The Wayne National Forest area surrounding Wingett Run offers primitive camping in a largely undeveloped section of southeastern Ohio. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,000 feet. The climate brings humid summers with temperatures averaging 80-85°F and cooler springs and falls in the 50-70°F range.
What to do
Fishing access: 15 miles from Wingett Run. The Little Muskingum River provides opportunities for anglers near Hune Bridge Campground. "The creeks are also great for fishing and float trips," notes Shari G., who adds that "within the national forest, you will find some historic covered bridges, churches, homes, general stores and quite a few hiking and horse trails."
Mountain biking: Moderate technical trails. Several paths in Wayne National Forest accommodate mountain bikers seeking forest terrain. Seth V. describes the area as "a fantastic spot for beginning and intermediate backpackers! Great beautiful trails. There are some steep sections but it's fantastic spot for a weekend hike."
Kayaking opportunities: Multiple river access points. The Muskingum River offers paddling routes with boat-in camping options. "We made a stop at camp while on a paddling trip," says Jackie D. about her stay at Ashland RV Park, noting it's "right on the river so we made a stop at camp while on a paddling trip. Awesome!"
What campers like
Affordable camping: Most primitive sites are free. Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost options at several sites. "This is a great drive in campsite perfect for family and friends to get into the woods for a bit," explains Seth V. about Hune Bridge Campground.
Scenic water views: Multiple waterfront sites. Campers consistently mention the peaceful river and lake settings. At Wolf Run State Park Campground, Rachel H. recommends to "choose one of the 'premium' sites for beautiful lakeside views! It's pretty quiet and usually not busy."
Seasonal opportunities: Fall foliage viewing. The forest transforms with vibrant colors during autumn. "We got engaged on the lake view site in early fall and also spent Halloween weekend there! It definitely adds a spook factor if you are camping that time of year," shares Rachel H. about Wolf Run State Park Campground.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Pack essentials. Most primitive sites lack potable water and other basic services. At Lamping Homestead Recreation Area, Shari G. points out "there is no water available, other than the pond, so plan accordingly."
Cell service variability: Spotty in valleys. Reception depends on campground location, with higher elevations typically offering better coverage. "With att had 2 to 3 bars cell service," reports Joe B. about Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Trail conditions: Seasonal monitoring recommended. Hikers should check trail status before trips. According to Annika E., "The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide."
Security concerns: Research before booking. Some dog friendly campgrounds near Wingett Run have reported safety issues. Jack H. notes about Kinderhook Horse Trail: "I've had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left. I would not recommend this site if you are traveling solo."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options for kids. Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. At River Run Campground, Jeremiah S. shares, "We kept cool in the river, the pool, and with the ice cream store nearby. There wasn't easy river access from the campground but we climbed down the hill with no problem and waded the stream for hours."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing. Children can observe native species in their natural habitat. "North Bend State Park would be good for kids because they have playgrounds, mini-golf and an outdoor swimming pool," notes Jennifer B.
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature swings. Temperature variations of 30°F between day and night are common in spring and fall. "The grounds and restrooms were clean, manicured and well maintained," reports Dave V. about River Run Campground, though he warns that "trails have difficulty drying out, so rocks and roots were muddy and slick."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check for levelness. Many campgrounds have varied terrain that affects RV parking. Shannon G. notes about Wolf Run State Park Campground: "Some of the electric sites were very small or had a very bad dip on the pad. Choose your site wisely."
Hookup availability: Limited full-service sites. Most campgrounds offer partial hookups only. "Full hookup alone is worth more than 25 bucks," says Clean Slate D. about Harris RV Park, which offers river views with complete connections at budget-friendly rates.
Dump station access: Plan ahead. Not all campgrounds with RV sites provide sanitary dump facilities. The Washington County Fairgrounds offers electric and water hookups but lacks dump stations and other amenities, requiring advance planning for longer stays.
