Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Ohio
223

Ohio State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Ohio
Southeast Ohio Region
Wayne National Forest
Campsite Availability
Wayne National Forest Rutherford Wetlands, Athens District © Ann E. Riggs
Cardinal © stateparks.com
Cardinal
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST
WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST
13700 US-33
Nelsonville, Ohio   45764
(lat:39.403 lon:-82.1674) map location

Phone: (740) 753-0101
Located in southern Ohio, lies the Wayne National Forest encompassing over 160,000 acres. You can get there in no more than a day's drive from such metropolitan areas as Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Pittsburgh. Camping and picnicking season extends from May through September, except at Vesuvius Recreation Area where camping is permitted year-round. Southweast Ohio relishes its warm days and cool nights during May and June, with visitors claiming the swimming is best during July and August.
Featured Areas within the Park
Camping
1. Burr Oak Cove Campground: This campground offers 19 sites for tent and RV camping, with amenities like picnic tables, grills, drinking water and vault toilets.

2. Leith Run Recreation Area: Located on the Ohio River bank offering both campsites as well as day-use facilities including a boat ramp.

3. Iron Ridge Campground: A family-friendly campsite located in the Ironton Ranger District of Wayne National Forest featuring single-family campsites along with group reservation sites.

4. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area - Oak Hill & Two Points Group Campgrounds: These are two separate areas within Lake Vesuvius that offer multiple individual or group camping options near fishing spots and hiking trails.

5. Stone Church Horse Trailhead Camping Site: It is designed specifically to accommodate horse riders but also welcomes hikers who want to explore more than 50 miles of designated horse riding trail system.

6. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail: Offers primitive backpacking style camping opportunities along its length which winds through some beautiful forested sections of Wayne National Forest.

7. Timbre Ridge Lake Recreational area: Provides access to boating activities alongside traditional tent/RV based accommodation spaces.

8. Hocking Hills State Park (adjacent): Although not technically part of Wayne national park it's close proximity makes it an attractive option especially if you're interested in exploring unique rock formations/ caves etc., they provide cabins rentals apart from regular tents /RV hookups.
Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
Conference Center
Hello I am the marketing coordinator for the Hocking Hills Lodge Conference Center. There is incorrect information on your website about our lodge, how would we go about changing that or providing
15.4 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
A lakeside retreat in the beautiful Hocking Hills on scenic Lake Logan. Full kitchen, Hot Tub, Satellite HD TV, sitting room, breakfast nook, and electric AC/Heat.
18.1 miles from park*



Trails
1. Lake Vesuvius Rock House Trail: This 8-mile trail is a moderately difficult hike that takes you through the beautiful forest and around Lake Vesuvius, with an option to explore the unique rock house formation.

2. Symmes Creek Trail: A scenic 17-mile loop offering views of sandstone cliffs, old growth forests, creeks and diverse wildlife habitats; it's considered moderate in difficulty level.

3. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail: An easy-to-moderate hiking path spanning approximately 15 miles which winds its way through pine groves as well as hardwood trees providing ample opportunities for bird watching.

4. Morgan Sisters Trails System - North Country/Scenic River Loop: The trails offer two loops totaling about nine miles featuring wildflowers during springtime along with sightings of deer or turkey throughout most seasons.

5. Archers Fork Backpacking Trial: It's a challenging but rewarding route stretching over twelve miles showcasing natural arches formed by erosion on sandstones while also passing oil wells from early twentieth century.

6. Stone Church Horse/Hiking/Bike Trials: These multi:use trials cover more than twenty-one mile stretch across rolling hills making them suitable for hikers looking forward to longer treks or mountain biking enthusiasts seeking thrilling rides downhill.

7. Covered Bridge Scenic Byway (Ohio Route26): Although not strictly speaking a walking trial this picturesque drive can be enjoyed at leisurely pace stopping off points like Rinard covered bridge allowing visitors opportunity take short hikes into surrounding woods.

8. Buckeye/North Country National Scenic Trial: Stretching nearly thirty-two hundred kilometers between New York Vermont border Dakota plains Ohio section passes right Wayne Forest giving access some best parts park including areas near Leith Run Recreation Area.

