The Wayne National Forest is a collection of public land preserves that covers more than 1 million acres of the Appalachian foothills in southeastern Ohio. The national forest is divided into three main tracts that are within short driving distances from the cities of Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, Dayton, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Pittsburgh. While close to urban areas, the forest is an oasis of nature that features various types of ecological biomes of foothills, forests, and wetlands. It is also home to many species of wildlife. A portion of the Ohio River is accessible in the northeast cluster region of Marietta, and many visitors come to fish and to play in the river, streams, and lakes in the area.
Camping in Wayne National Forest
Visiting a national forest like the Wayne National Forest in Ohio is easily accomplished when driving an RV from RVshare. You gain all the convenience of driving an RV from site to site. You are on your own schedule and can more readily fit in all your most important trip preferences.
-
Burr Oak Cove Campground
Burr Oak Cove Campground is located inside the Wayne National Forest wilderness area of central Ohio. It is a well-developed campground that has many modern amenities and that cater to families. There is a family campsite loop that offers several RV sites with electricity, a lodge, and access to a lake. You can hike on any one of several trails that range in difficulty from moderate to difficult, and portions of some of the trails interconnect with the statewide Buckeye Trail.
Number of sites: 70 non-electric sites in one portion, 16 electric sites in family campground
Rates: Call for rates
Type of hookup: Electric and non-electric
Wi-Fi: No
Pool or hot tub: No
Pet-friendly: A limit of two pets are permitted on specified sites.
Showers: Yes
Laundry: No
Other amenities: Horseshoe pit, playground, swimming beach with a bathhouse and snack bar, boat ramps, equestrian group camping, gift shop
-
Leith Run Campground
The Leith Run Campground is located on the Ohio River in the Wayne National Forest. The park is fully modernized and has flush toilets and electric sites, and there are lots of available outdoor recreational activities. The park serves also to promote the cultivation of native plants that help the habitats and increase the native bird populations. The Covered Bridge Scenic Byway runs beside the campground, and it is a popular scenic route that includes four 19th-century covered bridges. Besides offering access to the Ohio River, the park also is near the Willow Island Pool, where you can participate in many water-based activities.
Number of sites: 23
Rates: $20 for electric sites, $15 for tent sites non-electric
Type of hookup: Electric and non-electric
Wi-Fi: No
Pool or hot tub: No
Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed
Showers: Yes
Laundry: No
Other amenities: Paved biking trail, hiking trails, sandy beaches, playground, Scenic River Trail, outdoor game courts, potable water, dump station
Activities in Wayne National Forest
Wayne National Forest features a vast area of forested lands, rocky outcroppings, and a portion of the Ohio River. Visitors can hunt, fish, hunt, and hike. There are more than 400 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, OHV riding, and horseback riding. Many of the trails feature covered bridges.
-
Identifying Flora and Fauna
In the spring and summer, visitors can view violets, trillium, Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot, rare orchids, and hepatica. There are also thick stands of hickory and oak trees. Species of wildlife include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, box turtles, and beavers. There are many types of waterfowl that live on the lakes and rivers. Birdwatching is a favored activity, and there are many native species that reside in the national forest.
-
Stargazing
Wayne National Forest is large and has minimal light pollution. Visitors can enjoy great views of the night skies on clear evenings.
-
Geocaching
Geocaching is allowed with certain rules and restrictions.
How to get to Wayne National Forest
Address: 13700 U.S. Highway 33, Nelsonville, OH 45764
Fee: Entry fee $0
When visiting central Ohio, spending time in the Wayne National Forest will be an opportunity to get away from the city and to enjoy various outdoor recreational opportunities. There is plenty to do in all seasons, such as hiking, fishing, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, horse-riding, boating, and more. Taking an RV road trip through this wide section of Ohio is one of the best and most efficient ways to get to each area you would most like to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wayne National Forest
How many hiking trails does Wayne National Forest have?
There are more than 400 miles of multi-use trails in Wayne National Forest. The trails are for hiking, biking, OHV riding, and more. Some of the trails even feature covered bridges to ride or walk through.
Is Wayne National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Wayne National Forest is open all year-round. In summer, visitors can hike, fish, camp, and paddle in forest lakes. In winter, there is snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and other winter activities to enjoy.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Wayne National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Wayne National Forest. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days before they must pack up camp and move on.
What type of wildlife lives in Wayne National Forest?
Wildlife in the Wayne National Forest includes bobcats, coyotes, turkeys, deer, and beavers. There is a variety of birds, including several kinds of raptors, and many kinds of fish and reptiles that live in the forest as well.
What is the closest town to Wayne National Forest?
One of the closest towns to Wayne National Forest is Coal Township, Ohio where the forest headquarters lie. Other nearby towns include New Straitsville and Shawnee.
