Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave Camping offers a unique and unforgettable outdoor experience for nature enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s stunning Hocking Hills region, this campground provides direct access to the captivating trails and natural wonders that have made the area a beloved destination for generations.
Campground Overview
The Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave Campground is strategically located right next to the iconic Old Man’s Cave, allowing campers to easily explore this geological marvel and the surrounding trails. The campground boasts a range of amenities, including heated showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, a dump station, and a fill station. Visitors can also enjoy the on-site campground store, playgrounds, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit.
Off-Peak Season Offerings
During the off-peak season, from November 1 to April 1, the campground offers a more limited set of facilities. Shower house 1 and the dump station remain open, and water is available only at shower house 1. The camp store, however, remains open, and sites 1 through 93, G 1 through 4, and three Sherman cabins are available for camping.
Campsites and Accommodations
The Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave Campground offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences and needs.
Campsites
The campground features both full hook-up and electric sites with 20-, 30-, or 50-amp service, as well as non-electric sites. Each site is equipped with a paved pad, a fire ring, and a picnic table, and pets are permitted on all campsites.
Sherman Cabins
For those seeking a more temperature-controlled environment with limited amenities, the campground offers Sherman Cabins. These cabins feature air conditioning, heat, a small refrigerator, and a microwave oven. However, they do not have running water or a restroom, so campers must use the facilities in the main campground. One of the Sherman Cabins is ADA accessible, and pets are not allowed in these accommodations.
Hike-in Camping
For a more primitive camping experience, the Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave Campground offers hike-in camping options. These sites are only accessible by foot and do not have road access. Campers can find a water spigot in the parking area and pit latrines throughout the campground. Pets are permitted on all hike-in campsites.
Group Camping
The campground also offers tent-only group camping options that can be reserved in advance. These sites provide access to pit latrines, making them an ideal choice for larger gatherings and events.
Trails and Activities
Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave Camping is renowned for its diverse and captivating trail system, offering hikers of all skill levels the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.
Hiking Trails
The campground provides access to various hiking trails, including the Grandma Gatewood Trail, which showcases the area’s stunning waterfalls, rock formations, and lush forests. Visitors can choose from trails with varying levels of difficulty to suit their preferences and fitness levels.
Mountain Biking
In addition to hiking, the Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave Campground also offers opportunities for mountain biking. Trails such as the Purple Trail Loop and Orange Trail Loop provide thrilling off-road experiences for adventurous cyclists.
Picnicking and Visitor Center
Campers can enjoy picnicking in the designated areas, which feature tables, grills, and latrines. The Visitor Center, located at the Old Man’s Cave parking lot, is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, providing information and resources for visitors.
Old Man’s Cave
The iconic Old Man’s Cave, which gives the campground its name, is a must-visit attraction within the Hocking Hills State Park. This geological wonder is divided into five distinct sections, each offering a unique perspective on the area’s natural history and beauty.
Events and Programs
Throughout the year, the Hocking Hills State Park Old Man’s Cave Campground hosts a variety of nature programs and events, such as the “Marvelous Mammals” presentation at the Visitor Center. These educational and engaging activities allow campers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the local ecosystem.
Contact Information
For more information or to make reservations, visitors can contact the Hocking Hills State Park Campground at (740) 385-6842 or the central reservation system at (866) 644-6727. Reservations can also be made online up to six months in advance.
References
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Hocking Hills State Park Campground. Retrieved from https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park-campground
- TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Don’t tent at Old Man’s Cave campground – Review of Hocking Hills State Park. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g50566-d103467-r38166976-Hocking_Hills_State_Park-Logan_Ohio.html
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Hocking Hills State Park. Retrieved from https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park
- Hocking Hills. (n.d.). Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills State Park. Retrieved from https://www.hockinghills.com/old_mans_cave.html
- Hocking Hills. (n.d.). Old Man’s Cave – Hocking Hills Campgrounds. Retrieved from https://www.hockinghills.com/members/old_mans_cave.html