Tent camping in Wingett Run, Ohio centers around the Wayne National Forest with dispersed sites available throughout the 250,000-acre forest. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the area ranges from 650 to 1,250 feet in elevation and receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually. Seasonal hunting restrictions affect camping access during fall and winter months, with deer and turkey seasons bringing occasional closures.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Kinderhook Trailhead serves as both a campground and access point for extensive equestrian trails. "With it being an equestrian trail, there were a lot of horses and trailers throughout the day. Before sunset, everyone cleared out and only campers remained," reports one Kinderhook Trailhead visitor.
Creek fishing: Multiple small waterways throughout Wayne National Forest offer fishing for smallmouth bass and panfish. "The creeks are also great for fishing and float trips," notes a camper at Hune Bridge Campground, which serves as a popular river access point.
Historic site exploration: The area contains numerous 19th-century structures and settlements. "Within the national forest, you will find some historic covered bridges, churches, homes, general stores and quite a few hiking and horse trails," according to a visitor at Lane Farm Campground.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: The walk-in sites at Lamping Homestead offer more room than standard campgrounds. "There are 6 spacious 'walk-in' campsites, a small pond, and vault toilets," notes a camper at Lamping Homestead Recreation Area.
Budget-friendly options: Most Wayne National Forest campgrounds charge minimal or no fees. "It is completely FREE, and you can stay for up to 14 days," reports a visitor about Hune Bridge Campground, noting similar policies at nearby sites.
Proximity to supplies: Despite the rustic setting, many campgrounds offer reasonable access to towns. "The town of Marietta is just 5 miles away, and has all the things you need," notes a Lane Farm camper, allowing tent campers to restock without long drives.
What you should know
Limited water access: Nearly all campgrounds in the area lack potable water. "No drinking water is available and the creeks are quite muddy, so come prepared with water!" advises a camper at Lane Farm.
Cell service variability: Connectivity changes dramatically between campgrounds and can be nonexistent at some locations. "There is no phone service within 4-5 miles of the campground," notes a Lane Farm visitor, while Kinderhook Trailhead reports "perfect AT&T and Sprint cell service."
Inconsistent maintenance: Facilities condition varies by location and season. One visitor to Conaway Run State Lake reported, "Pretty rustic. Porta potties are all that is available. No running water so you have to bring your own."
Tips for camping with families
Covered picnic options: Group shelters provide weather protection for family meals. "The group picnic area is great for bigger families or groups, with a campfire ring, grills and a covered picnic area," reports a Lamping Homestead visitor.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds experience non-camping visitors. "We have noticed that people stop by or drive through in the evening. Sometimes they stay for a couple of minutes and other times for just a couple of hours," notes a Lane Farm camper, suggesting families might prefer more remote sites.
Educational opportunities: The area offers hands-on history lessons. "Adorable little campground, with a historic covered bridge and lovely creek in the backyard," reports a Hune Bridge Campground visitor, making it suitable for children interested in historical structures.
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller rigs only. "It's designed for tent camping, but Hamlet (our small camper) fit fine with some strategic parking," notes a visitor at Lane Farm regarding their compact RV.
Seasonal accessibility: Spring and fall provide better conditions for RVs than summer. "Not much shade, which worked fine in May but probably wouldn't be much fun in the heat of the summer," reports a Lane Farm camper, suggesting summer visitors seek shadier alternatives.
Campground selection criteria: Some designated tent sites can accommodate small trailers or vans. "This roadside campground is near homes and a small town, so not much traffic during the day, but quite a bit during the morning and evening commuting time," notes a Lane Farm visitor, making roadside noise a consideration for RV site selection.
