Top Free Dispersed Camping near New Plymouth, OH

Searching for a dispersed campsite near New Plymouth? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Ohio camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Plymouth, OH (6)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In New Plymouth

11 Reviews of 6 New Plymouth 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 Plymouth

Camping near New Plymouth, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic 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.
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at the pool available at Lake Hope State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The pool was wonderful," which is great for families looking to cool off.
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Campbell Cove Camping. One happy camper shared, "The bathrooms are so clean," making it a comfortable spot to relax after a day of fishing.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Tar Hollow State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Our stay was quiet and relaxing," which is perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like Hocking Hills KOA Holiday offer plenty of activities for kids. A family shared, "There are plenty of things for the kids to do," ensuring everyone has a good time.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Burr Oak State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "Perfect little spots on the lake," highlighting the picturesque scenery.

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at A.W. Marion State Park Campground noted, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together," so be prepared for some neighborly interactions.
  • Bathroom Conditions: Be aware that some facilities may not meet expectations. A visitor at Scioto Trail State Park Campground mentioned, "The vault toilets there are biohazards," so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Zaleski State Forest are more primitive. One camper said, "There’s no running water," so be ready to bring your own supplies.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Campbell Cove Camping, where one reviewer said, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "Good hiking all around and the lake is beautiful," which can be a great way to spend the day.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A visitor at Hocking Hills State Park Campground noted, "We only had a day there," so having food ready can save time.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Top O' The Caves Campground mentioned, "It took all my wood, stackers, levelers and a bit of luck to get my camper level."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular campgrounds can get busy. One RV owner at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday said, "The sites were nice and wide but not all level," so arrive early to secure a good spot.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Facilities may not always have what you need. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground noted, "I was not able to purchase any campfire wood or ice," so stock up before you arrive.

Camping near New Plymouth, Ohio, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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