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Dispersed Camping

Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, near Corning, Ohio, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a bit of solitude in nature. This area is perfect for backpacking and offers a range of primitive campsites along the trails, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

The trails here can be challenging, especially after rain, so be prepared for some muddy spots. Many visitors have praised the beauty of the area, particularly in spring when the forest floor bursts with wildflowers. As one camper noted, “I recommend visiting Wildcat Hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers.”

While there are no amenities beyond a pit toilet at the trailhead, the lack of crowds makes it a peaceful retreat. Campers appreciate the freedom to choose their own sites, with several options available along the 5-mile and 15-mile loops. Just remember to pack in your water, as the nearby streams aren’t safe for drinking.

If you’re looking for a quiet escape where you can enjoy hiking and primitive camping, Wildcat Hollow is a great choice. Just be ready to embrace the ruggedness of the terrain and the beauty of the natural surroundings.

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Location

Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed is located in Ohio

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.57291086 N
82.03288397 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2022

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.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2020

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.

SiteDesignated campsite off wildcat trail loop
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2020

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.

  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Steve C., October 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Steve C., October 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Steve C., October 23, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Apr. 7, 2020

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.

  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Lucille W., April 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Lucille W., April 7, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2019

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

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

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.

  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Ruby W., June 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Ruby W., June 24, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2019

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.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2018

Away...away....AWAY!!!! Great spot ot avoid the crowds. Shhhhhhh!

Went backpack camping with a friend on this loop - we took the shorter of the two. The land is all regrowth forest and the further you go, the less you see of people - a novelty in this part of the world.

There are several primitive campsites along the trail with nothing more than a stone fire ring and a clearing, so pack in everything you need including water.

A great spot. We will return.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Jason M., September 21, 2018
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Jason M., September 21, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2018

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

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Leon H., August 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed by Leon H., August 7, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Wildcat Hollow located in Wayne National Forest?

Wildcat Hollow is located in the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio. This secluded area is part of Ohio's only national forest and features regrowth forest terrain. The campground is accessible via a dedicated trailhead with a parking lot. Wildcat Hollow is known for its remote feel, offering visitors a rare sense of seclusion in this region, making it a popular destination for those seeking to disconnect and enjoy nature.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Wildcat Hollow?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed and free at Wildcat Hollow. You can camp anywhere along the trail, though there are several established primitive campsites with stone fire rings scattered throughout the area. Small, open fires are permitted except during high fire danger periods. The campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. This is strictly hike-in camping; no vehicle camping is available at the sites.

What hiking trails are available at Wildcat Hollow?

Wildcat Hollow offers two main hiking loop options: a shorter 5-mile loop and a longer approximately 15-mile loop. The trail system is part of the Buckeye Trail network. The terrain can be challenging in places, particularly when carrying backpacking gear. The trails wind through regrowth forest, becoming more secluded the further you venture from the trailhead. Primitive campsites are located every couple of miles along both routes. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially after rainfall.

Where can I find a trail map for Wildcat Hollow?

Trail maps for Wildcat Hollow can be found at the trailhead, which features a small shelter with basic amenities including pit toilets. For advance planning, check the Wayne National Forest official website or contact the forest service office for the most current trail information. The trailhead is well-marked and serves as the starting point for both the 5-mile and 15-mile loop options. Consider downloading offline maps before your visit as cell service may be limited in the area.