8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Ohio River valley surrounding Williamstown, West Virginia features primarily dispersed camping options within an hour's drive, with most sites located across the river in Ohio's Wayne National Forest. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed Camping offers backpackers free primitive sites along a network of trails with both 5-mile and 15-mile loop options. Kinderhook Horse Trail provides limited camping for small vehicles and tents with basic amenities including vault toilets and a hand pump for water. Other nearby options include Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping and Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, which accommodate different camping styles from tent camping to small RVs, though most lack hookups or developed facilities.
Trail conditions and seasonal factors significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Spring brings muddy conditions that can make access challenging, particularly at Wildcat Hollow where campers report extensive mud issues even into summer. As one visitor noted, "The trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places especially on the stretch between the trailhead and the loop." Cell service varies considerably, with better reception on ridges and limited connectivity in valleys. Most sites feature vault toilets that may close seasonally, and campers should pack in their own water as local water sources are often not recommended for filtration due to past industrial activity in the area.
Weekends typically bring higher visitation rates to the more accessible sites. Taylor P. reported, "Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring. The second night we only had one tent near us." Privacy concerns exist at some locations, with Kinderhook Horse Trail receiving mixed reviews about local traffic. Several campers mention spring wildflowers as a highlight, particularly at Wildcat Hollow where the forest floor becomes "carpeted with beautiful wildflowers" according to regular visitors. Trailhead camping areas provide convenient overnight options for travelers, with Monday Creek OHV described as "a great stop over location" with basic amenities like vault toilets and garbage cans. Winter brings additional limitations, with some facilities closed and certain access roads becoming impassable.
"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."
"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."
from $15 / night
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.
Primitive camping near Williamstown, West Virginia centers primarily on Wayne National Forest across the Ohio River. Wayne Forest spans over 241,000 acres with numerous dispersed camping areas accessible via Forest Service roads. Weather conditions significantly affect access, with spring thaws often creating challenging mud conditions through June, and fall bringing optimal hiking temperatures but increased competition for sites.
Hiking through varied terrain: Witch's Peak offers a challenging but rewarding hike with significant elevation gain. "The 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," notes Lucille W., who also mentions the rock shelter at the trail's end.
Trail loops for different abilities: Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed features both short and extended options. "There is a 5 mile loop or a longer ~15 mile loop that you can hike and there are campsites every couple of miles," according to Steve C., making it adaptable for different skill levels and trip durations.
Spring wildflower viewing: The forest floor transforms seasonally with native wildflowers. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," suggests Lucille W., highlighting early May as peak viewing time for ephemeral blooms.
Solitude and tranquility: The remote settings appeal to those seeking quiet. "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," reports Steve C. about his Wildcat Hollow experience. Weekday visitors particularly note the peaceful atmosphere.
Camping flexibility: Monday Creek OHV Dispersed receives praise for its straightforward setup. "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty," notes Kevin C., highlighting the last-minute availability even during busy periods.
Primitive experience: The basic amenities appeal to wilderness enthusiasts. "The sites themselves are just semi-cleared areas with stone fire rings so it is totally primitive camping," explains Steve C. about Wildcat Hollow, capturing the minimalist appeal that draws backcountry campers to this region.
Limited water sources: Streams exist but often aren't suitable for treatment. "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," warns Steve C. about Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail.
Variable cellular reception: Connectivity fluctuates with terrain. "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., making ridge camping preferable for those needing to maintain communications.
Seasonal facility closures: Winter brings limitations to amenities. "Pit toilet closed for winter. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season," reports Doug H. about Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, indicating the need for self-sufficiency during colder months.
Consider trailhead camping: For families with young children, Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead offers accessible options. "There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well. There were restrooms and several fire rings," explains Taylor P., providing easier access than deep backcountry sites.
Plan for variable weekend crowds: Family groups should arrive early on weekends. "Saturday was super busy, and we snagged the last available spot with a fire ring. The second night we only had one tent near us," reports Taylor P., highlighting the dramatic difference in occupancy between weekend and weekday nights.
Choose beginner-friendly backpacking: Wildcat Hollow suits first-time family backpackers. "Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," suggests Lucille W., though families should still prepare for challenging trail sections, especially after rain.
Small RV options only: Kinderhook Horse Trail accommodates compact vehicles but not large rigs. "Nice clean area just off main road. Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group," explains Joe B., emphasizing the size limitations.
Overnight stopover potential: The basic facilities make convenient travel breaks. "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," notes Chris B. about his experience at a trailhead parking area.
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers solitude for properly equipped RVers. "Most campsites inaccessible during off-season," reports Doug H., but notes the benefit as "Nice place" for those with vehicles capable of navigating seasonal conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Williamstown, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Williamstown, WV is Kinderhook Horse Trail with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Williamstown, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Williamstown, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
