Best Dispersed Camping near New Plymouth, OH
Several dispersed camping areas exist in the Wayne National Forest near New Plymouth, Ohio. The U.S. Forest Service manages multiple primitive camping locations in this region, including Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, Witch's Peak, New Straitsville Trailhead, Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead, and Stone Church Trailhead. These sites provide free, primitive camping opportunities with minimal to no amenities. Most locations are accessible via forest service roads and trails, with camping permitted at designated clearings along trails or at trailheads.
Access to these dispersed sites varies considerably depending on location and weather conditions. Many areas become extremely muddy after rainfall, particularly at Wildcat Hollow where trails can remain wet for extended periods. High-clearance vehicles may be necessary for some locations, while others require hiking in. Most sites feature basic stone fire rings but no other amenities. Fires are generally permitted except during high fire danger periods. Campers should pack in all necessary water, as local water sources are not recommended for consumption even with filtration. Toilet facilities are available at some trailheads but not at remote sites.
The dispersed camping experience in this area offers varying levels of seclusion depending on location and timing. Wildcat Hollow provides both short (5-mile) and long (15-mile) loop trails with campsites positioned every few miles, making it suitable for backpacking. Weekends can become crowded at popular trailheads, with Monday Creek OHV area and Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead often filling quickly. "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," noted one Wildcat Hollow visitor. Another camper at Monday Creek mentioned, "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."
