Best Dispersed Camping near Waverly, WV
Dispersed camping within the Wayne National Forest provides several primitive options near Waverly, West Virginia. Most sites are located in eastern Ohio, approximately 30-45 minutes from Waverly. The forest permits camping at trailheads and along designated trails, with Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed and Kinderhook Horse Trail among the more established areas. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers additional sites specifically for off-highway vehicle users.
Access to these camping areas requires navigation of rural roads with varying conditions. Many sites are accessible via passenger vehicle, though some routes may become muddy after rainfall. Kinderhook Horse Trail provides basic amenities including a vault toilet, picnic table, and manual water pump. Most other locations feature only primitive facilities—Wildcat Hollow has a pit toilet at the trailhead but no water sources, while Monday Creek OHV area offers vault toilets and trash collection. Fire regulations vary, with fires permitted at most sites when contained in established stone rings. "The trail can be a cesspool of mud in too many places," noted one visitor to Wildcat Hollow, advising caution during wet periods.
These public land camping areas provide different experiences based on intended use. Wildcat Hollow offers both short and long loop hiking trails with dispersed sites along the way. "It is a great area for backpacking as camping is free and allowed anywhere along the trail," according to a camper who recommended watching for widow-makers when setting up. Some locations, particularly Kinderhook, experience regular vehicle traffic from locals. A review warned, "People coming and going every 15 minutes. Some folks pull in, stare at you for a few seconds, then leave." Monday Creek OHV area serves primarily as a base for off-road enthusiasts, with camping described as "primitive, off the grid." Cell service varies considerably across all sites, with better connectivity typically available on ridges and minimal coverage in valleys.
