Best Dispersed Camping near Manchester, OH

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Manchester, OH

12 Reviews of 3 Manchester Campgrounds

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  Shari G.

  Legend

  Aug. 4, 2020

  Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

  Beautiful & Free, but Lots of Trash Around

  We simply love camping in the National Forest Service campgrounds, most often because they are isolated, beautiful, inexpensive and usually, very quiet. We rolled up on a Tuesday night in mid-July and found the campground about ¾ full but still plenty of space for our little trailer. With about a dozen or so sites, some along the lakeshore, others closeby, lots of options exist to be alone or with a group. 

  There is no potable water or electrical hookups, but with our solar panel we are always ready for primitive sites.  There were portable pit-toilets (bring your own TP, if you want to have some). There are no trash cans or dumpsters in the area, so plan accordingly. The main activity of folks in the campground seemed to be fishing, so I assume the fishing is good, or at least the trying is. But launching a kayak for an easy paddle about the lake couldn’t be easier from your site. 

  We arrived right after a busy holiday weekend, and found our site (and those next to it) full of extra fire rings and heaps of trash. It’s discouraging to love these camping areas and find them in such a rough state after others use them. It’s a good reminder to come prepared to pick up after yourself and others who aren’t as thoughtful. We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left. Carry it in, folks, and then carry it out.

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• 

  Wayne H.

  Guide

  Sep. 1, 2019

  Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

  Broke campers dream

  This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake. No fire pits, no restrooms, no water or electricity hookups. Most spots have boat in access! Will definitely be going back! Located in Morehead, KY.

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  Lynn G.

  Ranger

  Sep. 30, 2017

  Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

  Dispersed camping in Daniel Boone National Forest

  The National Forest has hiking, multi-use trails, and boating (there is a ramp nearby). This is dispersed camping, meaning there are no amenities besides a pit toilet and a few fire rings. Make sure to bring your own water treatment.

  Yay: Close to the river, on the less busy side of the forest. Drive along the road and decide which campsite to stay at. All free.

  Nay: Sadly, there was a lot of trash at all the sites. Not all sites have fire rings. There are only 7 sites so and no reservations so you may end up out of luck (but there are many other campgrounds in the area). Can be very muddy!

  Surprise: call or visit the ranger office before entering the forest to get the latest recommendations for good trails and where to see wildlife!

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• 

  Lucille W.

  Ranger

  Apr. 29, 2020

  Hanging Rock Recreation Site

  Motor Vehicle Area

  The Hanging Rock Recreation area features tons of well kept ATV trails for motor bikes or quads (max width allowed is 50 inches). Besides the ATV trails, there are tons of little lakes that are ideal for fishing! There is a large parking area in the middle of the park with a restroom, and at least one other restroom further down the road. I noticed several “fire pits” in gravel pull offs in the park. Not sure if fires are allowed though.

  We hiked here today to retrieve some trail cameras from the surrounding Wayne National Forest for a spotted skunk study at Ohio University. Along and just off the trails were tons of gorgeous wildflowers like trilliums, violets, showy orchids, and more!

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• 

  Dylane S.

  Guide

  Jun. 22, 2019

  Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

  Not always accessible

  June 2019 was not able to access the campsite due to a gate blocking the road.

• 

  Rob G.

  Traveler

  Apr. 18, 2021

  Hanging Rock Recreation Site

  Great spot and easy to find!

  With that being said, there was good and bad. The good was I found a spot quickly and had 2 entire ponds to myself. The bad was locals firing guns for the hell of it for an hour straight and the trash left behind from the previous campers. Once night fall hit everything was quiet so I couldn't complain too much. Awesome morning sunrise!

• J

  Jay S.

  Traveler

  Jun. 12, 2024

  Hanging Rock Recreation Site

  Better Than Walmart

  We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn’t know if there were any place to turn our rv around. Very quiet night and were visited by fireflies which was awesome.

• 

  Kevin C.

  Ranger

  Oct. 19, 2024

  Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

  Beautiful location just off a paved road

  We came in on a Friday late afternoon and there were only a few camping sites available. We found a spot right on the lake.

  Our first morning a heron was fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us. We saw him catch a fish. There were woodpeckers, hawks and several other birds I did not recognize.

  The view of the lake from our camp site was amazing. Very picture worthy!

  The campsites are pretty close together providing less than optimal privacy. Some of the campers stayed up late but they kept the noise level down.

  While there we saw one group hang a deer carcass in a tree. Good times!

• 

  Dawn P.

  Scout

  Oct. 10, 2020

  Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

  Scary

  This place was trashy.  Cars came and went all night. People are living there.  There were people hunting something until 2 am with flashlights. (Guessing frogs) 

  Don’t go