Dispersed camping options near Ravenswood, West Virginia concentrate in Ohio's Wayne National Forest, with several primitive areas within 60-80 miles. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed camping provides free hike-in sites along both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop trail. The area features stone fire rings at established sites and spring wildflowers, but trails become notoriously muddy after rainfall. Several campers note the challenging terrain and advise against filtering water from streams despite their presence.
Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers drive-in tent camping with more amenities than most primitive sites, including vault toilets and trash collection. The Kinderhook Horse Trail provides limited camping spots with picnic tables, vault toilets and a hand-pump water source, though reviews indicate frequent vehicle traffic makes it less private. Other options include Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead with fire rings and seasonal restrooms, and Witch's Peak, which requires a steep hike but rewards with rock outcroppings and shelters. Most sites throughout the region prohibit generators, have minimal or no facilities, and lack hookups—true off-grid camping experiences requiring thorough preparation.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown."
"Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."
"OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season. Nice place."
"The second night we only had one tent near us. There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well."
"Relatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer."
GuideIts free so worth it but i would not stay here again. Its not too “dispersed” its more of a parking lot + atvs driving all day if your sensitive to noise. Oh its also raining ticks here. Stayed for one night.
TravelerThere are two small camping spots with picnic tables. The vault toilet here is very clean and even had a lockable door. There is also drinkable water from a city water hand pump. Very quiet at night, except for a handful of cars that might drive through or spend the night. I spent two weeks here and had zero issues with people being loud or causing a ruckus. As far as fire wood, you can walk around and pick up all the downed wood you’d like, but I’d recommend bringing some wood with you if it’s rained in the last few days. Plenty of space to park. Gas stations, fast food, and dollar general are all within 10 mins. Verizon signal - 1/2 bars ATT signal - 2/3 bars
TravelerThe site itself is quite nice, with access to toilets and picnic tables. However, it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit. I’ve had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left. I would not recommend this site if you are traveling solo (Like I am).
GuidePeople coming and going every 15 minutes ish. Some folks pull in stare at you for a few seconds then leave. Only staying one night here then moving on.
GuideWas a “okay” small area to stay at for free. There was a lot of bees, yellow jackets. The bathroom was clean, but the "non-flush" toilet was just gross.
RangerCamped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus.
ScoutMy kinda place
TravelerParking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill.
ScoutArea 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.
Dispersed camping near Ravenswood, West Virginia requires travelers to drive 60-80 miles to reach the closest opportunities in Ohio's Wayne National Forest. The forest comprises over 244,000 acres across three separate units with elevation changes ranging from 650 to 1250 feet. Sites throughout this region remain unserviced with fluctuating cell coverage depending on ridge positions versus valleys.
Spring exploration: April through June offers ideal conditions at Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, particularly for wildflower enthusiasts. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," notes camper Lucille W.
Boulder climbing: The steep hike to Witch's Peak rewards climbers with technical challenges. "There are several boulder routes as well. At the end of the short trail is a cool rock shelter! A very neat local treasure," according to local camper Lucille W.
Trail riding: Horse enthusiasts can access maintained trails in multiple areas of Wayne National Forest. "Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained," reports Joe B. about the trail system, which offers varying difficulty levels suitable for beginners to experienced riders.
Solitude opportunities: Weekday camping typically provides the quietest experience. "I only saw 2 other people in the trail while I was hiking out the second day," shares Steve C. about his experience at Wildcat Hollow.
Overnight accessibility: For quick trips, Monday Creek OHV Dispersed serves as a convenient option. "Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus," notes Kevin C., highlighting the rare amenities at this primitive site.
Loop trail options: Hikers can choose between shorter or longer routes. "The trail has a smaller loop and a larger loop. Both are fairly easy hikes," explains a regular visitor to the area, making the trails adaptable to different fitness levels and time constraints.
Seasonal conditions: Winter dramatically changes accessibility to many sites. "Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter," reports Doug H. about Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, reflecting the general winter limitations throughout the region.
Water challenges: Despite streams throughout the area, bringing your own water supply remains essential. "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," warns Steve C.
Terrain difficulties: Many trails become problematic after precipitation. "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits," cautions Shane about trail conditions, noting that some routes may require rerouting or postponing trips after rainfall.
First-time backpacking: Wayne National Forest provides beginner-friendly backpacking options with minimal elevation gains. "Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," recommends Lucille W., though noting weekends often mean competing for established sites.
Parking logistics: For those with younger children, sites close to parking areas reduce hiking distance. "Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only)," explains Annika E. about Kinderhook Horse Trail, providing practical access information.
Insect preparation: The dense forest creates high insect activity during warm months. "A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead," warns Annika E., suggesting families bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Small vehicle requirements: Most dispersed sites accommodate only compact camping setups. "Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group," advises Joe B., clarifying size limitations for those considering RV camping.
Weekend availability: Arriving early on weekends significantly improves site selection chances. "Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring," reports Taylor P., highlighting weekend competition for limited spaces.
Alternative parking: When designated areas fill, secondary options may exist. "There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well," notes Taylor P., providing contingency information for busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ravenswood, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ravenswood, WV 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 Ravenswood, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Ravenswood, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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