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Best Dispersed Camping near Kiahsville, WV

6 Reviews

Wayne National Forest offers several dispersed camping options near Kiahsville, West Virginia, primarily across the border in Ohio. Hanging Rock Recreation Site provides drive-in and walk-in access for tent and RV camping with basic toilet facilities but no hookups or drinking water. The area features ATV trails (maximum width 50 inches) and fishing ponds, though visitors should be prepared for potential noise from recreational vehicles and occasional target shooting.

Sand Hill Trailhead offers free hike-in primitive camping with fire rings permitted. This area near Vesuvius Lake features trees and bluffs but requires navigating Wayne National Forest's complex mix of public and private lands. A visitor noted, "Wayne National Forest is a maze of public and private land," recommending paper maps for navigation as cell reception is limited. Both camping areas have seen issues with trash left by previous campers, and visitors should practice proper waste disposal. The Ironton Campground has been closed since 2020 due to water main issues.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Kiahsville, West Virginia (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Kiahsville, WV

1 Photos of 4 Kiahsville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kiahsville, WV

6 Reviews of 4 Kiahsville Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Rob G.
    Apr. 18, 2021

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Great spot and easy to find!

    With that being said, there was good and bad. The good was I found a spot quickly and had 2 entire ponds to myself. The bad was locals firing guns for the hell of it for an hour straight and the trash left behind from the previous campers. Once night fall hit everything was quiet so I couldn't complain too much. Awesome morning sunrise!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Better Than Walmart

    We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn’t know if there were any place to turn our rv around. Very quiet night and were visited by fireflies which was awesome.

  • David B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Hanging Rock Recreation Area

    Not great..

    Not the greatest place to camp. Trash in most places, people partying all the time. Watch for needles if you go! Be sure to wear shoes.

  • H
    May. 12, 2025

    Hanging Rock Recreation Area

    Didn’t like it at all

    Me and my family were here for 2 days and everything about it especially at night it’s really scary would not recommend

Guide to Kiahsville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kiahsville, West Virginia, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Kiahsville, West Virginia

  • Always check for local regulations and guidelines before setting up camp, as some areas may have specific rules regarding fires and waste disposal. For instance, Hanging Rock Recreation Site allows for a more rustic experience without the need for permits.

Dispersed campers should check out Hanging Rock Recreation Area

Enjoy fishing and wildlife watching while free camping near Kiahsville

  • The serene environment around Sand Hill Trailhead provides ample opportunities for fishing and observing local wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kiahsville, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kiahsville, WV is Hanging Rock Recreation Site with a 3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kiahsville, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Kiahsville, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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