Best Dispersed Camping near Lancaster, OH
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.
