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Best Dispersed Camping in Ohio

25 Reviews

Nestled between the Great Lakes and the Appalachian Mountains, Ohio offers a plethora of unforgettable outdoor experiences. Beautiful Lake Erie beaches give way to caves, escarpments, and waterfalls, so if you’re looking to go camping in Ohio, you’re bound to find the perfect spot!

Starting in the northern tip of the state, bordering Lake Erie, campers will find serene beaches and natural coves full of picturesque summertime fun. Kelley’s Island State Park, a 677-acre park on the northern tip of the island, offers campers year-round adventure. Unique natural history and geographical features make Kelley’s Island an excellent choice for camping in Ohio’s unique Great Lake region.

East Harbor State Park, another camper’s haven along the shores of Lake Erie, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, 10 miles of hiking trails, and three boat ramps make this amazing campground the perfect spot for avid outdoorsmen and family campers alike.

South of Lake Erie, near the border of West Virginia, campers will find Ohio’s famous Hocking Hills area. Stunning cliffs and waterfalls, deep hemlock forests, and world-famous caves make this area one of the most popular for year-round camping in Ohio. The most well known cave in the Hocking Hills is Old Man’s Cave, so named for hermit Richard Rowe who lived in the cave for 30 years after settling in the area around 1800. The Old Man’s Cave area provides trails along a breath-taking gorge, which was carved 150 feet into the sandstone by the waters of Old Man’s Creek.

Campgrounds located in the Hocking Hills and Old Man’s Cave areas provide unique opportunities for waterfall hikes, climbing, and canoeing along the Hocking River. The geologically unique Hocking Hills region offers up some of the most beautiful natural beauty in the state and the country.

From pristine Great Lake beaches to the rugged beauty of the Appalachians, let The Dyrt help you find the best camping in Ohio!

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Best Dispersed Sites in Ohio (13)

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5 Photos of 13 Ohio Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Ohio

25 Reviews of 13 Ohio Campgrounds

  • Jonathan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 24, 2019

    Delphos Section - Buckeye Trail (Points 18-19)

    On the trail respite

    You're learning to backpack the Buckeye Trail, and you want to know where and how you can camp along the trail. This primitive site is located a short hop (.17 mile) off the trail adjacent to Hipp's Lock, part of the old Miami-Erie Canal towpath.  There's space enough for perhaps two tents, with metal fire ring, and plenty of deadfall for that small survival TV fire. The pond is filled with wildlife, and the tree frogs and bull frogs will lull you to sleep. Another Boy Scout project that benefits the Buckeye Trail. You'll need to Leave-No-Trace, as it's a primitive site, but it's a welcome respite from the road walking of this section.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2020

    Sand Hill Trailhead

    Dispersed Camping best off Horseback Trails

    We arrived late at night wishing we had better cell reception and a paper map of the National Forest. We were grateful to have the Dyrt's info downloaded on my chromebook. Even still, Wayne National Forest is a maze of public and private land. The Ironton Campground has been closed during 2020 as part of a water main line break. We initially tried the Hanging Rock OHV trailhead, but locals used that area for partying when we were there and it wasn't ideal to camp at the trailhead with about a dozen cars speeding along the gravel roads around midnight. We found the Sand Hill Trail head and pitched camp not too far from where we parked. The NF website says fires are allowed if you make a stone ring. We just skipped it. It is a very pretty area along Vesuvius Lake with trees and bluffs. We saw a ranger in the morning and he suggested next time we just camp at the horsecamp. The pins on the Dyrt's map were inaccurately located when we were using it with multiple entries. Next time I will purchase a paper map before I go because Wayne National Forest has alot of private lands interspersed and it is not all that clear without an official map. Hopefully the Dyrt will get better at hyper locating those lines.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Nice small trailhead area

    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. 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.

