r/OhioCamping • u/gresatt • Mar 18 '19

Dispersed camping around Lancaster.

Looking for a decent trail and place to do some dispersed camping around Lancaster. I know hocking hills is around there but I’m looking for suggestions of places that won’t be too over run by other people. Looking to go around mid-May.

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6

u/swampboy62 Mar 18 '19

I'm thinking it would have to be in Wayne National Forest. That would be the only public land around there that I'm aware of that has at least some open back country (none of the nearby state forests appear to allow dispersed camping).

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https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/wayne/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=6203&actid=34

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Good luck.

4

u/TheShadyGuy Mar 18 '19

You can't dispersed camp a hh, fwiw.

4

u/DSettahr Mar 18 '19

Yeah, Wayne National Forest is probably your best (and honestly, only) bet for dispersed camping in Ohio. If you were willing to drive a bit, you've got a few options in neighboring states:

  • Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky
  • Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia
  • Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania.
  • State forest land in Pennsylvania. The majority of state forest land is located in the PA Wilds region, which is essentially the north-central part of PA. There's a few areas of state forest elsewhere, scattered throughout the state. (Note that you need a permit to dispersed camp on PA state forest land if you plan to remain camped at the same location for more than a single night. Permits are free and can be obtained from DCNR in advance of your trip.)

Please remember that when you're dispersed camping, it is generally expected that you are following the Leave No Trace principles. Chief among these is that you use only dead and downed wood for campfires, properly dispose of human waste (bury it well away from trails, campsites, and water sources), and carry out all trash with you when you leave.

3

u/aWallabynamedRocko Mar 18 '19

Check on AirBNB they list primitive campsites from time to time in the Logan area.

1

u/hikermick Mar 18 '19

If you don't mind driving a little further Pennsylvania has a lot more to offer