Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Wayne National Forest
Know before you go
Trailhead Capacity
Parking at popular trailheads like Lake Vesuvius can fill during autumn weekends; arrive early. Most remote trailheads offer gravel pull-offs with limited space for larger vehicles.
Rural Connectivity
Expect zero cellular service in the Marietta and Ironton units; download offline maps before leaving gateway towns. A physical road atlas is recommended for navigating the maze of forest service roads.
Gateway Supplies
Athens and Marietta serve as the primary fuel hubs; gas stations are non-existent within the forest interior. Ensure your tank is full before departing for the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway.
Hunting Season Awareness
Be aware of local hunting seasons in the fall and winter; wearing blaze orange is a standard safety practice for hikers. Spring wildflowers peak in late April, while fall colors usually crest in mid-October.
Road Maintenance
Some forest roads are not maintained for winter travel and may be impassable after heavy rain. Check the official Forest Service website for current alerts on bridge closures or storm damage.
Check current conditions:U.S. Forest Service
2RVs, campervans & cars near PKB
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to PKB
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at PKB
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at PKB
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at PKB
- ✓ Compare suppliers at PKB
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at PKB
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at PKBA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Wayne National Forest
- 01
High Ridges and Pine Forests
Suggested: 9 AM from Athens
Wildcat Hollow Trailhead
Hike the 5-mile loop through dense pine plantations and Appalachian rock formations.
Court Street
Experience the local culture and historic architecture of the Athens gateway community.
Allow 90 minutes from PKB airport to Athens; local forest roads are winding.
Trail conditions in Wildcat Hollow can be muddy in early spring; wear waterproof footwear.
Pick up your vehicle at PKB → - 02
River Crossings and Historic Spans
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Marietta
Hune Covered Bridge
View this 19th-century engineering landmark along the Little Muskingum River.
Scenic River Trail
Trek to overlooks providing expansive views of the river valley and forested hills.
Allow 1 hour for the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway; conditions vary by weather.
The Scenic Byway is narrow; use caution when encountering oncoming traffic or cyclists.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Lake Vesuvius Exploration
Suggested: 9 AM from Lake Vesuvius
Rock House Trail
Navigate a moderate path to a massive sandstone rock shelter used by early settlers.
Vesuvius Dam
Walk the boardwalk for views of the steep cliffs and calm waters of the recreation area.
Allow 2 hours for the return trip to PKB airport; rural roads require a slower pace.
Lake Vesuvius is a popular weekend spot; weekdays offer more seclusion for hikers.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Low
Activity Permits and Seasonal Campground Access
Primitive dispersed camping is free and generally requires no check-in; groups larger than 25 need a permit and prior coordination. A 14-day stay limit applies. Motorized trail use has separate permit rules; check current closures, campground arrangements, and local restrictions.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
PKBWayne National Forest
Mid Ohio Valley Regional Airport · 1 h 31 min drive
Find flights to PKB
Plan your road trip
From Mid Ohio Valley Regional Airport
1 h 31 min
about 60 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Wayne National Forest on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Wayne National Forest on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Wayne National Forest
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Wayne National Forest
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Wayne National Forest
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Wayne National Forest
Explore guided activities around Wayne National Forest. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Wayne National Forest
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
