Dispersed camping opportunities near Grove City, Ohio require a 70-mile drive southeast to Wayne National Forest. The Athens Ranger District contains several primitive camping sites aligned with OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trail access points. These undeveloped areas function primarily as trailheads but permit overnight camping with varying levels of basic facilities. Winter conditions often limit accessibility, with many forest roads becoming impassable from December through March.
What to do
**Trail exploration: Hiking trails remain accessible year-round at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, even when OHV trails close for winter. "OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season," notes camper Doug H.
**OHV riding: The trail system opens seasonally from April through December, creating a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts. During peak season, arrive early to secure camping spots. "Not a bad spot for a one night travel spot but I could see it being more congested between April-December (OHV permitted season)," advises a visitor to New Straitsville Trailhead.
**Stargazing: The remote location provides opportunities for night sky viewing when weather permits. Light pollution remains minimal throughout the Wayne National Forest area, particularly at trailheads farther from municipalities.
What campers like
**Fire rings: Limited availability makes sites with fire rings highly desirable. "Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring," reports Taylor P. about their stay at Dorr-Run Red Oak.
**Weekday solitude: Visitor numbers decrease significantly mid-week, even during peak season. "The second night we only had one tent near us," continues Taylor about Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead, demonstrating how quickly occupancy can change.
**Roadside alternatives: When designated areas fill up, overflow options exist. "There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well," notes a camper, indicating informal camping opportunities beyond established sites.
What you should know
**Limited amenities: Primitive camping near Grove City, Ohio offers truly rustic conditions. Many sites lack basic facilities, especially during winter. "Pit toilet closed for winter," reports a recent visitor to Stone Church Trailhead.
**Cellular connectivity: Communication options exist but reliability varies. "Cell service was available, but not great," notes a camper, indicating enough signal for basic communication but potentially insufficient for streaming or remote work.
**Seasonal variability: Facility access changes throughout the year. Trash collection and toilet availability typically align with OHV trail season (April-December), with services reduced or eliminated during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
**Site selection: Arrive early on weekends to secure spots with amenities. "We snagged the last available spot with a fire ring," reports a camper, suggesting that families should plan accordingly for cooking needs.
**Noise considerations: Family campers should be aware that OHV traffic creates noise during trail operating hours. Quieter camping experiences typically occur during winter months when trails close to motorized vehicles.
**Weather preparation: The forest's varied terrain and elevation changes create microclimates that can differ from Grove City weather forecasts. Pack additional layers and rain gear regardless of season for primitive camping in this region.
Tips from RVers
**Access limitations: Many forest roads leading to trailheads have unpaved sections, steep grades, or seasonal closures affecting larger vehicles. Road conditions deteriorate significantly after rainfall.
**Parking constraints: The primary function of these areas as trailheads rather than dedicated campgrounds means limited level parking. RVers at New Straitsville Trailhead describe it as "Really just parking for an OHV trail," indicating minimal designated camping infrastructure.
**Self-containment: No hookups, dump stations, or fresh water access exist at any dispersed sites in Wayne National Forest. RVers must arrive fully stocked and prepared to pack out all waste.
