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Best Dispersed Camping near Circleville, OH

13 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas are available in Wayne National Forest approximately 30 miles southeast of Circleville. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers free tent camping with basic amenities including vault toilets and trash receptacles. The area features drive-in access and allows campfires and pets. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening" with "vaulted toilet and garbage cans as a welcome bonus."

Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed provides free primitive camping accessible only by hiking. The area features two loop trails—a shorter 5-mile route and a longer 15-mile option—with multiple established sites along both paths. These sites typically include stone fire rings in cleared areas but no other amenities. Campers should pack in all water, as a review noted "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." The trail conditions can be challenging, particularly after rainfall when significant mud makes hiking difficult. Other dispersed options include Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead and Witch's Peak, both offering primitive camping with varying levels of accessibility.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Circleville, Ohio (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Circleville, OH

3 Photos of 7 Circleville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Circleville, OH

13 Reviews of 7 Circleville 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 Circleville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Circleville, Ohio, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a more rugged and secluded outdoor experience. With a variety of locations offering unique features and activities, there's something for everyone looking to escape into the wild.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Witch’s Peak offers stunning rock outcroppings and breathtaking views, making the steep hike worthwhile for those seeking picturesque landscapes.
  • At the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, campers can enjoy a serene environment filled with vibrant wildflowers during spring, perfect for nature photography.
  • The Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provides access to beautiful hiking trails, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the lush surroundings.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Circleville

  • Hiking is a popular activity at the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, where visitors can explore challenging terrains and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
  • For off-road enthusiasts, the Monday Creek OHV Dispersed is an excellent spot to park and access various trails, making it a great base for adventure.
  • Campers at the Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while engaging in birdwatching and wildlife observation.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Circleville, Ohio

  • Always check the accessibility of facilities like restrooms and fire rings at locations such as the Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, especially during off-peak seasons.
  • Be prepared for primitive camping conditions at the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, where amenities are limited, and it's essential to pack in and pack out all your supplies.
  • When visiting the Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, consider arriving early to secure a spot, as it can get busy, especially on weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Circleville, 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 Circleville, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Circleville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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