Best Dispersed Camping near Grove City, OH
Dispersed camping near Grove City, Ohio centers primarily around several trailheads in the Wayne National Forest area. The Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead and Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead provide primitive camping opportunities approximately 70 miles southeast of Grove City. These areas permit both tent and RV camping with drive-in and walk-in access options. New Straitsville Trailhead and Stone Church Trailhead also support dispersed camping in the same general region, though with fewer documented amenities.
Access to these dispersed sites varies seasonally, with some areas becoming inaccessible during winter months. Most locations feature basic facilities such as pit toilets and trash collection, though these services may be suspended during off-season periods. Fire rings are available at some sites, particularly at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, though they are limited in number. No drinking water, electric hookups, or sewer connections are available at any of these locations. Pets are permitted at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, and fires are allowed where designated rings exist.
The camping experience at these locations is closely tied to the OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trail system that operates seasonally. Weekends during the OHV season (typically April through December) bring higher visitor numbers, while off-season periods offer more solitude. Cell service exists but may be unreliable. The primitive nature of these sites makes them suitable for self-sufficient backcountry campers. "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," noted one visitor to Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead. Another camper described New Straitsville as "not a bad spot for a one night travel spot but I could see it being more congested between April-December (OHV permitted season)."
