Dispersed camping near Wingett Run, Ohio includes free primitive sites across Wayne National Forest land. Kinderhook Horse Trail and Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail provide key access points for dispersed camping in this southeastern Ohio region. The Kinderhook area features a small trailhead with limited primitive camping spots suitable for tents or small campers, while Wildcat Hollow offers more secluded backpacking opportunities with multiple dispersed sites along its trail system. Witch's Peak represents another primitive camping option, though it requires a steep hike to access the camping area.
Access conditions vary significantly between sites. Kinderhook Horse Trail provides drive-in access with a small parking area, basic vault toilets, a picnic table, and a manual water pump. Wildcat Hollow requires hike-in access with sites located at various points along either a 5-mile or 15-mile loop trail. As one visitor noted, "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." Witch's Peak demands a steep hike to reach camping areas. None of these locations offer amenities beyond the trailhead, and visitors should pack in all necessary supplies including water, as stream water may be unsafe for filtering. Roads to these areas can be challenging, particularly after rain.
The camping experience differs significantly across these off-grid sites. Kinderhook features flat tent spots near the trailhead but experiences frequent traffic from locals. "People coming and going every 15 minutes," reported one camper, making it potentially unsuitable for solo travelers seeking solitude. Wildcat Hollow, by contrast, offers greater seclusion the further hikers venture from the trailhead. "The further you go, the less you see of people - a novelty in this part of the world," commented a backpacker. The area becomes particularly scenic in spring when wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Campsites typically consist of cleared areas with stone fire rings. Trail conditions can become extremely muddy after rainfall, with one visitor describing sections as "a cesspool of mud." Witch's Peak rewards the difficult climb with impressive rock outcroppings, boulder routes, and a rock shelter at the trail's end.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
RangerWildcat 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.
ScoutArea 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.
TravelerGreat 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.
ScoutThe 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
RangerThis 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.
GuideThis 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
ScoutJust 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.
TravelerParking 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.
RangerThe 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.
Primitive camping near Wingett Run, Ohio offers backcountry experiences within the southeastern section of Wayne National Forest. This section of the Appalachian foothills features several off-grid camping areas with terrain ranging from 650 to 950 feet in elevation. Seasonal considerations impact these sites significantly, with spring bringing muddy conditions despite the typically well-drained soil composition characteristic of this region.
Explore boulder formations: The hike to Witch's Peak rewards the effort with unique geological features. "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," notes camper Lucille W.
Spring wildflower viewing: The forest floor transforms during springtime at Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," shares a regular visitor who camps there frequently.
Trail selection: Campers can choose between shorter or longer hiking loops at Wildcat Hollow. "There is a 5 mile loop or a longer ~15 mile loop that you can hike and there are campsites every couple of miles," explains Steve C., providing options for different experience levels.
Backcountry solitude: The remote setting attracts those seeking quiet wilderness experiences. "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," states Ruby W.
Established fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature basic stone fire rings. "The sites themselves are just semi-cleared areas with stone fire rings so it is totally primitive camping," explains a visitor describing the setup at primitive camping areas.
Quick access options: For those not wanting a long hike, Kinderhook Horse Trail offers more accessible camping. "Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road. Can camp here in certain spots," shares Joe B.
Water availability concerns: Surface water sources in the area may be unsuitable for filtration. "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," warns Steve C.
Trail conditions: Seasonal weather significantly impacts hiking conditions. "The trail can be very wet and muddy in the spring (or after any rains), so be prepared for that," explains Jade G. about preparing for backcountry travel.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies considerably across the terrain. "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," notes a backpacker describing communication limitations.
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Wildcat Hollow offers accessible options for introducing children to overnight hiking. "Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," recommends Lucille W., noting the manageable trail difficulty.
Site availability planning: Weekend crowds can impact the camping experience. "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," explains a regular visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wingett Run, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wingett Run, OH is Kinderhook Horse Trail with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Wingett Run, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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