Best Dispersed Camping near Huntsville, OH
Several dispersed camping areas are available near Huntsville, Ohio, with most located within the Wayne National Forest. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed and Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provide free primitive camping options. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers backcountry sites accessible only by hiking. New Straitsville Trailhead, Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead, and Stone Church Trailhead serve as additional trailhead camping options. These areas typically feature minimal amenities, with some offering basic facilities such as vault toilets and trash collection.
Access to these primitive campsites varies significantly by location and season. Roads leading to trailheads may be unpaved or require careful navigation during wet conditions. Many dispersed sites are inaccessible during winter months, as noted in reviews of Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead where "most campsites inaccessible during off-season." Fire rings are available at some locations, though limited in number. Monday Creek and Dorr-Run areas permit tent and RV camping with drive-in access, while Wildcat Hollow requires hiking to reach camping spots. No drinking water is available at any of these locations, so campers must pack in all water supplies.
These dispersed camping areas attract visitors seeking genuine backcountry experiences. The Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail system contains both short and long loop options with campsites positioned along the routes. "The further you go, the less you see of people - a novelty in this part of the world," reported one camper. Trail conditions can be challenging, particularly after rainfall. "The trail can be a bit muddy after it rains and probably take a long time to dry out down in the valleys," noted another review. OHV areas experience seasonal fluctuations in visitation, with Monday Creek described as "busy but good" with multiple camping spots near the vault toilet area. Most locations permit pets, though some trailheads have restrictions. Cell service varies significantly, generally better on ridges and limited in valleys.
