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Best Dispersed Camping near Malta, OH

18 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Malta, Ohio concentrates in the Wayne National Forest, with several free primitive sites accessible via trails and forest roads. The Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail area provides multiple established dispersed sites along a hiking loop, while Monday Creek OHV area offers drive-in tent camping options with minimal facilities. Additional options include Dorr Run-Red Oak Trailhead, New Straitsville Trailhead, and Witch's Peak, all providing primitive camping with varying accessibility levels within 25 miles of Malta.

Access conditions range significantly between sites. Wildcat Hollow requires hiking to reach campsites, with options beginning within the first mile or deeper along a 5-mile or 15-mile loop trail. Monday Creek OHV area permits drive-in access with parking for vehicles and some trailer accommodation. Many roads in the Wayne National Forest become muddy after rain, particularly at Wildcat Hollow where several reviewers noted persistent mud issues regardless of season. Most sites have established stone fire rings but no drinking water, requiring campers to pack in all supplies. Restroom facilities are limited to vault toilets at trailheads, and not all sites offer trash disposal.

The camping experience varies across these areas based on intended use. Wildcat Hollow offers more secluded backpacking opportunities with primitive campsites featuring stone fire rings in forest settings. The area becomes notably crowded on weekends, particularly at easily accessible sites near the trailhead. Monday Creek and Dorr Run areas primarily serve as base camps for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts during the April-December permitted season. Caution is advised regarding water sources throughout the region. "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." Cell service is spotty in valley areas but generally available on ridges, providing intermittent connectivity for campers seeking a backcountry experience.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Malta, Ohio (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Malta, OH

4 Photos of 8 Malta Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Malta, OH

18 Reviews of 8 Malta 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Nice small trailhead area

    Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained. Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet. No hook-ups of any kind. I did not camp here due to severe weather warnings. With att had 2 to 3 bars cell service.

  • 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.

  • Annika E.
    May. 28, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Flat tentspots

    Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill.

Guide to Malta

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Malta, Ohio, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. With several options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Top Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers a challenging backpacking loop with designated campsites along the way, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness.
  • For a more primitive experience, the Witch’s Peak features steep trails leading to stunning rock outcroppings and breathtaking views, ideal for adventurous hikers.
  • The Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provides access to various hiking paths, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.

Unique Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

  • At the Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, you can spot a variety of wildlife while enjoying the thrill of off-road vehicle trails that wind through the area.
  • The Kinderhook Horse Trail is not only a great spot for horseback riding but also offers chances to see local fauna in their natural habitat.
  • The Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead is surrounded by lush forests, providing a perfect setting for birdwatching and observing other wildlife.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Malta, Ohio

  • When visiting the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, be prepared for muddy conditions, especially after rain, and plan your hike accordingly.
  • If you choose the Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, arrive early to secure a spot, as it can get busy with off-road enthusiasts during peak times.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles at the Witch’s Peak to preserve the natural beauty of the area and ensure a pleasant experience for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Malta, OH is Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Malta, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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