The Hocking Hills region of Ohio offers deep gorges and rock formations that have resulted from uplift and erosion of Blackhand sandstone and shale. Hollows, caves and cliffs carved in this same rock add to the natural beauty and attract hikers, rock climbers and spelunkers. A variety of campgrounds are available, as Ohio encourages outdoor recreation in the Hocking Hills while urging caution because of the extreme height of the cliffs.
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park features 200 campsites among some of the area's most interesting and beautiful attractions, including Old Man’s Cave and Cantwell Cliffs. Choose among electric and non-electric campsites, which have access to a store, flush toilets, heated showers, laundry facilities, a dump station, a swimming pool, an archery range, a horseshoe pit, playgrounds and a volleyball court. Several summer camper cabins are available. In addition, the park offers walk-in family sites with pit latrines and tent-only group camps by reservation only. Spend your days hiking, mountain biking and licensed fishing.
Hocking Hills State Forest
If you like bridle trails, you may want to camp at the Hocking Hills State Forest, which offers multiple designated trails and a primitive horse camp. The camp has 23 sites available with enough space for most rigs and has water for horses but not people. Use is free, but campers must complete a self-registration form. The forest permits licensed hunting and licensed fishing and has set aside 99 acres for rappelling and rock climbing.
Tar Hollow State Park
Tar Hollow State Park offers electric, non-electric, walk-in, and primitive campsites, and the park permits pets on all sites. The campground includes showers, laundry facilities, pit latrines, a dump station and a nearby playground and basketball court. A store sells supplies, has game and sporting equipment to borrow and offers a game room, miniature golf and bike and boat rental. Hike or bike the park’s trails, and enjoy licensed fishing boating and swimming in the lake. Licensed hunting and a horse camp are available in the adjacent Tar Hollow State Forest.
Lake Hope State Park
Lake Hope State Park has 223 campsites surrounded by hiking trails through forested hills, ridges and gorges. The campsites accommodate tents or trailers, and some include electric hookups. The campground offers laundry facilities, fire rings, heated shower houses, waste disposal and pit latrines. The park has a couple of summer camper-cabins and a reservation-only group camp. Several rent-a-camp units are available. Pets are welcome on some sites. Enjoy licensed fishing, swimming and boating in the lake.
Commercial campgrounds
The Hocking Hills region offers numerous commercial campgrounds, many of which have websites. You can enjoy horse camps, primitive sites, sites with electric and water, recreational vehicle parks, open sites, shaded sites, even Native American tepees. Regardless of where you stay, you experience exhilarating outdoor adventures surrounded by some of Ohio’s most spectacular natural beauty.
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