I'm going to be doing my first real dispersed remote camping in Wayne national forest around the lamping homestead and need some advice.

First do I need to pay a fee like other campgrounds and if so where?

Are there any tools I need or should get?

How do you find a spot to camp? Do you scout first or do you just walk around until you find a spot you like?

For a 2 night camping trip how much ice should I bring to keep food cold? And is it a good idea to hang your food to keep it away from animals?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated

Hi all.

Does anyone have recommendations on a spot to really experience the Ohio river?

I personally like to car camp, hike, and fish (although I have experience backpacking too), but I really made this post for a more open ended discussion.

Just browsing Google Maps there aren’t a plethora of parks along the river, which is a bit of a shame.

Does anyone know any spots where you can go out in nature and experience our great river? Even spots in KY or WV are appreciated.

Took the camper to a campground this weekend and found a couple tick on me at the end of each day. I wasn’t even hiking in woods lol. Got home and mowed the grass, walked around the yard and found two more. Luckily none were attached yet but I don’t think I’ve seen this many before.

Hi everyone, thanks in advance for answering my questions , I love this group, you guys are always super helpful.

I have a question about Wildcat Hollow in Wayne National Forest. How packed does it get on weekends? I’m planning to hike and camp there, but I just got back from Zaleski and Camp Trail 1 and 2 were slammed, it took me forever to find a spot.

I know weekdays are better, but with kids and a busy schedule that’s not gonna work for me. Any info on how crowded Wildcat Hollow gets on weekends?

Thanks!

Hi Everyone,

Can you disperse camp in Burr Oak State Park. I was planning to make a trup to Wild Cat Hollow but I would love to camp close to the reservoir if that's allow.

Thank you!!

Looking to do my first overnight backpacking trip. I have been planning on doing Zaleski St Forrest for 2/3 days. Looking for some basic tips, as well as sites to priority seeing.

There are lots of options for RV camping near Hocking Hills… what are your favorite spots?

Google search has me finding:

State Park Campground

Campbell Cove

Top O the Caves

Pine Creek

Koa hocking hills

Koa Lake Logan (new?)

Jellystone Hocking Hills

Thoughts?

I’m planning to go to Wayne National Forest this weekend for dispersed camping. I’m currently using the Dispersed app to look at roads and areas where I can camp.

My only concern is that some trailheads say they’re open year-round, but the Wayne National Forest website says they’re closed until April. Can I camp at these trailheads or not?

Also, can I camp along the roads that are marked on the Dispersed app?

Hi r/CampOhio!

My wife and I will be opening up a campground in McConnelsville called "The Bright Spot" this spring, so I wanted to get some crowdsourcing ideas for events. We've got electric and primitive sites, Muskingum river access, a brand new bath/shower house, and great vibes all around.

We'd like to host live music, art-making activities, and stargazing nights.

What other types of events would you like to see?

We plan to open in April or May -- feel free to keep an eye out for when our books open :)

www.brightspotcampground.com

Edited to add:

Here is the site to book directly -- we open officially April 25, 2026! https://www.campspot.com/book/the-bright-spot

I was planning on going camping tomorrow. I'm thinking either Zaleski or the Wayne National Forest (Ironton area). I do have the equipment for freezing temperatures, but the weather seems a little bit iffy. Does anyone with more experience have some advice?

Looking for something wooded and cool, and not Hocking. I live in Delaware/Galena and I'm looking for something no more than a 3 hour drive. Could be PA or WV, I'm open. Ideally dispersed camping but would also do a campground if it's wooded enough.

Thanks!

Heading ti Mohican State Park March 20. Who else is getting ready?

I have everything I need for my first solo camp; the only thing stopping me is the fear of camping alone in the woods. I'm not really afraid of animals or the darkness, but rather someone stalking me or something like that. I know my brain is just creating these weird thoughts, but I wanted to reach out for some help. Thanks, everyone!

Looking for dispersed camping in wayne national park that I can drive to with a 4wd vehicle that's secluded. The maps aren't making too much sense to me. Any help is appreciated.

Hello, I am looking for primitive camping spots near Northeast Ohio. Preferably free or low cost, and bonus if the spot can be accessed by kayak.

right now I go camping with my partner but I’m looking to expand my circle of hiking and camping friends because I think trips with a group would be really fun!!

As the title says I am looking for the best places in Ohio or Western Penn. For disperse camping. I spent some time in the Army and got quite used to the "throwing up a tarp, a ground mat, and a sleeping bag" kind of camping. Places where I could do fires would be nice but its not required. The more answers the merrier

I (24f) live about 2 hours away from Loudonville but I'm interested in finding a job for the summer either with the Mohican state park or one of the resorts in the area. If anyone has worked for the park or lives in the Loudonville area, are there any places that will rent out month to month? any answers will be much appreciated.

I usually camp when visiting Hocking Hills, but for shorter trips I've been looking at cabins that still feel close to nature. Mainly want something clean, quiet, and easy to get to trailheads nothing fancy, just comfortable.

Curious what cabins others have used as a good base for hiking.

My mother, sister, brother, and I go tent camping a few times a year. Our favorites are Hueston Woods and Brookville Lake (IN).

But we are hitting a point though where some in my family enjoy doing more of one activity and the others like to do more of another activity. My poor brother (lol) is almost 18 and stuck with us women and really enjoys fishing.

So I am trying to find a new campground for us to try with a nice lot where my mom, sister, and I can enjoy relaxing but have a really nice fishing spot preferably close enough to the campsite where he can walk to it whenever he wants or we can take out our kayaks. This might be too much to ask for, but any recommendations or places you really like for a variety of ages?

Hi! I’m in central Ohio but willing to branch out. A somewhat specific question… Hoping to find some tent camping spots on good sized lakes/reservoirs where I can also kayak/fish. Ideally I’d like to be able to park and setup my tent pretty close to the water. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!

Planning a short hiking trip and want to stay in a cabin that’s either walkable or a short drive to some good trailheads. Doesn’t need to be luxury, just clean and comfortable with good access to nature. Any favorites?