Best Dispersed Camping near Pickerington, OH
Primitive campsites dot the landscape around Wayne National Forest, approximately 70 miles southeast of Pickerington, Ohio. Several dispersed camping areas provide free, undeveloped sites with minimal amenities. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail offers backpacking-accessible primitive camping with sites scattered along the trail system. Additional options include Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area and several trailheads such as Dorr Run Red Oak, New Straitsville, Stone Church, and Dorr Run-Elm that permit camping in designated areas. These sites typically feature only basic stone fire rings in cleared areas with no established facilities beyond occasional vault toilets at trailheads.
Access roads leading to these dispersed sites often require careful navigation. Many camping areas are reached via gravel or dirt forest roads that may become challenging after rainfall. Several reviewers note that trails and access points can become extremely muddy, particularly at Wildcat Hollow. Vehicle requirements vary by location, with some sites like Monday Creek OHV being drive-in accessible while others such as Wildcat Hollow require hiking to reach campsites. Most areas have no drinking water sources, and while some trailheads provide vault toilets during peak season, these facilities may close during winter months. Fire regulations vary, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others prohibit fires entirely.
These primitive camping areas provide seclusion and direct access to hiking and OHV trail systems throughout Wayne National Forest. The dispersed nature of sites means campers can often find solitude, particularly on weekdays or during off-seasons. Wildlife viewing and spring wildflowers are notable attractions at locations like Wildcat Hollow. Camping areas located at trailheads can experience higher traffic during peak OHV season (April-December). "I camp here allllll the time. Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," notes one camper about Wildcat Hollow. Another visitor cautions about Monday Creek: "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."
