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Best Dispersed Camping near New Concord, OH

18 Reviews

Dispersed camping around New Concord, Ohio centers primarily in Wayne National Forest, where several primitive sites provide free overnight options without developed facilities. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers the most established backcountry camping experience, located approximately 35 miles southwest of New Concord. Several other trailheads in Wayne National Forest permit camping, including Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, Dorr Run Red Oak Trailhead, and Kinderhook Horse Trail. These areas typically feature simple clearings with stone fire rings and minimal to no amenities.

Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that may become difficult after rain. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed allows drive-in tent camping with toilet facilities and trash collection, while Wildcat Hollow requires hiking in with all necessary supplies. Several reviews note that spring conditions often create muddy trails, particularly at Wildcat Hollow. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with most sites permitting open fires in established rings except during high fire danger periods. "Pack in all water you need," noted one Wildcat Hollow visitor, as stream water is not recommended for consumption even with filtration due to local oil drilling activity.

These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking seclusion and natural surroundings rather than amenities. Wildcat Hollow offers both shorter and longer loop trail options (5 and 15 miles) with campsites positioned along the routes. "The trail is challenging terrain, especially when backpacking. It can be very wet and muddy in the spring or after rains," one camper reported. Spring visitors mention abundant wildflowers throughout the area. Cell service varies significantly, with better reception on ridges and limited to no connectivity in valleys. Kinderhook Horse Trail provides a hand pump water spigot but experiences regular vehicle traffic, with some reviewers noting "people coming and going every 15 minutes" making it potentially less private than other options.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near New Concord, Ohio (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near New Concord, OH

4 Photos of 8 New Concord Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Concord, OH

18 Reviews of 8 New Concord 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to New Concord

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Concord, Ohio, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while immersing themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed is perfect for those who enjoy hiking in a picturesque setting, featuring a challenging terrain that rewards adventurers with stunning views.
  • For a more primitive experience, the Witch’s Peak offers steep trails leading to breathtaking rock outcroppings and unique geological formations, ideal for bouldering and exploration.
  • The Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provides access to various hiking paths, making it a great base for those looking to explore the surrounding wilderness.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near New Concord

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse trails at the Kinderhook Horse Trail, which offers well-maintained paths suitable for both horseback riding and hiking.
  • The Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area is a popular spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, providing access to numerous trails for ATV and dirt bike adventures.
  • Birdwatching and wildlife photography are rewarding activities at the Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead, where visitors can spot various species in their natural habitat.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near New Concord, Ohio

  • Be prepared for muddy conditions, especially in spring, at the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, where recent rains can create challenging hiking conditions.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, as seen at the [Monday Creek OHV Dispersed], where visitors are encouraged to pack out what they pack in to maintain the area's natural beauty.
  • Check for cell service availability before heading out, as some areas like the [Witch’s Peak] may have limited connectivity, making it essential to plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Concord, OH?

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

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

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