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Best Dispersed Camping near Lancaster, OH

13 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Lancaster, Ohio include several primitive sites within Wayne National Forest. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers free camping with established trails and remote campsites. The area features a 5-mile loop and a longer 15-mile loop with campsites spaced every few miles. According to reviews, "Wildcat Hollow is a fantastic free camping and backpacking location with well-established trails and a variety of remote campsites." Basic amenities include pit toilets at trailheads, but visitors should expect primitive conditions with only stone fire rings at most sites.

Campers should prepare for potentially challenging conditions. Trail access can become extremely muddy after rainfall, particularly in spring. Several campers noted that "the trails can be a bit muddy after it rains and probably take a long time to dry out down in the valleys." Water sources along trails are not recommended for filtering due to potential contamination from nearby oil drilling operations. Cell service is spotty, with better reception on ridges and limited connectivity in valleys. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.

Monday Creek OHV Dispersed and Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provide additional options for dispersed camping. These areas feature vault toilets and trash receptacles but limited other amenities. Fire rings are available at designated sites, and small open fires are permitted except during high fire danger periods. Weekends typically see higher usage, particularly at Dorr-Run, where "Saturday was super busy" according to visitor reports. The camping season runs year-round, though some facilities close during winter months. All locations require pack-in, pack-out practices for waste management. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a 6-foot leash throughout Wayne National Forest.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lancaster, Ohio (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lancaster, OH

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lancaster, OH

13 Reviews of 7 Lancaster Campgrounds

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Great Secluded Location

    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. There is a small shelter with bathrooms and other amenities, but not much else.

  • Steve C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2020

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Awesome packbacking spot

    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. 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.

  • E
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    The trail horribly muddy

    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 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

  • J
    Nov. 1, 2020

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Very wet in the spring, but a challenging backpacking loop

    This 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Backpacking haven

    This 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

  • Chris B.
    Jun. 16, 2019

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Wonderful overnight spot.

    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.  Clean pit toilet. Nice trails to walk. nice area to visit i'll be back againg sometime this year.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2020

    Witch’s Peak

    Sweet spot

    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. At the end of the short trail is a cool rock shelter! A very neat local treasure.

  • S
    Aug. 14, 2022

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Beware the mud!

    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. If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2020

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Amazing spring wildflowers

    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. The parking lot can be full of cars and a lot of the obvious / easy campsites along the trail can be taken. BUT I have also camped here and no one else was around. There is a restroom and garage can at the trail head. The trail has a smaller loop and a larger loop. Both are fairly easy hikes. I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers.

Guide to Lancaster

Dispersed camping opportunities in Wayne National Forest provide multiple no-cost options for outdoor recreation near Lancaster, Ohio. The forest encompasses over 244,000 acres across southeastern Ohio with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,250 feet. The region features mixed hardwood forests and steep terrain with numerous creek beds that fluctuate seasonally, creating variable trail conditions throughout the year.

What to do

Hiking network exploration: The Wayne National Forest trail system offers various hiking options ranging from short day hikes to overnight backpacking routes. At Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," notes reviewer Lucille W.

Climbing and bouldering: Rock formations throughout the area provide natural climbing opportunities. Witch's Peak features "several boulder routes" and "at the end of the short trail is a cool rock shelter," according to Lucille W., who describes it as "a very neat local treasure."

Seasonal OHV riding: The designated off-highway vehicle trail system operates April through December. Kevin C. at Monday Creek OHV Dispersed observed "lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening" during peak season.

What campers like

Free camping access: The Wayne National Forest provides cost-free primitive camping opportunities. Ruby W. describes Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed as "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."

Solitude options: Less-trafficked areas offer quiet camping experiences. "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," reports Steve C. about Wildcat Hollow.

Established sites: Despite primitive conditions, many areas feature basic campsite infrastructure. At Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, Taylor P. found "plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead" and "several fire rings" available for campers.

What you should know

Variable trail conditions: Trail quality changes dramatically with weather. Shane notes "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. If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits."

Water availability concerns: Surface water sources throughout the forest may not be suitable for treatment. Eric S. reported at Wildcat Hollow that there was "no water available to filter" and visitors are "cautioned against using the water."

Seasonal facility closures: Winter brings reduced services at some locations. Doug H. noted at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead that "most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter."

Tips for camping with families

Starter backpacking location: Shorter loops provide manageable backpacking experiences for families. Lucille W. describes Wildcat Hollow as "an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek."

Trailhead camping option: For families not wanting to backpack, some locations offer vehicle-accessible sites. Chris B. shared: "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."

Campsite selection safety: When camping with children, carefully assess site conditions. Leon H. warns at Wildcat Hollow that "there were lots of dead trees/widowmakers, so be careful where you pitch your tent."

Tips from RVers

Overnight stopover potential: Some trailhead parking areas accommodate smaller RVs for brief stays. Kevin C. 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... Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."

Limited facilities: RVers should prepare for self-contained camping. New Straitsville Trailhead provides minimal amenities, with Mic B. noting it's "Really just parking for an OHV trail" and "not a bad spot for a one night travel spot."

Seasonal crowd patterns: RV camping may be more challenging during peak OHV season. Mic B. observed that New Straitsville "could be more congested between April-December (OHV permitted season)."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lancaster, Ohio?

Free dispersed camping is available at Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed in Wayne National Forest, which offers numerous campsites along both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop trail. This area provides secluded, first-come-first-served sites that are hike-in only. For those seeking other options, Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers additional free camping opportunities. These areas are typically within a 30-45 minute drive from Lancaster, making them accessible for weekend getaways while still providing a true wilderness experience.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Lancaster, Ohio?

Dispersed camping sites near Lancaster offer minimal amenities, staying true to their primitive nature. At Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, you'll find basic pit toilets (closed during winter months) and established fire rings at designated sites. Many sites have cleared areas for tents and some pull-off areas for vehicles. Witch's Peak provides scenic views and rock outcroppings rather than facilities. Most dispersed sites in the region don't offer potable water, trash services, or electrical hookups, so campers should pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste.

Are there any costs or permits required for dispersed camping around Lancaster?

Dispersed camping in Wayne National Forest areas near Lancaster is generally free without permits required for standard overnight stays. Stone Church Trailhead and New Straitsville Trailhead follow these same regulations. While camping itself is free, some activities like OHV riding require separate permits. Campers should follow dispersed camping regulations: stay at existing sites when possible, camp at least 200 feet from water sources, and adhere to fire restrictions. During high fire danger periods, open fires may be prohibited. Always check with the Wayne National Forest Athens Ranger District for current regulations before your trip.

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