Map showing campground location near Rockbridge, Ohio

Camper submitted image from Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe

Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting along the Hocking River in Rockbridge, Ohio, Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe draws paddlers and tent campers looking to position themselves directly on the water. The campground changed ownership in May 2024, and recent visitors report noticeable improvements to the grounds and staff responsiveness. Primitive sites sit right on the riverbank, with shade from large trees overhead. Drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in access give the campground some flexibility for how campers arrive.

River access is the defining feature here, though it comes with caveats. From most sites, reaching the water requires navigating a steep bank rather than walking onto a flat shore. After heavy rain, low-lying sites can flood significantly, and the two-track road through the campground has historically held standing water. Showers are available, but they are located near the check-in area rather than adjacent to the campsites. Toilets in the camping area are port-a-potties. Campers with dogs are welcome, and pets have logged miles of trails in the surrounding area. Reservations are available, though at least one reviewer reports a booking mix-up close to arrival.

The campground sits roughly 15 miles from Hocking Hills State Park, which translates to about a 30-minute drive on hilly roads. Campers who want a base closer to the park's trails might consider places to camp near Rockbridge before committing. "Primitive camping and you can pick a spot right on the river," notes Danielle T., which captures what this campground does well when conditions cooperate. Campers wanting more developed amenities nearby can look at lake logan KOA Campground a few miles to the southeast.

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Map & DirectionsHocking Hills Camping & Canoe is located in Ohio near Rockbridge

Private Campground

Coordinates

39.58430038 N
82.52430027 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
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Last on 8/1/26
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Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 3/24/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Market
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

37 min from Columbus, OH
1 hr 4 min from Parkersburg, WV
1 hr 18 min from Springfield, OH

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Large primitive riverside sites offer scenic camping with quiet surroundings. Recent ownership changes have improved staff friendliness, but past issues with flooding, maintenance, and poor communication have affected some visits.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Kyle B.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2024

New Ownership and its amazing!!!

This campground has been a staple of Hocking Hills for decades. Finally some new owners took over in May ‘24 and have really done an amazing job renovating things. The staff is super friendly, large primitive campsites right on the river with tons of shade trees! They are even building treehouses to stay in. We love it here!

Katie S.

Scout

Reviewed May. 26, 2023

Gave our campsite away

I booked over a month in advance, paid and the day before find out that they gave our camp site away. We picked a specific water edge larger campsite and they try to place us in a smaller non water campsite.

CampgroundKaren ..

Guide

Reviewed May. 22, 2023

Good primitive campground.

We have camped here a couple times and had a great experience. It’s primitive and the portapotties are as expected. The sites along the river are beautiful!

Month of VisitOctober

mike

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2022

Disapointing

If you want ultra primitive and access to zero resources, maybe. Camp sites are not even close to showers/office area. You can not access river from most sites without climbing a 15’ bank. There is not a beach, it’s the dry river edge. Toilets in camp area never emptied and unusable, camp sites not cleaned of dog poop or trash from previous campers. Picnic tables secure to trees in not a convenient area for site. It’s over 15 miles to State Park and all of 30 minute drive. Has not been updated or maintained in decades. Don’t stay here.

Site80

Month of VisitAugust

Lucimay B.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 20, 2021

Such a blast!

Our very first time camping and we couldn’t had picked a better place! Lots of scenery! Walked 8 miles with our dog and still have so much left to see. Will definitely be going back! Very quiet and clean campgrounds.

Sitenon electric- 081

Month of VisitMarch

(28) View All

Patty C.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2020

Awesome time

We had a great time. River right next to us and port a potty near. Allows dogs. Showers are at the check in but they are nice.

(4) View All

Danielle T.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 9, 2019

Basic camping

Really enjoy this spot. Been to it a couple times now. Primitive camping and you can pick a spot right on the river. We were able to walk down from the site and swim. Sites are big enough and plenty of space from neighbors! Only gave 4 stars because spots are first come first serve.

Ryan B.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2019

Non responsive

Hate for my first review to be a bad one on such a great app, however I feel the need to share. Maybe this will make them more responsive. We had a group trip traveling 300 miles to visit Hocking Hills in Ohio. Booked this trip well in advance as this time of year all campgrounds in the HH region are booked solid. Should’ve known when there was availability for three connected sites during prime season there was something fishy. The campground is right on the river and located 15 miles from HH trails. 15 miles in the hills is a 30 drive to the park. Kind of deceiving to say they are in Hocking Hills. The activity center is blocks away from this campground not as it appears on the web as if it were located in the campground. It looks as if it hasn’t been updated for decades. The real issue we had was the accessibility of the sites. The two track road around the campground had standing water of over 12 inches deep that went the width of the two track and about 10 feet long. Two of our sites were so flooded you’d struggle to find enough dry area to pitch our tent. No way you could park a travel trailer, it was an absolute mud pit. Four calls and no answer. First email they replied to with an unapologetic single sentence saying “before last night it hasn’t rained in a month”. Regardless of it being the night after a rainfall the sites were absolutely unusable. After two further emails they still have not replied. Naturally we paid in full before the trip and they refused to refund. Well actually they haven’t refused refund they just haven’t replied nor cared enough too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What adventure activities can I enjoy while camping in Hocking Hills?

Hocking Hills offers abundant adventure opportunities right from the campground. The river provides excellent swimming access where you can cool off during hot days. Hiking is a major attraction with miles of scenic trails to explore—campers have reported walking 8+ miles in a day and still having more to discover. The campground's location provides a perfect base for exploring the region's famous rock formations, waterfalls, and forests. Under new ownership as of 2024, the property is being renovated with plans for treehouse accommodations, adding another unique adventure option.

What types of camping experiences are available in Hocking Hills?

Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe specializes in primitive camping experiences. The sites are rustic with minimal amenities, making them ideal for those seeking a genuine connection with nature. Campers have access to portable toilets in the camping area and shower facilities located at the check-in office, though these are quite distant from most campsites. The campground welcomes dogs, allowing for pet-friendly outdoor adventures. New ownership has begun renovations, including the development of treehouses, which will soon add a unique glamping option to the traditional tent camping experience.

How do I make reservations for camping in Hocking Hills?

Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe operates primarily on a reservation system. For the best experience, book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as sites can fill up quickly. Reservations can be made by contacting the campground directly. Some campsites are first-come, first-served, but securing a reservation is highly recommended to ensure you get your preferred spot. Be aware that the campground has experienced reservation issues in the past, so it's advisable to confirm your reservation a few days before arrival.

Where are the best campsites located within Hocking Hills?

The riverside sites at Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe are widely considered the best spots to camp. These coveted locations offer direct views and access to the river, though reaching the water might require navigating a steep bank at some sites. The riverside area features plenty of shade trees, creating a cool, comfortable camping environment even during summer months. These sites tend to be spacious with good separation between neighbors, providing a sense of privacy. For the optimal experience, request a riverside campsite specifically when making your reservation, as these premium spots are highly sought-after and fill up quickly.

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