Dispersed camping near Huntsville, Ohio primarily centers around the Wayne National Forest, which spans over 244,000 acres across southeastern Ohio. These primitive camping areas sit in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,100 feet. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking year-round: Wildcat Hollow offers both short 5-mile loops and longer 15-mile routes with varying difficulty levels. "Amazing spring wildflowers... I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," notes camper Lucille W. about the seasonal highlights.
Rock climbing opportunities: The area surrounding Witch's Peak provides challenging terrain for climbers and scramblers. "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," reports a visitor who enjoyed the natural features.
Winter exploration: While many OHV trails close seasonally, some areas remain accessible for cold-weather exploration. A visitor at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead shares: "OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter."
What campers like
Privacy in backcountry sites: The remote nature of these dispersed camping locations provides rare solitude. A Wildcat Hollow camper explains, "I 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."
Basic amenities at select trailheads: Some dispersed areas offer minimal but appreciated facilities. A camper at Monday Creek OHV Dispersed reported: "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."
Free camping options: The absence of camping fees appeals to budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. "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," states a reviewer appreciating the no-cost accommodations.
What you should know
Trail conditions fluctuate dramatically: Terrain becomes extremely challenging after precipitation. One Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed camper warns: "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 stretch between the trailhead and the loop."
Water must be packed in: Surface water in the area is unsuitable for treatment. "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," cautions a backpacker.
Variable cell service: Communication capability depends entirely on elevation. "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 documenting connectivity patterns.
Tips for camping with families
Choose trailhead sites with children: For families with young campers, sites closer to vehicle access provide easier logistics. One visitor to New Straitsville Trailhead noted: "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)."
Plan for primitive conditions: No running water or modern restrooms exist at these locations. "There are no amenities except for an outhouse in the parking lot. This is pack in/pack out," explains a Wildcat Hollow camper detailing the lack of facilities.
Start with shorter loop trails: For families new to backcountry camping, begin with more manageable distances. "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," advises an experienced hiker.
Tips from RVers
Limited pull-off areas: Small trailers can find space at some trailheads but require advance planning. At Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, one RVer observed: "There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well."
Overnight parking constraints: Some locations permit overnight RV parking in designated areas only. "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," shared a visitor describing their experience at one of the trailheads.
