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Best Dispersed Camping near Rockbridge, OH

13 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist in several locations near Rockbridge, Ohio within the Wayne National Forest. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed and Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provide primitive camping with minimal facilities, primarily serving as access points to off-highway vehicle and hiking trails. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, located near Corning, offers hike-in camping along a trail system with designated primitive sites. These areas feature stone fire rings and small clearings with no developed amenities beyond basic trail access.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly after rainfall when mud can become problematic. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed includes vault toilets and trash receptacles, but most locations have no water sources, making it necessary to pack in all supplies. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with fires permitted at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead and Monday Creek OHV when conditions allow. Campsites are typically first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, stronger on ridges but limited in valleys. The forest service recommends high-clearance vehicles for accessing many of these areas.

The terrain offers a mix of regrowth forest and hiking opportunities with varying levels of seclusion. Wildcat Hollow features two loop trail options—a shorter 5-mile route and a longer 15-mile path—with primitive campsites positioned along both. "The forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers" in spring at Wildcat Hollow, according to one visitor. Campers should be aware of seasonal conditions, as one review noted, "The trail can be a cesspool of mud in too many places." Monday Creek OHV Dispersed tends to be busier during weekends and the OHV permitted season (April-December), while weekday visits typically offer more solitude. These areas attract visitors seeking primitive, no-cost camping experiences with access to hiking, backpacking, and OHV recreation.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Rockbridge, Ohio (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Rockbridge, OH

3 Photos of 7 Rockbridge Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rockbridge, OH

13 Reviews of 7 Rockbridge Campgrounds

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Steve C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • E
    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

  • J
    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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Chris B.
    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.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • S
    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.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

Guide to Rockbridge

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rockbridge, Ohio, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to escape into the wild.

Top Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts While Free Camping Near Rockbridge

  • Hiking is a popular activity, with trails accessible from locations like Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, where you can explore scenic routes year-round.
  • For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Monday Creek OHV Dispersed provides access to various trails, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers.
  • Birdwatching and wildlife observation are rewarding experiences at Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, where the diverse ecosystem attracts numerous species.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Rockbridge, Ohio

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, as places like Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead can get busy during peak times.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers basic facilities like toilets but no drinking water, so bring your own supplies.
  • Familiarize yourself with the area’s regulations, as some spots, such as Stone Church Trailhead, do not require permits, making them convenient for spontaneous trips.

Scenic Views and Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy breathtaking vistas at Witch’s Peak, where the steep hike rewards you with stunning rock formations and panoramic views.
  • Explore the tranquil surroundings of Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead, which offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to connect with nature.
  • Experience the vibrant spring wildflowers at Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, making it a perfect time for photography and nature walks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rockbridge, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rockbridge, OH is Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Rockbridge, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Rockbridge, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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