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Best Dispersed Camping near Zanesville, OH

13 Reviews

Wayne National Forest provides several free dispersed camping options within driving distance of Zanesville, Ohio. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers primitive campsites along both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop trail. The sites feature basic stone fire rings with no amenities beyond a vault toilet at the trailhead. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed allows drive-in tent camping with toilets and trash disposal available, while maintaining primitive conditions.

Trails and access points can become extremely muddy after rainfall, particularly at Wildcat Hollow where hikers frequently encounter challenging conditions. A recent visitor noted, "The trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places especially on the stretch between the trailhead and the loop." Campers should pack in all necessary water, as local streams are not recommended for filtering. Many sites experience seasonal closures or limited access during winter months, with Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead restricting most campsites during off-season despite allowing year-round hiking access.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Zanesville, Ohio (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Zanesville, OH

3 Photos of 7 Zanesville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Zanesville, OH

13 Reviews of 7 Zanesville Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • S
    Aug. 14, 2022

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Beware the mud!

    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. Otherwise, the good sites are miles in and will necessitate doing the entire loop. If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2020

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Amazing spring wildflowers

    I camp here allllll the time. Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek. 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. BUT I have also camped here and no one else was around. There is a restroom and garage can at the trail head. The trail has a smaller loop and a larger loop. Both are fairly easy hikes. I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers.

Guide to Zanesville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Zanesville, Ohio, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of trails and primitive sites, this area offers a perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

  • Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed features a network of trails that provide access to several primitive campsites, ideal for those who enjoy hiking in and setting up camp.
  • Be prepared for muddy conditions, especially in the spring, as the terrain can become quite challenging after rain. It's a good idea to bring sturdy footwear.
  • The area is known for its stunning wildflowers in spring, making it a picturesque spot for first-time backpackers and seasoned campers alike.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Zanesville, Ohio

  • Always remember that sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early can help secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead.
  • Pack in and pack out is the rule here, so be sure to bring trash bags and leave no trace to keep these natural areas pristine.
  • While there are no amenities at many sites, some locations like Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead do offer basic facilities such as pit toilets, which can be a welcome relief.

Witch’s Peak for dispersed campers

  • The hike to Witch’s Peak is steep but rewards you with breathtaking views and unique rock formations at the top.
  • This area is perfect for bouldering and exploring, making it a great choice for adventurous campers looking to combine hiking with climbing.
  • Keep in mind that the trail can be challenging, so it's best suited for those who are comfortable with a more strenuous hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Zanesville, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Zanesville, OH is Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Zanesville, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Zanesville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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