Best Dispersed Camping near Montpelier, OH
Dispersed camping near Montpelier, Ohio includes primitive options along the Buckeye Trail and in neighboring Indiana. The Delphos Section of the Buckeye Trail offers a small primitive campsite located just 0.17 miles off the main trail adjacent to Hipp's Lock, which was once part of the Miami-Erie Canal towpath. This site accommodates approximately two tents and features a metal fire ring with ample deadfall available for campfires. Chain O'Lakes area in Indiana, though farther from Montpelier, provides additional primitive camping opportunities for those willing to travel.
Access to the Buckeye Trail site requires hiking or walking in, making it suitable for backpackers traversing the trail rather than vehicle-based campers. The site has no amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Fires are permitted in the established ring, though campers must collect their own deadfall for fuel. Weather conditions and seasonal factors may affect accessibility and comfort at these primitive sites, particularly during wet periods when trail conditions deteriorate.
The primitive camping experience near Montpelier provides opportunities for wildlife observation and peaceful natural settings. The pond near the Buckeye Trail site hosts abundant wildlife, and "the tree frogs and bull frogs will lull you to sleep," according to one backpacker who visited the area. This location serves as a "welcome respite from the road walking of this section" of the Buckeye Trail. For those venturing to Chain O'Lakes, despite some confusion about fees, primitive camping options exist though they may require payment despite being listed as free in some sources. Campers should verify current regulations before traveling to any dispersed site to ensure compliance with local rules.
