Camping in the Hocking Hills

Camping in Ohio provides a break from the hectic pace of everyday life, and an escape from city living. The Hocking Hills are of the "Buckeye State" is comprised primarily of Hocking and Vinton Counties. This rural area is located in the southern section of Ohio. A myriad of outdoor excursions and ecotourism await campers in the Hocking Hills. Campgrounds are available with full electric hook-ups, showers, concrete pads, rustic Amish cabins, or a wide array of primitive campsites.

Lake Logan and Lake Hope State Parks offer boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and hunting opportunities for campers.Visitors to either state park can also enjoy all terrain vehicle or horseback riding trails nearby. The Zaleski State Forest and adjoining Moonville Rail Trail area features hundreds of acres of muscle powered trails. Camping options include pet friendly areas at either state park location.

Bird watching and geo-caching opportunities exist at Lake Hope State Park, and Old Man's Cave. The visitor' and nature center complexes offer maps and details for interested parties. Ash Cave and Cedar Falls connect to Old Man's Cave, with interlocking hiking trails and picnic areas. A seasonal outdoor swimming pool at the Old Man's Cave Lodge is open to park campers. Seasonal and night hikes are organized throughout the year, at no charge to participants. Special events, such a maple sugar tasting and pumpkin carving, outdoor Christmas light trail, as well as Appalachian themed crafts, culture, and musical events.

Hocking Hills area attractions include Ohio's first zip lining facility, Uncle Buck's Riding Stable and Saloon, Ravenwood Castle, the Rock House natural rock formation area, Cantwell Cliffs, Hocking Hills Hot Air Ballooning, Mountain man Mule Expeditions, Happy Trails Horseback Rides, Blue Moon Acres Riding Stables, Windy Hills Golf Club, Adventure Golf at Rempel's Grove, "Earth, Water, and Rock Outdoor Adventures, Etta's Lunchbox Diner and Museum, Cove Village Fishing, Touch the Earth Adventures, Spa at the Inn at Cedar Falls, Lilyfest, Hocking Hills Gem Mine, Ruby's Petting Zoo, Ohio ATV World, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Hocking Hills Nature Trails and ATV Rental, Washboard Music Festival, Perfect Touch Massage and Traveling Spa, Blue Valley Massage and Traveling Spa, as well as the Natural Remedies Massage and Traveling Spa.

Fall leaves bring massive crowds to the Hocking Hills area, and is considered the peak travel season. Camping and cabin rentals should be booked at least a month in advance to avoid disappointment. Rates during November to February are lower, but still require advance reservations.

Sources used for this article include personal experience, Hocking Hills Travel website, and the Heart of Hocking travel website.