9. Vest Berne Off Highway Vehicle (OHV)Trailhead: While primarily designed motorized vehicles these routes are open all year round walkers bikers alike offering challenging terrain along with stunning views over Ohio River Valley.

10. Monday Creek OHV Trail System: This 75-mile trail system is primarily for off-road vehicles, but hikers can also use it to explore the forest's diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

11. Ironton Ranger District - Lake Vesuvius Lakeshore Loop: A family-friendly loop of about two miles that circles around lake providing ample opportunities picnicking swimming during summer months while winter time ice fishing popular activity here.

12. Pine Run Day Use Area: The area offers a short hiking trial suitable for families or beginners looking forward to enjoy picnic by creek after leisurely walk through woods.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 5 You missed the mark
park review stars; one to five The Wayne National Forest is not a park, but a National Forest. You should do your homework before putting this up.

please see www.stateforests.com

June 5 by james
park review stars; one to five wayne is the best to ride.other then buying a trail permit
April 8 Best Ohio Park, Just Beautiful! by N Students
park review stars; one to five Bordering West Virginia this area is the most picturesque in Ohio for natural landscaping, but not for the faint of heart. The hills, caverns, and trails are best viewed on foot. Bring your hiking boots!
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Lake Snowden Campground
5900 U.S. 50
Albany, OH
740-698-6373
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Frank's Bait Carryout & Cnfctn
101 Central Ave
Athens, OH
(740) 593-3755
Area Cabins and Lodges
Burr Oak Resort
Glouster, OH
(740) 767-2112
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Hidden Cave Cabin - Rockbridge, OH
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
24.1 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
22.5 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Start by heading southeast on I:70 E.
2. Continue on I:70 E for approximately 50 miles until you reach exit 132A to merge onto OH-60 S toward Marietta/Zanesville.
3. Stay on OH:60 S for about 40 miles until you reach the town of McConnelsville.
4. In McConnelsville, turn left onto State Route (SR) 78 E/E Main St., following signs for SR:555/Stockport/Marietta/Wayne National Forest Headquarters.
5. Follow SR:78 East for around 15 miles as it winds through scenic countryside and takes you into Morgan County.

To access specific areas within the forest:
For Athens Ranger District:
6a: For Burr Oak Lake Area - After reaching Morgan County via SR-78E continue straight at a four-way stop intersection with Stockport Rd./State Rte (SR)266 N/SR377 W towards Glouster/Athens.
7a: Turn right onto US Hwy33W/OH13N then take Exit ramp to The Plains/Glouster/Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center.
8a: Merge right off highway exit ramp continuing eastbound along Old Nelsonvile-Glouseter Road which becomes Township Highway #11/Nelsonsville-Gloucester Road SE after crossing under U.S.Hwy33.

Or,

6b: For Wildcat Hollow area - From step five above instead..
7b:Turn Left at that same four way Stop Intersection mentioned earlier staying southward now along Stockport Rd.(also known as state route(SR)-266S).
8b:Continue South past Wolf Creek Wildlife Management Area entrance road till arriving near mile marker#9 where parking lot will be on your left.

For Marietta Ranger District:
6c: For the Athens Unit - After reaching Morgan County via SR-78E continue straight at a four-way stop intersection with Stockport Rd./State Rte (SR)266 N/SR377 W towards Glouster/Athens.
7c:Turn right onto US Hwy33W/OH13N then take Exit ramp to The Plains/Glouster/Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center.
8c:Merge right off highway exit ramp continuing eastbound along Old Nelsonvile-Glouseter Road which becomes Township Highway #11/Nelsonsville-Gloucester Road SE after crossing under U.S.Hwy33.
9a: Continue for approximately 18 miles until you reach State Route 690, and turn left onto it. Follow this road for about 4 miles.

Or,

6d: For the New Matamoras Unit - From step five above instead..
7d:Continue South past Wolf Creek Wildlife Management Area entrance road till arriving near mile marker#16 where parking lot will be on your Right.

state route ranger badge
Ohio
223

Ohio State Parks

X