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Best Dispersed Camping near Glouster, OH

19 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Wayne National Forest surrounding Glouster offers several free dispersed camping areas. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed provides primitive hike-in camping along a trail system with both 5-mile and 15-mile loop options. Established campsites feature basic stone fire rings scattered along the trails. The area requires no permits but has no amenities beyond a vault toilet at the trailhead.

Trail conditions at Wildcat Hollow can be problematic after rainfall. Multiple campers report significant mud issues, with one noting "the trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places" even in July. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed provides drive-in tent camping with vault toilets and trash receptacles. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead offers both drive-in and walk-in options for tents and RVs with basic facilities. Water sources throughout these areas are unreliable and potentially contaminated, as one camper warned: "While there is water in the valleys I wouldn't use it even with a filter."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Glouster, Ohio (8)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Glouster, OH

19 Reviews of 8 Glouster 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 Glouster

Wayne National Forest offers multiple dispersed camping sites across approximately 250,000 acres of public land surrounding Glouster, Ohio. The forest encompasses three non-contiguous units in southeastern Ohio with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,250 feet. Seasonal road closures affect access to many dispersed camping areas from December through April, particularly for OHV trail access points.

What to do

Hiking longer routes: Wildcat Hollow offers multiple hiking options beyond the standard loops. "I camp here allllll the time. Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek... 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." - Lucille W., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

Off-season camping: Winter dispersed camping provides a different experience with fewer crowds. "Stayed one night. OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season." - Doug H., Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead

Rock climbing: Several natural outcroppings provide climbing opportunities near dispersed sites. "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!" - Lucille W., Witch's Peak

What campers like

Solitude during weekdays: Weekday camping offers significantly more privacy at most dispersed sites. "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." - Chris B., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

Accessible primitive sites: Monday Creek offers convenient dispersed sites with basic facilities. "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus." - Kevin C., Monday Creek OHV Dispersed

Ridge-top cell service: Higher elevation camping spots maintain connectivity. "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." - Steve C., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

What you should know

Seasonal accessibility: Winter conditions significantly limit access to many sites. "Overall not a bad spot for a one night travel spot but I could see it being more congested between April-December (OHV permitted season)" - Mic B., New Straitsville Trailhead

Limited trailhead camping: Popular areas fill quickly on weekends. "Stayed here for two nights. Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring. The second night we only had one tent near us. There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well." - Taylor P., Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead

Insect pressure: Prepare for significant bug activity, particularly in wooded areas. "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." - Annika E., Kinderhook Horse Trail

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly backpacking: Some sites provide perfect introductory backpacking for children. "This campground is nice. They are all designated campsites but they are first-come-first serve. They are hike-to only. 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." - Jade G., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

Safety considerations: Choose established sites for family camping. "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." - Leon H., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Spring camping provides unique nature observation. "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." - Shane, Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

Tips from RVers

Parking limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small trailers or RVs. "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." - Joe B., Kinderhook Horse Trail

Overnight transit options: Several trailheads serve as convenient overnight stops. "Was a 'okay' small area to stay at for free. There was a lot of bees, yellow jackets. The bathroom was clean, but the 'non-flush' toilet was just gross." - Harley G., Kinderhook Horse Trail

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find primitive camping spots near Glouster, Ohio?

Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers excellent primitive camping opportunities with numerous sites along both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop trail. The trail features established campsites every few miles, with some located near the trailhead for easier access and others deeper in the backcountry. This free camping area in Wayne National Forest is ideal for backpackers seeking seclusion. Witch's Peak provides a more challenging primitive camping experience with a steep trail leading to beautiful rock outcroppings and a unique rock shelter at the trail's end.

What amenities are available at primitive camping sites near Glouster, Ohio?

Kinderhook Horse Trail offers basic amenities including a restroom, picnic table, and manual water pump near the parking area. The site is primarily designed for horse trail users but accommodates small campers, car camping, or tents. However, there are no fire rings at most sites. At Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, amenities are minimal by design. Primitive sites generally have cleared tent spots and occasionally fire rings, but most lack water sources (visitors should bring their own water), showers, or electrical hookups. Some locations like Wildcat Hollow have pit toilets at trailheads, but once on the trail, no facilities are available.

What permits or regulations are required for dispersed camping in Glouster, Ohio?

Most dispersed camping in the Glouster area follows Wayne National Forest regulations. No specific permits are required for camping at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, but camping is seasonal with many sites inaccessible during winter. For Stone Church Trailhead, standard national forest dispersed camping rules apply. Generally, campers should follow Leave No Trace principles, camp in established sites only, and limit stays to 14 days. Small open fires are permitted except during high fire danger periods, and fire rings should be used where available. Always check the official Wayne National Forest website for current regulations before your trip.

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