Hocking Hills State Park Campground

There are many places to camp in Ohio, but the Hocking Hills region is one where many people come to enjoy the natural wonders of Ohio. I think one of the key factors in enjoying your time in Hocking Hills is finding a place to camp where you are close to all the hiking and waterfalls. One of those campgrounds is the Hocking Hills State Park campground, located right next to Old Man’s Cave.  This campground has LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

PERFECT location for hiking and waterfalls!

Arrival and Check in at Hocking Hills State Park Campground

There may be people who tell you that you will have cell service down by the campground, don’t count on it. Be prepared in advance with your directions and where you are going. One of my favorite things about this location is the lack of cell phone service and the quiet that comes with it. While I enjoy not having the phone blowing up after we have the travel trailer set up, finding the campground can be a challenge without it. **We missed the entrance the first time we came there.**

Check-In

Checking in was easy and the camp office is at the entrance of the campground. It is beautiful and well kept, stocked with things you may have forgotten and souvenirs that you might want to take home. The staff was efficient and knowledgeable, they had us on our way to our site in a very timely manner.

The road up to your site is twisted and winding, we suggest arriving BEFORE dark. The road is well paved but there are no guard rails and the road is tight. If you meet up with another RV or travel trailer, it could be dicey depending on your confidence level.

Campsites and Set up

Hocking Hills State Park sites all have picnic tables, fire rings and all sites are paved. We drove through the whole campground checking out the sites offered and all of them seemed good and level, by Hocking Hills standards. There is not much space between sites, and some are quite close together, so take time to meet your camping neighbors. If you like your privacy while camping, this campground will not be a place you will feel secluded.

Set up here is easy and we were able to back into our site easily. The electric, water and sewer at the site was conveniently located and we got all the necessary items hooked up quickly.

Sites we have stayed at:

51 and 30

51 is ok, however, it has a slope as you leave the concrete pad down to your fire pit. I would stay at this site again.

30 did NOT like this site. It was near the sewage pit and the noise and smell from that were TERRIBLE. This is a never again site.

Hocking Hills State Park Campground Amenities

Campground Amenities:

It is a state park so there is not a lot of extras here to entertain you, the natural resources and waterfalls are what draw campers here. They do offer a pool in the summer which had a major overhaul in 2020.

The bathrooms are state park quality. They have everything you need to get the job done and they are clean. I would not call them the Hilton. 🙂 The bathrooms here at Hocking Hills State Park were cleaner than at other parks I have been to.

Things to Do in Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills Visitor Center

With all the things to do here in Hocking Hills you definitely need to make time to go to the BRAND new visitor center. You can speak to rangers, plan a hike and tour around the center to learn about the Hocking Hills region.

Picnicking

There are six picnic areas with tables, grills, latrines and drinking water located at each of the recess caves. Each spot is unique for picnics so plan a few!

Fishing

Fishing is allowed at the 17-acre Rose Lake. Access is off of State Route 374 via a 1/2-mile hiking trail and valid Ohio fishing license is required. We have only hiked to this lake, but I am sure the fishing is amazing!

Disc Golf

The first tee is located near the Whispering Cave trailhead and offers 18 holes. Every hole has a level tee pad and map. You have to bring your own equipment; rental equipment is not available and there is no fee to play.

Archery

An archery range with 5 static targets and 22 3-D targets is open from daylight until dark year-round.

Boating

Boats with electric motors and paddlecraft are allowed at the 17-acre Rose Lake. Access is carry-in, off of State Route 374 via a 1/2-mile hiking trail.

Hocking Hills Region has so much to offer that you can’t do it all on one trip. You will have to come back again and again. It doesn’t matter if you’re a nature lover who hikes the trails, an adventure seeker that goes to High Rock Adventures or one who loves to sit and sip coffee by the campfire, Hocking Hills has something for every camper.

Hikes we recommend:

Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail

Whispering Cave and Hemlock Trail

Ash Cave Hiking Trail

Hikes You Can Take in Hocking Hills

Pin for Hocking Hills State Park Campground

Hocking Hills State Park Campground is Gleason Family Approved!