Dispersed camping near Graysville, Ohio centers primarily on two locations in the Wayne National Forest: Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed and Kinderhook Horse Trail. These primitive sites require no reservations and offer a true backcountry experience. Wildcat Hollow features hike-in and walk-in access with established trails and remote campsites scattered throughout the forest. Kinderhook Horse Trail provides a small trailhead area with limited camping spots primarily designed for equestrian users, though tent camping is permitted.
Access conditions vary significantly between the two areas. Wildcat Hollow trails become notoriously muddy after rainfall, with several reviews noting difficult hiking conditions even during summer months. The area has vault toilets at the trailhead but no drinking water sources, and visitors are cautioned against filtering water from streams due to potential contamination from nearby oil drilling operations. Kinderhook Horse Trail features a manual water pump, vault toilets, and a picnic table, but camping space is limited to a small area that accommodates only tents or very small campers. Neither location offers hookups or amenities beyond the basic facilities at trailheads.
The camping experience differs substantially between these locations. Wildcat Hollow provides greater seclusion and extensive hiking options with both 5-mile and 15-mile loop trails. "Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," noted one visitor, though others caution about seasonal conditions: "The trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places." Kinderhook offers easier access but less privacy. "The site itself is quite nice, with access to toilets and picnic tables. However, it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit," reported one camper. Both areas permit fires when conditions allow, though Kinderhook has no established fire rings. Cell service is spotty in valleys but generally available on ridges. Wildlife viewing and spring wildflowers are highlights at Wildcat Hollow, while Kinderhook provides access to horse trails in a dense deciduous forest setting.
"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."
"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."
"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."
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.
ScoutArea 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.
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.
TravelerParking 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.
TravelerThe site itself is quite nice, with access to toilets and picnic tables. However, it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit. I’ve had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left. I would not recommend this site if you are traveling solo (Like I am).
Dispersed camping opportunities near Graysville, Ohio concentrate primarily within Wayne National Forest, which covers over 244,000 acres across southeastern Ohio. The forest terrain features mixed hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,000 feet and numerous creek valleys. Free camping in this region requires understanding specific site limitations and access considerations that vary significantly with seasonal conditions.
Hiking the trails: The Paw Paw Trail near Kinderhook Horse Trail offers a smooth hiking experience. "The Paw Paw trail was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill," notes Annika E. from Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Wildlife viewing: Spring visits to Wildcat Hollow provide exceptional nature observation opportunities. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," writes Lucille W. from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed.
Overnight backpacking: Wayne National Forest provides various backpacking routes for different experience levels. "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," reports Chris B. about his experience at Wildcat Hollow.
Free camping access: No fees or reservations make this area attractive for spontaneous trips. "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," shares Ruby W.
Solitude on weekdays: Visiting during off-peak times can provide a more secluded experience. "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," notes Steve C. from his stay at Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed.
Beginner-friendly backpacking: The shorter loops provide accessible options for those new to backcountry camping. "Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," mentions Lucille W., though she cautions that popular sites can fill quickly on busy weekends.
Avoid filtering stream water: Multiple reports indicate water sources may be contaminated. "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," warns Steve C.
Mud conditions: Trails become extremely difficult after rainfall. "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits," cautions Shane from Wildcat Hollow. Another camper reports that even in July, "the trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly with terrain. "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," notes a visitor to Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Choose sites near trailheads: For easier access with children, consider camping near parking areas. "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.
Pack all water needs: No reliable drinking water exists at these sites. "Pack in everything you need including water," recommends Jason M., who enjoyed the shorter loop trail at Wildcat Hollow.
Be cautious with site selection: Safety considerations include checking for hazardous trees. "It is a great area, but there were lots of dead trees/widowmakers, so be careful where you pitch your tent," warns Leon H. from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed.
Trailhead parking limitations: Some areas permit small RVs in parking areas only. "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. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group," explains Joe B. from Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Difficult access roads: Prepare for rough driving conditions to reach dispersed sites. "The road to it is difficult also (as are most with dispersed camping)," notes Jade G., who recommends these areas for backpacking rather than RV camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Graysville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Graysville, OH is Kinderhook Horse Trail with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
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