Exploring Wayne National Forest

Wayne National Forest is a large and popular attraction near Oasis Point RV Resort, boasting approximately 240,000 acres for you to explore! Because of its size, the land is split into a few different areas: the Athens Unit, the Marietta Unit, and the Ironton Unit.


This guide will help you plan your trip to Wayne National Forest.


Know Before You Go



Weather

The Wayne National Forest weather is typical weather for the Midwest. The summer months will be humid and warm. You should not expect the temperature to be over the low 90s and high 80s. 


For the winter months, there will be wind chill, snow and clouds. Temperatures can fall to single digits. Ohio typically has an average snowfall of 28 inches annually. 


Make sure you bring a change of clothes if you are visiting in the fall or spring, as the weather can sometimes go either way.


Opening times

The park is open year-round. The office is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, and during the summer the office is even open at the same time Saturday and Sunday.


Permits and passes

Wayne National Forest should be covered by the National Parks Pass and the America the Beautiful Pass. The pass only covers the entrance fee and a couple of other fees. Check their website for specific information.


Wayne National Forest Hiking Trails

Hiking is permitted during the day in Wayne National Forest. There are a variety of trails for every hiker. The hikes range from easy to extremely hard. Since the forest is so large there is a variety of scenery and nature that you can enjoy. 


Popular trails are Archers Fork, Wildcat Hollow, Scenic River Loop, and the Ohio View Trail. Here is
a list of different maps for Wayne National Forest. They will show you which trails are in which unit.


Wayne National Forest ATV

Few things are more entertaining than riding through the trees at top speed! Wayne National Forest offers approximately 145 miles of trails that are perfect for OHV Trail Riding that are available from late spring through autumn.

You can find information about all of the available trails by visiting the
USDA Forest Service website.


Cost

To use your ATV on the trails, there is a 3-day pass that costs 20 dollars, and the season pass is 35 dollars. The 3-day pass is good for a ‘three day ride’ which is defined as starting at midnight of the first day to midnight of the third day. The seasonal permit lasts for the entire trail-riding season, which typically lasts from mid-April to mid-December 


There are numerous riding trails and areas in the Athens and Ironton Units. Both ATV and OHV riders are allowed on the trails, and keep in mind that the trails are not fit for vehicles that are wider than 50 inches. 


Please follow rules and be respectful to other riders. 


Hunting and Shooting in Wayne National Forest

Both hunting and shooting are allowed at Wayne National Forest so long as the areas aren’t marked off. It should be noted that under Ohio state law, target shooting is prohibited unless done at a designated wildlife target range. 


Deer hunting is a popular activity within the forest as there is always a plentiful population, allowing for great hunting opportunities. If you are more interested in small game hunting, you can find plenty of opportunities to hunt:

  • Squirrel
  • Birds
  • Turkeys


Relax at Oasis RV Resort

After an exciting adventure within the Wayne National Forest, it’s always great to come back to a great location to relax. Oasis RV Resort offers full amenities and hookups as well as a private lake for some fun in the sun!


Check our availability and book your spot today!

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