  • 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

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2020

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Motor Vehicle Area

    The Hanging Rock Recreation area features tons of well kept ATV trails for motor bikes or quads (max width allowed is 50 inches). Besides the ATV trails, there are tons of little lakes that are ideal for fishing! There is a large parking area in the middle of the park with a restroom, and at least one other restroom further down the road. I noticed several “fire pits” in gravel pull offs in the park. Not sure if fires are allowed though.

    We hiked here today to retrieve some trail cameras from the surrounding Wayne National Forest for a spotted skunk study at Ohio University. Along and just off the trails were tons of gorgeous wildflowers like trilliums, violets, showy orchids, and more!

  • 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

Guide to Ohio

Ohio offers a variety of opportunities for dispersed camping, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. From scenic trails to primitive sites, there's something for everyone.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Ohio

  • Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed: This area is perfect for those seeking a primitive experience, with designated campsites that are first-come, first-served along a challenging hiking loop.
  • Kinderhook Horse Trail: Ideal for horse enthusiasts, this spot features flat tent sites and a clean restroom, making it a convenient choice for those traveling with horses.
  • Monday Creek OHV Dispersed: A great option for off-road vehicle users, this location allows for fires and offers a vault toilet, ensuring a more comfortable stay in the wild.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • Hanging Rock Recreation Site: Known for its beautiful ATV trails and serene ponds, this area is a hidden gem for fishing and enjoying nature, despite some mixed reviews about cleanliness.
  • Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead: This site provides access to hiking trails and is a popular spot for those looking to camp near the trailhead, with several fire rings available for use.
  • Witch’s Peak: A challenging hike leads to stunning rock outcroppings and views, making it a rewarding destination for those willing to tackle the steep trail.

Dispersed campers should check out these unique spots

  • Greenbrier: This area features beautiful trails and picnic spots, perfect for a day of exploration or a quiet retreat, although it lacks traditional camping amenities.
  • Hanging Rock Recreation Area: Despite some concerns about cleanliness, this location offers a variety of outdoor activities and is accessible for both drive-in and hike-in campers.
  • Sand Hill Trailhead: Nestled along Vesuvius Lake, this picturesque area is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Ohio?

Dispersed camping in Ohio is primarily available in Wayne National Forest, which offers several designated areas. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed is a popular location with numerous remote campsites along both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop trail. For those following the Buckeye Trail, Delphos Section - Buckeye Trail (Points 18-19) offers primitive camping spots near Hipp's Lock on the old Miami-Erie Canal towpath. Wayne National Forest has three separate units (Athens, Marietta, and Ironton) each offering different dispersed camping opportunities. Remember that dispersed camping in Ohio requires following leave-no-trace principles, and some areas have specific regulations regarding campfires and site selection.

Is dispersed camping free in Wayne National Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping in Wayne National Forest is free. Hanging Rock Recreation Site and other dispersed areas throughout the forest offer no-cost camping opportunities. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout much of the forest with a few restrictions: you must camp at least 200 feet from water sources, roads, and trails. Small open fires are permitted except during high fire danger periods, and existing fire rings should be used when available. While camping is free, some developed recreation areas may have day-use fees. There's a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period. Remember that facilities are minimal or non-existent at dispersed sites, so come prepared with your own water and waste disposal plan.

Where is primitive camping allowed in Ohio state forests?

Primitive camping is permitted in designated areas within Ohio's state forests, including Zaleski, Mohican, Shawnee, and Pike State Forests. Each has specific primitive backpacking areas with established campsites. For those seeking horse-friendly options, Kinderhook Horse Trail offers primitive camping spots alongside equestrian trails. The Buckeye Trail also provides primitive camping opportunities as it traverses multiple state forests. Most state forest primitive sites require a free permit obtainable online or at forest offices. Sites typically have minimal amenities—perhaps a fire ring and cleared tent area. State forests generally restrict camping to designated areas only, unlike the more flexible dispersed camping rules in Wayne National Forest. Check with the specific state forest office before your trip as regulations and permits may change seasonally.

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