Camping options near Granville, Ohio primarily center around the Wayne National Forest area, located approximately 60 miles southeast of the city. The forest hosts several dispersed camping areas including Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail, a popular backpacking destination with primitive campsites along established trails. Monday Creek OHV area offers drive-in tent camping with basic amenities like vault toilets and trash collection. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provides both tent and limited RV camping opportunities with similar primitive facilities. These areas represent the rustic, undeveloped camping style predominant in the region, with most sites featuring simple fire rings and cleared tent pads rather than developed facilities.
Trail and site conditions vary significantly with seasonal changes, particularly at Wildcat Hollow where muddy trails are frequently reported after rainfall. According to camper Steve C., "The trails can be a bit muddy after it rains and probably take a long time to dry out down in the valleys." Cell service is spotty throughout the region, generally available on ridges but unreliable in valleys. Water sources should not be trusted for filtration at Wildcat Hollow due to nearby oil drilling operations, making it essential for campers to pack in all necessary water. Most trailhead areas have vault toilets that may close seasonally, with winter access limited at several locations. Weekend crowding is common during peak season (April-October), particularly at trailhead camping areas.
Campers consistently highlight the secluded nature of these areas as their primary appeal. "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," notes Ruby W. Spring visitors particularly appreciate the wildflower displays, with Lucille W. recommending spring visits when "the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers." The region offers both shorter day-use loops and longer backpacking options, with Wildcat Hollow featuring both 5-mile and 15-mile loop trails with established campsites every few miles. First-time backpackers often find these trails accessible yet satisfying, though prepared for limited amenities and pack-in/pack-out requirements.
"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."
"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."
"Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."
"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. Nice place."
"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."
"Relatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer."
RangerWildcat 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.
TravelerGreat 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.
ScoutThe 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
RangerThis 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.
GuideThis 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
ScoutJust 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.
GuideIf 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. If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits.
RangerI camp here allllll the time. Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek. I will note I have seen this site crowded before. The parking lot can be full of cars and a lot of the obvious / easy campsites along the trail can be taken. BUT I have also camped here and no one else was around. There is a restroom and garage can at the trail head. 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.
RangerCamped 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.
Dispersed camping near Granville, Ohio centers around Wayne National Forest, approximately 60 miles southeast of the city. The forest encompasses 244,000 acres across three separate units, with the Athens Unit containing most of the established dispersed camping locations. Winter temperatures in this region typically range from 20-40°F, while summer months average 70-85°F with high humidity levels that affect trail conditions.
Hiking during off-peak times: Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers both short and long loop options for all skill levels. "There is a 5 mile loop or a longer ~15 mile loop that you can hike and there are campsites every couple of miles," notes Steve C.
OHV trail riding: Monday Creek OHV Dispersed provides access to extensive off-highway vehicle trails. Many visitors come specifically for this activity, with Kevin C. observing, "Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."
Winter exploration: While some facilities close seasonally, the trails remain accessible year-round at most locations. Doug H. from Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead reports, "OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season."
Isolation from crowds: The remote nature of these sites appeals to those seeking solitude. Jason M. from Wildcat Hollow shares, "The land is all regrowth forest and the further you go, the less you see of people - a novelty in this part of the world."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: First-time backpackers appreciate the accessible terrain. "Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," states one camper about Wildcat Hollow, though noting site availability can vary: "I have seen this site crowded before... BUT I have also camped here and no one else was around."
No-cost camping options: New Straitsville Trailhead and several other locations offer free camping. Mic B. notes it serves as "a one night travel spot" though it can become "more congested between April-December (OHV permitted season)."
Water availability concerns: Multiple sites lack reliable water sources. Eric S. warns about Wildcat Hollow: "No water available to filter. Cautioned against using the water." Jade G. confirms: "This is pack in/pack out."
Seasonal facility closures: Many trailheads reduce services during winter. "Pit toilet closed for winter," reports Doug H. about Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
Trail conditions vary significantly: Mud presents a frequent challenge, particularly after rain. "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits," cautions Shane about Wildcat Hollow. Another camper adds, "The trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places especially on the stretch between the trailhead and the loop."
Site availability fluctuates: Weekends see higher usage at most locations. Taylor P. observed at Dorr-Run Red Oak: "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."
Consider trailhead camping for first visits: Families new to primitive camping might prefer staying closer to facilities. Wildcat Hollow offers accessible options: "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," advises Shane.
Check for road accessibility: Many forest roads leading to Stone Church Trailhead and other locations deteriorate during wet weather. Jade G. notes that "The road to it is difficult also (as are most with dispersed camping)."
Look for established fire rings: Sites with pre-existing fire rings indicate better-established camping areas. "We snagged the last available spot with a fire ring," shares Taylor P., highlighting their importance for family camping.
Be cautious with campsite selection: Leon H. advises safety considerations: "There were lots of dead trees/widowmakers, so be careful where you pitch your tent."
Limited RV options available: Most dispersed sites accommodate small vehicles only. Taylor P. notes about Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead area: "There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used."
Consider overnight parking at trailheads: Some areas permit overnight RV parking. "Parked our RRT in the parking lot on a Monday evening and had the place pretty much all to ourselves all night," reports Chris B. about Wildcat Hollow.
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies widely across the region. Taylor P. observes, "Cell service was available, but not great," while others report signal only on ridgelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Granville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Granville, 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 Granville, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Granville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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