Top Free Dispersed Camping near Wayne National Forest
Looking for the best Wayne National Forest dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Ohio excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Wayne National Forest, OH (8)
1. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
9 Reviews•13 Photos•127 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
2. Witch’s Peak
1 Review•17 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
3. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead
2 Reviews•5 Photos•54 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
4. Kinderhook Horse Trail
3 Reviews•9 Photos•9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Trash
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Wayne National Forest
14 Reviews of 8 Wayne National Forest Campgrounds
- 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.
Marty M.
Scout
Monday Creek OHV Dispersed
Primitive (off the grid)
My kinda place
Annika E.
TravelerKinderhook Horse Trail
Flat tentspots
Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). 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. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill.
- JJoe B.Scout
Kinderhook Horse Trail
Nice small trailhead area
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. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained. Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet. No hook-ups of any kind. I did not camp here due to severe weather warnings. With att had 2 to 3 bars cell service.
- SShaneGuide
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.
- JJade G.
RangerWildcat 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.Traveler
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.Ranger
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.Ranger
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.
- EEric S.Scout
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.RangerWildcat 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.Scout
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.GuideWildcat 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.
- LLeon H.Guide
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.
Guide to Wayne National Forest
Camping near Wayne National Forest, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "Great area. Camped here with my friends and I’ve been here on a backpacking trip through OU."
- Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes or rivers. One camper noted, "Perfect little spots on the lake," highlighting the fishing opportunities at Burr Oak State Park Campground.
- Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle around the lakes. A review from Campbell Cove Camping mentions, "You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Burr Oak State Park Campground said, "Showers and restrooms were acceptable and what you might expect from a state park."
- Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday shared, "The staff was friendly, courteous and great to deal with."
- Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Campbell Cove Camping offer playgrounds and swimming areas, making them great for families. One reviewer said, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole."
What you should know:
- Site conditions: Some campgrounds have uneven or sloped sites. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together."
- Noise levels: Expect some noise from nearby campers. One visitor at Forked Run State Park Campground noted, "Most patrons seem to be local - weekends full of loud music and drinking."
- Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed stated, "There are no amenities except for an outhouse in the parking lot."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose the right campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Campbell Cove Camping, which has activities for kids. One parent said, "This place was really cute... His name is Steve. He is super friendly and helpful."
- Plan for activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday mentioned, "There are plenty of things for the kids to do."
- Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A camper at Burr Oak State Park Campground noted, "The general store is cute and has everything you need."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Forked Run State Park Campground advised, "Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking as sites can be small and hilly."
- Leveling equipment: Bring leveling blocks if your site is uneven. One RV owner at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "I’d go again, but they should maybe make some tent pads for the tent sites."
- Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Top O' The Caves Campground said, "The worst part is the lots are so sloped that it took all my wood, stackers, levelers and a bit of luck to get my camper level."
Camping near Wayne National Forest, Ohio, has something for everyone. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wayne National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wayne National Forest 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 Wayne National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Wayne National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.