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Best Dispersed Camping near Wayne National Forest

18 Reviews

Wayne National Forest offers multiple free dispersed camping options across its three units in southeastern Ohio. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail provides primitive sites along a loop trail system with established campsites marked by stone fire rings. This hike-in area features both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop with campsites spaced every few miles. The trails can become extremely muddy after rainfall, with several reviews noting difficult hiking conditions regardless of season.

Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area provides drive-in access with basic amenities including vault toilets and trash service. This area allows tent camping with fires permitted and sees considerable traffic from off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. Dorr Run-Red Oak Trailhead offers similar drive-in primitive camping with fire rings and restrooms, though it becomes less accessible during winter months. Kinderhook Horse Trail provides limited camping primarily designed for equestrian users, featuring picnic tables, vault toilets and a manual water pump, though recent reviews describe frequent vehicle traffic making it less suitable for solo campers. Most dispersed sites throughout Wayne National Forest prohibit drinking from natural water sources, even with filtration, due to ongoing resource extraction activities in the region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Wayne National Forest (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wayne National Forest

4 Photos of 9 Wayne National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wayne National Forest

18 Reviews of 9 Wayne National Forest Campgrounds

  • 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

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2024

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Annika E.
    May. 28, 2024

    Kinderhook 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.

Guide to Wayne National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wayne National Forest in Ohio, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a more primitive and secluded experience. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

  • Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers a variety of hike-in and walk-in sites, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
  • The trail features a challenging terrain that rewards hikers with stunning views and a sense of adventure, especially during the spring when wildflowers bloom.
  • Campers should be prepared for muddy conditions after rain, as noted by visitors who recommend bringing appropriate footwear for the trek.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Wayne National Forest in Ohio

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, as some areas can get busy, particularly at popular locations like the Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
  • Be mindful of the pack-in/pack-out policy; this means you should carry out everything you bring in, ensuring the area remains pristine for future visitors.
  • Take advantage of the available amenities, such as restrooms and trash disposal at sites like the Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, which can enhance your camping experience.

Scenic views and unique features for dispersed campers

  • For those seeking breathtaking vistas, Witch’s Peak offers steep trails that lead to impressive rock outcroppings and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Campers can enjoy primitive sites with stone fire rings, providing a rustic experience while still being close to nature, as seen at the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife and unique geological formations, which add to the charm of dispersed camping in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Wayne National Forest?

Wayne National Forest offers several dispersed camping options. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed is popular for backpacking with numerous campsites along its 5-mile and 15-mile loop trails. Sites are semi-cleared areas with established fire rings. For equestrian enthusiasts, Kinderhook Horse Trail provides dispersed camping opportunities near well-maintained horse trails, though camping areas are limited and best suited for small groups in tents or small campers. Other options include Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead, and Stone Church Trailhead. Remember that dispersed camping in Wayne National Forest typically means primitive conditions with limited or no facilities, so come prepared.

Is there free camping available in Wayne National Forest?

Yes, Wayne National Forest offers free camping options. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provides free camping, though some sites may be inaccessible during winter months when OHV trails close (hiking remains permitted year-round). Witch's Peak offers free primitive camping at the end of a steep trail with rewarding views and interesting rock formations. When camping for free in Wayne National Forest, be prepared for basic conditions - no hookups, potable water, or modern facilities. Follow Leave No Trace principles, use existing fire rings where available, and check for seasonal fire restrictions. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so having backup options during peak seasons is recommended.

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 Witch’s Peak with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wayne National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Wayne National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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