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Wayne National Forest Guide

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Wayne National Forest spans over 244,000 acres in southeastern Ohio, with rolling hills, scenic rivers, and dense forests. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of trails, serene campgrounds, and various recreational activities, from hiking to fishing. Wayne National Forest RV camping is a great way to experience this forest, with several developed campgrounds catering to RVs. Several campgrounds, such as Iron Ridge Campground and Oak Hill Campground, offer modern hookups and conveniences for RVs, making Wayne National Forest an ideal destination for RV camping. You can rent your RV in RVShare for your trip.

Where to Camp

Camping in Wayne National Forest

For RV campers, Wayne National Forest offers a variety of developed campgrounds and nearby dispersed camping options. Here’s a breakdown:

Paid Campgrounds in Wayne National Forest

Private Campgrounds Near Wayne National Forest

Check the top campgrounds in Ohio before planning your trip to Wayne National Forest. Nearby cities like Athens and Logan offer additional private campground options for camping near Wayne National Forest. For a smooth camping experience, locate dump stations near Wayne National Forest using RVshare.

Budget-friendly Campgrounds

Campgrounds by Lakes and Rivers for Water Activities

  • 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

RV Rentals Near Wayne National Forest

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Shape Hiking Trails

Wayne National Forest Hiking Trails

Explore Wayne National Forest’s diverse trail system, which offers a mix of easy walks and challenging treks.

Easy Hikes for Beginners

Challenging Trails

Lakeside Trails

  • Archers Fork Trail

    Archers Fork Trail is a loop trail located near New Matamoras, OH, that is well-marked with yellow blazes. It is a long trail, and many hikers camp overnight. There is a rock formation called The Natural Bridge on the trail, and there are many other rocky outcroppings. 

    Length: 12.9 miles

    Intensity: Moderate

  • Covered Bridge Trail

    The Covered Bridge Trail is a loop trail near Wingett Run, OH, that contains a portion of trail that connects two bridges. The length of trail between the bridges is 4.7 miles. The trail offers a loop and an out-and-back path. Pets are allowed on a leash.

    Length: 9.9 miles

    Intensity: Moderate

  • Wayne National Forest Scenic River Loop

    The Wayne National Forest Scenic River Loop trail is located near St. Marys, WV, and it features a portion of the Ohio River along much of the trail. Pets are allowed but must be leashed.

    Length: 9.8 miles

    Intensity: Moderate

  • Ohio View Trail

    The Ohio View Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near New Matamoras, OH, and it is near the Ohio River. While on the trail, hikers can access a river overlook and cross a creek. Pets are allowed on a leash.

    Length: 7.6 miles

    Intensity: Moderate

  • Wildcat Hollow Trail

    Wildcat Hollow Trail is located near Corning, OH, and it runs alongside a large creek. The trail has two options of an 18-mile scenic route along the ridge peaks and a 5-mile loop. Both trails travel through forests, streams, and old roads and feature rocky outcroppings. 

    Length: 18 miles

    Intensity: Moderate

Things to Do

Activities in Wayne National Forest

Wayne National Forest offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Hiking:Explore 300 miles of trails for all levels. Key routes include the 38-mile North Country Trail, Vesuvius Backpacking Trail, and options like Archer's Fork Loop and Wildcat Hollow for shorter hikes.

  • Fishing: Wayne National Forest offers excellent fishing opportunities across its lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Popular spots include Lake Vesuvius, a stocked fishing destination with a boat ramp and accessible boardwalk, and Timber Ridge Lake, known for its deep, clear waters.

  • Boating: Enjoy motorized boating at Lake Vesuvius, Timbre Ridge Lake, and Frontier Boat Launch. Non-motorized options include canoeing at Hune Bridge Campground, Ring Mill Campground, and Arabia Canoe Launch Site.

  • Mountain Biking:Wayne National Forest offers mountain biking trails in the Athens and Marietta Units of the Athens Ranger District.

  • OHV Trail Riding: Explore over 145 miles of popular trail systems that include the Monday Creek OHV System in the Athens Ranger District and the Hanging Rock and Pine Creek OHV Systems in the Ironton Ranger District.

  • Wildlife Viewing:Explore the Wildcat Hollow Trail to spot white-tailed deer, turkeys, and vibrant wildflowers in season. At Lake Vesuvius, enjoy lakeside trails with chances to see hawks, ospreys, and beavers. For wetland wildlife, visit Leith Run Recreation Area, which features viewing decks overlooking the Ohio River and backwaters — perfect for spotting birds and muskrats.

  • Identifying Flora and Fauna

    Identifying Flora and Fauna Icon

    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

    Stargazing Icon

    Wayne National Forest is large and has minimal light pollution. Visitors can enjoy great views of the night skies on clear evenings.

  • Geocaching

    Geocaching Icon

    Geocaching is allowed with certain rules and restrictions.

map-marker-alt-regular How to Get There

How to get to Wayne National Forest

Address: 13700 U.S. Highway 33, Nelsonville, OH 45764

Fee: Entry fee $0

By Car

  • From Columbus, OH: Wayne National Forest is approximately 66.3 miles from Columbus, Ohio. Take I-70 E and merge onto US-33 E toward Lancaster. Follow US-33 E to the forest entrance. The drive takes about an hour.

  • From Athens, OH:Wayne National Forest is just 7.5 miles from Athens, Ohio. To reach the forest entrance, take Columbus Rd and US-33 W for a quick 12-minute drive.

By Air

Seasonal Restrictions

Certain trails and campgrounds may be closed during winter or after heavy rainfall. Before your trip, check the forest’s official website for up-to-date information.

Fees and Permits

Wayne National Forest is free for general access. Camping fees vary by site and start at $10. The forest also has dispersed camping grounds that are free. Permits are required for activities like wood collection or group camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Campgrounds Near Wayne National Forest

Kountry Resort Campground
Kountry Resort Campground
Carthage Gap RV Park
Carthage Gap RV Park
The PORT Campground and Docks
The PORT Campground and Docks

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