Can You Camp At Hocking Hills?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Set up camp wherever you like

! There are 12 acres of open field space, surrounded by 50 acres of wooded hills and hollows with hiking trails and level spots to pitch tents. Vehicles can be driven to the field sites; we are still working on a road to access the hill sites by vehicle.

Can you camp along the Hocking River?


Beautiful tent 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.

Can you camp for free at Hocking Hills?

We offer Private Primitive Campsites 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 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.

Can you swim in Devil's Bathtub Hocking Hills?

Can you swim in Devil's Bathtub Hocking Hills? Although it may look like a great place for a cool dip in the water,

no, you are not allowed to swim in Devil's Bathtub

. In fact, with the tub being several feet deep, it is actually almost impossible to get out of.

Can you pitch a tent in Hocking Hills?


Whether you're in a tent or a trailer, the Hocking Hills State Park Campground and other area campsites make up some of the best camping in Ohio

– a true camper's paradise.

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.

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

.

Is there any dispersed camping in Ohio?


A variety of primitive campsites and primitive group areas are available at State Forests and State Parks across Ohio

.

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.

Is Hocking Hills open to the public?

Hocking Hills State Park is

open all year around

.

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.

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.

Are dogs allowed at Hocking Hills?


Dogs are allowed on trails in the state parks of the Hocking Hills

. Be sure to obey the law and be considerate of your fellow hikers by observing the six-foot leash law.

Can you go in Old Man's Cave?


Hikers can view recess caves along the trail

, including the well-known Old Man's Cave, waterfalls like Lower Falls and Devil's Bathtub, cliffs, stone tunnels, and unique rock formations like Sphinx Head.

Does it cost to go to Old Man's Cave?

The cave is

free to visit

. The cave is open, not like a cavern, such as the Meramec caverns.

How deep is the devil's bath?

Over time, the noisy waters of the Devil's Fork have carved a hole about 20 feet long and eight feet wide in solid rock. Dubbed “The Devil's Bathtub,” the name fits: the

12-foot

-deep depression in the creek bed is shaped just like a bathtub, and a small waterfall drips into the basin like a faucet.

Can you primitive camp in Hocking Hills?

Hike-in Camping


The park's primitive Hike-In Campground offers a more rustic camping experience

. No road access to these campsites. Campers must hike their gear up to 1⁄2 mile to their campsite. Water spigot available in the parking area and pit latrines are located throughout the campground.

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.

Can you Boondock in Ohio?


Public land offers great free dispersed Ohio RV camping (boondocking) opportunities

. You can get camping location tips from the USFS (USDA Forest Service) Ranger Districts, as well as current restrictions and conditions. Several municipal parks offer limited stay free RV camping as well.

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.

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.