Can I Camp At Hocking Hills State Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The park offers tent-only group camping which is available for reservation

. Call for group size limitations. Pit latrines are provided. Reservations may be made up to six months in advance online or by calling (866) 644-6727.

Is camping allowed at Hocking Hills?

Hocking Hills Camping. Get to the heart of a nature-to-nature vacation by camping.

Ohio's Hocking Hills region is home to some of the best camping in Ohio – and the country

. The Hocking Hills State Park Campground has been named the No.

Can you camp for free at Hocking Hills?

We offer Private Primitive minutes from Hocking Hills State Parks. Prices start at $25,

kids enjoy free

. The most popular of all the Hocking areas is Old Man's Cave, located on State Route 664.

Can you camp along the Hocking River?


Beautiful tent campsites amongst the trees along the Hocking River

. Private primitive campsites are available for individuals looking for the true outdoor experience. Guests provide tent and camping gear. Two night minimum on weekends.

Is Hocking Hills open to the public?

Hocking Hills State Park is

open all year around

.

Can you backcountry camp in Hocking Hills?


A horse camp is located near Rockhouse in Hocking State Forest for those visitors who wish to ride on backcountry trails

. Picnic areas with tables, grills, latrines, and drinking water are located at each of the recess caves.

How much does it cost to camp at a state park in Ohio?

The state agency features 9,700 campsites at 59 parks, with the most popular campgrounds at Hocking Hills, Indian Lake, Mohican, East Harbor and Lake Hope, all within easy driving of Columbus. Overnight camping fees range from

$17 to $39 per site

.

Can you camp anywhere in Ohio?


Most of Ohio's free campsites are located on public land — state parks, state forests, along with a few county and city parks

. Ohio's sole national park, Cuyahoga Valley, does not allow camping within its boundaries, but there are a few state parks and recreation areas with camping facilities just outside it.

What is the meaning of Boondocking?

Sometimes referred to as “dry camping,” boondocking is

any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections

. That can take the form of parking your rig deep in the backcountry or pulling over at a highway rest stop.

Can you stay in Hocking Hills State Park?


‘Cabins' range from small peaceful romantic cottages to medium family-size cabins to large lodges that will accommodate multiple families

. Our availability search engine can help you find the perfect place to stay quickly and easily.

Does it cost to get into Hocking Hills?

Yes!

All of Hocking Hills State Parks are free

. But you must stay on the designated trail. There are no entrance fees for walking the trails or for parking.

Does Hocking Hills have primitive camping?

Primitive Campsites:


Sites are primitive and include a picnic table and fire ring

. Many sites overlook the Hocking River. Swimming can be accessible on a few sites. Overall, there are 80 sites at the Riverside Campground.

Does Hocking Hills have RV parking?


Beautiful RV Park in the heart of Hocking Hills Region of Ohio

. Every space has a river view, and electric hook-up. Park contains river swimming and tubing, hiking and trees, trees, trees.

Is there WiFi at Hocking Hills?


Free WiFi is available to travelers at the Hocking Hills Welcome Center on route 664

as well as Bob Evans and McDonalds.

Why is Hocking Hills State Park closed?

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has closed the state park until further notice due to

unsafe trail conditions

. Visitors are asked to not enter the park for any reason. ODNR says trail conditions are being monitored and the park will be reopened when it is safe to do so.

Are there bears in Hocking Hills?

Bear sightings in the eastern half of Ohio have increased but they are still quite rare.

Your chances of encountering a bear in Hocking Hills are pretty low

and you can explore the area alone and unarmed safely. Just be aware of your surroundings and if you see a bear, back away slowly.

Why did Hocking Hills close?

According to Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)

freezing and thawing in the area have left a thick coating of ice at Hocking Hills

. Local first responders consulted with ODNR about the decision to close the park, saying they could no longer safely provide rescue if someone were to fall.

Can you backpack at Hocking Hills?


Zaleski State Forest Backpack Trail


Near Lake Hope State Park, about 30 minutes from Hocking Hills State Park

. The entire backpack loop (starting and returning from Hope Schoolhouse) is 28.8 miles long.

Can you hammock at Hocking Hills?

Hocking Hills State Park in Logan


Don't worry about finding a spot to set up your hammock

. The park has several trails lined with towering trees to hang under.

Are dogs allowed at Hocking Hills?


Yes, pets are allowed in State Parks on leashes

. However, pets are not allowed in State Nature Preserve, which includes Conkle's Hollow and Rockbridge Nature Preserves. Pets are allowed on access ways at Clear Creek Metro Park, but they are not allowed on the nature trails.

Are Ohio state park Campgrounds open all year?


Most Ohio State Park campgrounds are open year-round

for four seasons of fun, though many offer limited facilities in the winter. Camping options include family camping, equestrian camping, and group camping. Reservations for camping can be made online or by telephone at (866) OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727).

How long can you camp at Ohio State Parks?

Maximum Stay. The maximum period of time that any person is permitted to stay overnight in any designated campground or other rented overnight facility within a state park shall not exceed

fourteen days in any thirty day time frame

.

Which Ohio state campgrounds have full hookup?

Ohio's

Pymatuning State Park Campground

offers full-hookup, electric and non-electric sites, with a camp store, camper beach, and more. Furnished cabins are also available.

What is stealth camping?

Stealth camping is

camping without being noticed

. Some people do this in urban areas, while some venture into wild locations. Sometimes the camping is considered legal, while other times it's illegal (which we don't recommend!). For many, it's done thinking it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.

Where is it free to camp in Ohio?

Free Camping in Ohio State Forests

There are two campgrounds in

Harrison State Forest

, both in very picturesque settings. Ronsheim Campground with 7 sites is set near a small dam and pond. Trailriders Campground has 20 sites that are set up for families or horse campers.

Can you disperse camp in Ohio?


Ohio generally has two public landowners that permit dispersed or primitive camping

. Those are the United State Forest Service (USFS) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.