Best Dispersed Camping near New Lexington, OH
Dispersed camping opportunities exist in the Wayne National Forest near New Lexington, Ohio, primarily at trailheads and along hiking paths. The Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail area provides multiple primitive campsites with established fire rings but no amenities. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area and several trailheads including Dorr-Run Red Oak, New Straitsville, Stone Church, and Dorr Run-Elm serve as access points for free camping. Most sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system in place.
Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that can become extremely muddy after rainfall. Several locations feature vault toilets at trailheads, but most camping areas lack water sources, and existing streams are not recommended for filtering. Campers must pack in all necessary water and supplies. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some areas permitting small open fires in established rings while others prohibit fires entirely. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly in valleys and remote sections.
The Wayne National Forest dispersed camping areas attract hikers and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts depending on the specific location. Wildcat Hollow features two loop trails (5 and 15 miles) with campsites positioned every few miles along the routes. Spring visits showcase abundant wildflowers carpeting the forest floor. "The trail can be a cesspool of mud in too many places especially on the stretch between the trailhead and the loop," notes one camper review. Another mentions, "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." Weekends typically see higher usage, particularly at OHV trailheads during the April-December permitted season.
