Top Free Dispersed Camping near New Lexington, OH

Looking for the best New Lexington dispersed camping? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Lexington, OH (6)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In New Lexington

11 Reviews of 6 New Lexington Campgrounds


  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • Steve C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • Lucille W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Witch’s Peak
    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.

  • Lucille W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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

  • Ruby W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • Chris B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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.

  • Jason M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Away...away....AWAY!!!! Great spot ot avoid the crowds. Shhhhhhh!

    Went backpack camping with a friend on this loop - we took the shorter of the two. The land is all regrowth forest and the further you go, the less you see of people - a novelty in this part of the world.

    There are several primitive campsites along the trail with nothing more than a stone fire ring and a clearing, so pack in everything you need including water.

    A great spot. We will return.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
    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



Guide to New Lexington

Camping near New Lexington, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic hikes to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by,” making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, “The sites have level pads... The park is very neat and clean,” highlighting the well-maintained facilities.
  • Wildlife Watching: Salt Fork State Park Campground is known for its wildlife. One reviewer noted, “We saw deer, heard coyotes and even saw a flying squirrel one night,” making it a great spot for animal enthusiasts.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower houses. A visitor at Deer Creek State Park Campground remarked, “The shower houses and restrooms were recently redone and in great shape!”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the large sites at Dillon State Park Campground. One happy camper said, “Dillon is one of our favorite camping destinations. They have very large sites.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Tar Hollow State Park Campground is noted for being great for families. A long-time visitor shared, “Been going here since I was a child,” indicating its appeal for family camping trips.

What you should know:

  • Site Conditions: Some campgrounds have uneven or sloped sites. A camper at Forked Run State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are very bad for tent camping and not the best for RVs.”
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise, especially on weekends. One reviewer noted, “It was rather noisy when we were there too,” at Forked Run, so plan accordingly if you prefer quieter surroundings.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground pointed out, “The flush toilets are closed for the season so only the vault toilets were open,” which is something to keep in mind.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lake Hope State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, “The lake is beautiful and there is a very nice lodge for meals.”
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “Amenities include boating, fishing, disc golf,” which can keep the whole family entertained.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along items like hammocks or outdoor games. One family enjoyed their time at Burr Oak State Park Campground and noted, “The non-electric site's are a little hilly but we slept in our Kia Soul next to the picnic table and fire ring.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Forked Run State Park Campground advised, “Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking as sites can be small and hilly.”
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric sites, which can be a lifesaver. A visitor at Salt Fork State Park Campground mentioned, “The electric only sites were priced at $33/night,” making it affordable for RVers.
  • Plan for Waste Disposal: Be aware of dump station locations. A reviewer at Dillon State Park Campground noted, “The bathrooms we had access to were heated and perfectly clean,” which is a plus for RVers needing facilities.

Camping near New Lexington, Ohio, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near New Lexington, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.