy camper said, “You can fish, rent boats and kayaks,” making it a perfect spot for water activities.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Sandy Springs Campground rave about the views. One review stated, “Backing your camper up to the view of the Ohio River is so calming.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Carter Caves State Resort Park. A reviewer noted, “Great facilities, hiking, caving etc. We plan to return because two nights was not nearly enough.”
  • Quiet and Relaxing: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Burr Oak State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “Burr Oak campgrounds is so relaxing and quiet.”

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground remarked, “The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together.”
  • Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Forked Run State Park Campground, may need maintenance. A visitor noted, “Campground in need of an update and targeted maintenance.”
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A camper at Kanawha State Forest mentioned, “No cell service on either Verizon or ATT anywhere.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities. At Carter Caves State Resort Park, one family said, “We plan to return because two nights was not nearly enough to do all the things we wanted to.”
  • Check Site Layout: Look for sites that offer space for kids to play. A camper at Grayson Lake State Park Campground noted, “It has 2 playgrounds and plenty of grassy area for kids to play.”
  • Bring Entertainment: Make sure to pack games or outdoor toys. A visitor at Sandy Springs Campground mentioned, “The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family!”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Forked Run State Park Campground advised, “Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking as sites can be small and hilly.”
  • Be Prepared for Slopes: Some sites may be sloped, making it tricky to park. A visitor at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites were very sloped.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Campers at Burr Oak State Park Campground suggested bringing extra cords and hoses, as hookups can be far from some sites.

Camping near Gallipolis, Ohio, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Gallipolis, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.