Stephen R.
Guide
GuideNew Straitsville Trailhead
One night stop
Nice for one night stop
Dispersed Camping near Glouster, OH
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Wayne National Forest surrounding Glouster offers several free dispersed camping areas. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed provides primitive hike-in camping along a trail system with both 5-mile and 15-mile loop options. Established campsites feature basic stone fire rings scattered along the trails. The area requires no permits but has no amenities beyond a vault toilet at the trailhead.
Trail conditions at Wildcat Hollow can be problematic after rainfall. Multiple campers report significant mud issues, with one noting "the trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places" even in July. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed provides drive-in tent camping with vault toilets and trash receptacles. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead offers both drive-in and walk-in options for tents and RVs with basic facilities. Water sources throughout these areas are unreliable and potentially contaminated, as one camper warned: "While there is water in the valleys I wouldn't use it even with a filter."
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Glouster (8)
1. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
"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."
"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."
2. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed
"Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."
3. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead
"OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season. Nice place."
"The second night we only had one tent near us. There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well."
4. New Straitsville Trailhead
5. Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead
"Relatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer."
6. Witch’s Peak
7. Stone Church Trailhead
from $15 / night
8. Kinderhook Horse Trail
"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."
"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."
Drive Time
- 53 min from Parkersburg, WV
- 1 hr 11 min from Columbus, OH
- 1 hr 49 min from Huntington, WV
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Glouster, OH
4 Photos of 8 Glouster Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Glouster, OH
22 Reviews of 8 Glouster Campgrounds
Ilce H.GuideMonday Creek OHV Dispersed
Ok but FREE
Its free so worth it but i would not stay here again. Its not too “dispersed” its more of a parking lot + atvs driving all day if your sensitive to noise. Oh its also raining ticks here. Stayed for one night.
Travis L.
TravelerNew Straitsville Trailhead
Very nice
Nice and quiet. Bathroom was locked. Only one other person here. 10/10 recommend
- TTyler O.Traveler
Kinderhook Horse Trail
Quiet, small spot, perfect for a short camping trip.
There are two small camping spots with picnic tables. The vault toilet here is very clean and even had a lockable door. There is also drinkable water from a city water hand pump. Very quiet at night, except for a handful of cars that might drive through or spend the night. I spent two weeks here and had zero issues with people being loud or causing a ruckus. As far as fire wood, you can walk around and pick up all the downed wood you’d like, but I’d recommend bringing some wood with you if it’s rained in the last few days. Plenty of space to park. Gas stations, fast food, and dollar general are all within 10 mins. Verizon signal - 1/2 bars ATT signal - 2/3 bars
- JJack H.Traveler
Kinderhook Horse Trail
Nice Site, Not Private
The site itself is quite nice, with access to toilets and picnic tables. However, it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit. I’ve had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left. I would not recommend this site if you are traveling solo (Like I am).
- DDexter V.Guide
Kinderhook Horse Trail
Sketchy.
People coming and going every 15 minutes ish. Some folks pull in stare at you for a few seconds then leave. Only staying one night here then moving on.
- MMic B.
ScoutNew Straitsville Trailhead
Really just parking for an OHV trail
Overall not a bad spot for a one night travel spot but I could see it being more congested between April-December (OHV permitted season)
- Harley G.Guide
Kinderhook Horse Trail
Okay small area
Was a “okay” small area to stay at for free. There was a lot of bees, yellow jackets. The bathroom was clean, but the "non-flush" toilet was just gross.
Kevin C.
RangerMonday Creek OHV Dispersed
Busy but good camping spot
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. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus.
Guide to Glouster
Wayne National Forest offers multiple dispersed camping sites across approximately 250,000 acres of public land surrounding Glouster, Ohio. The forest encompasses three non-contiguous units in southeastern Ohio with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,250 feet. Seasonal road closures affect access to many dispersed camping areas from December through April, particularly for OHV trail access points.
What to do
Hiking longer routes: Wildcat Hollow offers multiple hiking options beyond the standard loops. "I camp here allllll the time. Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek... 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." - Lucille W., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
Off-season camping: Winter dispersed camping provides a different experience with fewer crowds. "Stayed one night. OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season." - Doug H., Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead
Rock climbing: Several natural outcroppings provide climbing opportunities near dispersed sites. "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!" - Lucille W., Witch's Peak
What campers like
Solitude during weekdays: Weekday camping offers significantly more privacy at most dispersed sites. "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." - Chris B., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
Accessible primitive sites: Monday Creek offers convenient dispersed sites with basic facilities. "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. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus." - Kevin C., Monday Creek OHV Dispersed
Ridge-top cell service: Higher elevation camping spots maintain connectivity. "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." - Steve C., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
What you should know
Seasonal accessibility: Winter conditions significantly limit access to many sites. "Overall not a bad spot for a one night travel spot but I could see it being more congested between April-December (OHV permitted season)" - Mic B., New Straitsville Trailhead
Limited trailhead camping: Popular areas fill quickly on weekends. "Stayed here for two nights. Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring. The second night we only had one tent near us. There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well." - Taylor P., Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead
Insect pressure: Prepare for significant bug activity, particularly in wooded areas. "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." - Annika E., Kinderhook Horse Trail
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Some sites provide perfect introductory backpacking for children. "This campground is nice. They are all designated campsites but they are first-come-first serve. They are hike-to only. 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." - Jade G., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
Safety considerations: Choose established sites for family camping. "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." - Leon H., Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Spring camping provides unique nature observation. "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." - Shane, Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small trailers or RVs. "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." - Joe B., Kinderhook Horse Trail
Overnight transit options: Several trailheads serve as convenient overnight stops. "Was a 'okay' small area to stay at for free. There was a lot of bees, yellow jackets. The bathroom was clean, but the 'non-flush' toilet was just gross." - Harley G., Kinderhook Horse Trail
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find primitive camping spots near Glouster, Ohio?
Where can I find primitive camping spots near Glouster, Ohio?
Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers excellent primitive camping opportunities with numerous sites along both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop trail. The trail features established campsites every few miles, with some located near the trailhead for easier access and others deeper in the backcountry. This free camping area in Wayne National Forest is ideal for backpackers seeking seclusion. Witch's Peak provides a more challenging primitive camping experience with a steep trail leading to beautiful rock outcroppings and a unique rock shelter at the trail's end.
What amenities are available at primitive camping sites near Glouster, Ohio?
What amenities are available at primitive camping sites near Glouster, Ohio?
Kinderhook Horse Trail offers basic amenities including a restroom, picnic table, and manual water pump near the parking area. The site is primarily designed for horse trail users but accommodates small campers, car camping, or tents. However, there are no fire rings at most sites. At Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, amenities are minimal by design. Primitive sites generally have cleared tent spots and occasionally fire rings, but most lack water sources (visitors should bring their own water), showers, or electrical hookups. Some locations like Wildcat Hollow have pit toilets at trailheads, but once on the trail, no facilities are available.
What permits or regulations are required for dispersed camping in Glouster, Ohio?
What permits or regulations are required for dispersed camping in Glouster, Ohio?
Most dispersed camping in the Glouster area follows Wayne National Forest regulations. No specific permits are required for camping at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, but camping is seasonal with many sites inaccessible during winter. For Stone Church Trailhead, standard national forest dispersed camping rules apply. Generally, campers should follow Leave No Trace principles, camp in established sites only, and limit stays to 14 days. Small open fires are permitted except during high fire danger periods, and fire rings should be used where available. Always check the official Wayne National Forest website for current regulations before your trip.
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