Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills State Park is a former hermit's retreat with a curious history that draws many visitors every year. Home to what is thought to be the tallest hemlock tree in Ohio, miles of hiking trails and fascinating sandstone rock formations, it provides plenty of opportunities to combine tent camping with outdoor activities for the whole family.
Geography
Located in southern Ohio, about 12 miles from the small city of Logan and the massive Logan Lake-- stocked with bluegill, crappie and catfish--Old Man's Cave is one of six natural parks in Hocking Hills. It takes its name from the rock shelter once inhabited by the hermit Richard Rowe, while "Hocking" comes from the Delaware language for "Bottle River," as American Indians claimed the water takes the shape of a bottle as it flows through the river valley.
State Park Camping
Hocking Hills State Park has a campground at Old Man's Cave that offers space for group camping, tents for rent and a lake for fishing. There are heated showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities as well as a swimming pool, volleyball, playground and nine hiking trails that range from wheelchair accessible to the challenging one-mile Cantwell Cliffs walk. Tent-only groups must reserve in advance.
Family Camping
Families looking for tent camping with full facilities will find several private campgrounds close to Old Man's Cave. Approximately 34 miles north, Buckeye Lake/Columbus KOA is set in 40 acres of gardens and has a shaded primitive tent area with access to all the facilities, including bikes to rent, horseshoes and a large games room.
Equestrian Camping
Hocking Hills is a favorite spot for horse-riding, and several campgrounds are suitable if you want to emerge from your tent and jump straight on your horse. Palmerosa Horseman's Campground has primitive sites in the woods, a camp store and showers, as well as 10'x10' box stalls for the horses, and horses for rent. Spotted Horse Ranch is a working family ranch with tents to rent, supervised rides and lessons in horsemanship. Bring your horse or rent one of theirs and enjoy a four-hour ride with cowboy cookout.
When To Go
In season, the weather rarely gets too uncomfortable for tent camping in Old Man's Cave, with even the warmest days cooling down pleasantly in the evenings. Dress in layers and take sturdy hiking boots, especially in the spring and fall when frequent rain fills the waterfalls and can make the trails slippery.
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