Best Dispersed Camping near Lockbourne, OH

Dispersed camping opportunities within the Wayne National Forest, approximately 70 miles southeast of Lockbourne, Ohio, center around several OHV trailheads that permit primitive camping. The Dorr Run Red Oak Trailhead and Monday Creek OHV Dispersed areas provide the most established options for backcountry campers seeking free or low-cost sites. These areas feature designated pull-off locations where campers can set up tents or small RVs in a primitive setting without formal campground infrastructure.

Many access roads in this region require careful navigation, particularly during wet conditions. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area permits alcohol and offers free camping with basic amenities including vault toilets and trash collection. Dorr Run Red Oak Trailhead includes several fire rings for campers, but has seasonal limitations as some campsites become inaccessible during winter months when OHV trails close. Neither location provides drinking water or hookups, making them suitable primarily for self-sufficient campers prepared for primitive conditions.

The dispersed camping areas primarily serve as base camps for OHV enthusiasts during the permitted season (April-December), though hikers can access trails year-round. Weekends during peak season see significant traffic and competition for sites. "Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring," noted one camper at Dorr Run. For overnight travelers, these areas can provide convenient stopping points. As one visitor to Monday Creek observed, "Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening. Great stop over location." Cell service is available but unreliable throughout these dispersed camping zones.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lockbourne, Ohio (5)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lockbourne, OH

3 Reviews of 5 Lockbourne Campgrounds


  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Monday Creek OHV Dispersed

    Busy but good camping spot

    Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2025

    New Straitsville Trailhead

    Really just parking for an OHV trail

    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)


Guide to Lockbourne

Dispersed camping options in Wayne National Forest provide primitive recreation areas approximately 70-75 miles southeast of Lockbourne, Ohio. The forest encompasses over 244,000 acres across southeastern Ohio with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,200 feet. These rustic camping locations primarily serve as base camps for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts during the permitted season running April through December.

What to do

Trail exploration: Hikers can access Wayne National Forest trails year-round, even when the OHV trails close for winter. New Straitsville Trailhead serves as an access point for these trails, though a camper notes, "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)."

Overnight stays: The camping areas provide convenient stopping points for travelers passing through the region. At Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, one visitor reported, "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."

Off-season exploration: Winter visitors find significantly reduced crowds but limited amenities. A camper at Dorr Run Red Oak Trailhead observed, "Stayed one night. OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter."

What campers like

Seclusion factor: The primitive nature of Wayne National Forest camping appeals to those seeking undeveloped camping near Lockbourne. As one visitor to Monday Creek OHV Dispersed simply stated, "My kinda place," when describing the primitive, off-the-grid camping experience.

Availability of basic facilities: Despite the rustic setting, some sites offer minimal amenities that campers appreciate. The presence of vault toilets and trash receptacles at Monday Creek OHV Dispersed were specifically mentioned as "a welcome bonus" by visitors using the area as an overnight stop.

Fire rings at select sites: Campers at Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead appreciate the established fire rings at some pullouts. Competition exists for these spots, with one Dorr Run visitor noting how they "snagged the last available spot with a fire ring" during a busy weekend.

What you should know

Seasonal closures and limitations: Winter visitors face significant restrictions when exploring primitive camping sites near Lockbourne. At Dorr Run Red Oak Trailhead, "Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter."

Weekend congestion: Traffic patterns vary dramatically between weekdays and weekends, particularly during OHV season. One New Straitsville Trailhead visitor noted the area can become "more congested between April-December" during permitted OHV season.

Variable cell service: Communication capabilities fluctuate throughout the forest. While some connectivity exists, reliability varies by location and carrier. One camper mentioned, "Cell service was available, but not great" at Dorr Run.

Site selection timing: Arriving early improves chances of securing preferred spots. At Stone Church Trailhead, weekends fill quickly, similar to other areas where visitors report significant evening traffic with "lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."

Tips for camping with families

Best arrival times: For family camping trips, midweek arrivals provide more options and less competition for sites with amenities like fire rings. Weekend arrivals should plan to reach sites by early afternoon, as one camper noted their group "snagged the last available spot with a fire ring" on a Saturday at Dorr Run Red Oak Trailhead.

Facility preparation: Families should bring portable toilet supplies for locations lacking facilities or during winter when vault toilets close. Several sites have no permanent restroom facilities, and others close seasonally.

Supply planning: No potable water exists at any dispersed camping areas in Wayne National Forest. Families must bring all necessary water supplies for drinking, cooking, and cleaning during their stay at locations like Dorr Run Elm Trailhead.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Most RVers select Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area due to its accessibility and minimal facilities. One visitor noted, "Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty," indicating the availability of adequate parking for RVs and trailers.

Hookup alternatives: No electrical, water, or sewer connections exist at any dispersed camping location in Wayne National Forest. RVers must be fully self-contained with adequate battery power and tank capacity for their intended stay duration.

Road conditions: Access roads require careful navigation, particularly for larger rigs. Many roads become challenging or impassable during wet conditions, limiting RV access to main trailhead areas only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lockbourne, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lockbourne, OH is Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lockbourne, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Lockbourne, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.