Best Dispersed Camping near West Union, OH

Hanging Rock Recreation Area provides dispersed camping options near Ironton, Ohio, approximately 85 miles south of West Union. Located within Wayne National Forest, this primitive camping area features multiple pull-off sites and gravel areas where campers can set up without formal designated sites. The U.S. Forest Service manages this public land where visitors can find basic backcountry camping with minimal facilities. Some informal camping spots exist near small lakes and along the trail system throughout the recreation area.

Access to camping areas requires navigating forest roads that may be unpaved or rough in sections. Most sites are accessible via drive-in access points, though some require short walks to reach preferred spots. The area includes basic vault toilets but lacks drinking water, trash service, and other amenities. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with one listing indicating fires are permitted while another suggests restrictions may apply. Alcohol policies also appear inconsistent across different sections of the recreation area. Camping is primitive with no hookups for RVs, though both tent and RV camping are accommodated in some locations.

The recreation area contains several small lakes suitable for fishing and extensive ATV trails limited to vehicles under 50 inches wide. Campers should be prepared for varying experiences based on timing and location within the area. Wildlife viewing and spring wildflowers provide natural attractions for visitors. Reviews indicate mixed experiences with this camping area. "There was good and bad. The good was I found a spot quickly and had 2 entire ponds to myself. The bad was locals firing guns for the hell of it for an hour straight and the trash left behind from previous campers," noted one review. Multiple reviews mention concerns about trash accumulation and occasional noise issues, suggesting campers should select sites carefully and practice leave-no-trace principles.