4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping options near Walker, West Virginia include several primitive sites across the Ohio border in Wayne National Forest. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed provides secluded free camping with established trails and remote campsites. Kinderhook Horse Trail features limited camping suitable for small campers, car camping, or tents. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers primitive camping primarily serving off-highway vehicle users. Witch's Peak provides hike-in camping with rock outcroppings and scenic views.
All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. According to reviews, Wildcat Hollow features two loop options: a 5-mile and a longer 15-mile trail with campsites positioned every few miles. The sites consist of semi-cleared areas with stone fire rings. Several campers noted that trails become extremely muddy after rainfall, particularly between the trailhead and loop sections. Water sources in the valleys are not recommended for filtering due to active oil drilling operations in the area.
Facilities are minimal at these locations. Kinderhook Horse Trail provides a vault toilet, picnic table, and manual water pump. Monday Creek OHV area has vault toilets and garbage cans. Cell service varies significantly; reception is generally better on ridges than in valleys. Campers report that Kinderhook can experience high insect activity in warmer months. Small, open fires are permitted except during high fire danger periods, with existing fire rings to be used when available. All sites require pack-in, pack-out practices for trash and supplies. Wayne National Forest regulations require pets to be leashed at all times.
"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."
"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."
"Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus."
RangerWildcat 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.
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.
TravelerGreat 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.
ScoutThe 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
RangerThis 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.
GuideThis 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
ScoutJust 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.
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.
RangerThe trail in is super steep. The climb is totally worth it though. Some amazing rock out croppings and views up there! There are several boulder routes as well. At the end of the short trail is a cool rock shelter! A very neat local treasure.
Dispersed camping near Walker, West Virginia offers several free sites within driving distance across the Ohio border in Wayne National Forest. These primitive camping areas provide access to hiking trails, horseback riding routes, and off-highway vehicle paths with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Camping opportunities range from drive-up sites suitable for small trailers to remote backcountry locations requiring hiking to reach established campsites.
Hiking trails: At Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, campers can access both a 5-mile and 15-mile loop with campsites positioned throughout. "Amazing spring wildflowers... 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 terrain at Witch's Peak rewards hikers with natural features for climbing. "The climb is totally worth it though. Some amazing rock out croppings and views up there! There are several boulder routes as well. At the end of the short trail is a cool rock shelter," reports Lucille W.
Off-highway vehicle trails: Monday Creek OHV area provides designated routes for ATVs and dirt bikes, with primitive camping areas nearby. "Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening," observes Kevin C., indicating the popularity of this area among off-road enthusiasts.
Secluded spots: Many campers appreciate the remote nature of these free camping areas near Walker. "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," writes Ruby W.
Ease of access: For those wanting a simple overnight trip, Monday Creek OHV Dispersed provides convenient camping. "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty... Great stop over location. Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus," states Kevin C.
Solitude options: Depending on timing, campers can find significant privacy. Steve C. notes about Wildcat Hollow: "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."
Muddy conditions: Several reviews warn about trail conditions at certain times. "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits," cautions Shane about Wildcat Hollow trails.
Water concerns: Bring all drinking water needed for your stay. "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," advises Steve C.
Visitor traffic: Some sites experience unexpected visitors. At Kinderhook Horse Trail, Jack H. reports: "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."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly across these free camping areas. "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," notes Steve C. about Wildcat Hollow.
First-time backpacking: Wildcat Hollow offers good terrain for introducing children to overnight hiking. "Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," recommends Lucille W., though she cautions that "the obvious/easy campsites along the trail can be taken" during busy periods.
Trailhead camping option: For families not wanting to hike far with gear, Chris B. suggests: "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."
Avoid widow-makers: When selecting your tent site with children, exercise caution about overhead hazards. "There were lots of dead trees/widowmakers, so be careful where you pitch your tent," warns Leon H. about Wildcat Hollow.
Small camper options: Kinderhook Horse Trail offers limited space for compact camping setups. Joe B. advises: "Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group."
Overnight parking: For those with truck campers or small trailers, Wildcat Hollow parking lot serves as an option. "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," shares Chris B.
Primitive conditions: These camping areas provide minimal amenities. "Primitive camping" is how Marty M. simply describes the Monday Creek area, adding it's "My kinda place" for those seeking an off-grid experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Walker, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Walker, WV is Kinderhook Horse Trail with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Walker, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Walker, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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