Cabin accommodations near Kingston, Ohio offer year-round access to the region's forested hills, lakes, and sandstone formations. Most cabin options sit within 30-40 minutes of Kingston in the Hocking Hills area, where elevation ranges between 600-1,000 feet. Winter cabin camping remains popular with temperatures averaging 20-30°F, while summer cabins provide relief from 80-90°F temperatures common in July and August.
What to do
Hiking at Tar Hollow State Park: Located 15 miles from Kingston, this lesser-known park offers secluded trails through dense forest. "Beautiful, secluded group camping. Shelter and pit bathrooms. Wide open space for lots of campers. Nice access to trails. Beach area is clean & small little lake," notes one Tar Hollow State Park Campground visitor. The park contains a thriving Timber Rattlesnake population, so watch your step on trails.
Lake activities at Lake Hope: Paddle boats, kayaks and canoes are available for rent at this scenic lake 35 miles southeast of Kingston. "The lake has a sand beach and designated swim area. It is blocked off from the rest of the lake by a wooden dock from which you are able to shallow dive (it's only seven or eight feet deep)," explains a camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground. Early morning paddlers can watch water lilies open at sunrise.
Trail exploration near cabins: Many cabin rentals provide direct access to hiking paths. "It's nice and close to my home (Cleveland). The camping however left much to be desired. The campsites are so close together, which you think would at least mean the bathrooms were close, but no, they were a serious hike," reports a visitor to Hocking Hills State Park Campground.
What campers like
Fire rings and evening activities: Most cabin sites include fire rings with access to purchase firewood. "We enjoyed a full hookup site. The spots aren't very spacious but there's lots of trees nearby and an easy walk to get to Old Man's Cave. We enjoyed swimming in the pool," shares a Hocking Hills State Park camper.
Pool access at multiple locations: Several campgrounds with cabins offer swimming pools as alternatives to natural swimming areas. A visitor to Top O' The Caves Campground notes: "It has mini golf, a pool, park and small game room which is awesome for camping with kids. It offers rustic cabins for those that dont tent camp or have a rv."
Proximity to natural attractions: Cabin locations often serve as convenient base camps. "The hocking hills park itself is awesome. Great trails, beautiful waterfalls, wonderous caves. They are all pretty short hikes and easy access. We enjoyed it with our large breed dog and toddler," explains a Hocking Hills visitor. Many cabins sit within 10-15 minutes of popular hiking destinations.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some cabin areas require careful navigation of uneven terrain. According to a camper at Campbell Cove Camping: "When we went on our first adventure to Hocking Hills we chose to go Primitive and booked a site here. We were not disappointed. Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites."
Bathroom and shower conditions vary: While cabin rentals might include private facilities, quality differs widely. "The bathrooms are pit latrines. Normally, I wouldn't be too concerned about this (you're camping! it's cool to rough it a bit!) However…these are some of the dirtiest I've experienced," reports a Tar Hollow camper.
Seasonal closures affect amenities: Winter cabin rentals may have limited services. "This is a very secluded campsite so it really feels like you're one with nature. The pit latrines are convenient for those emergency situations but they're not the cleanest," notes another Tar Hollow visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Choose cabins with dedicated children's programming. "The camp store is friendly and welcoming, with a small selection of mementos (magnets, hiking sticks), a few nature-themed toys, last-minute forgets (duct tape, popcorn, table cloth and the like) and ice cream," writes a Lake Hope visitor. Many locations offer naturalist-led programs specifically for children.
Cabin selection for space: Family groups should consider size requirements carefully. A visitor to Hocking Hills KOA Holiday notes: "We are first-time owners of a 29 ft Fifth Wheel and got a pull-through site. It offered little in the way of privacy, which was the only negative about the whole experience. Our site included a fire ring and a picnic table, along with all the hook ups."
Distance to amenities: For families with young children, bathroom proximity matters. "Since site 106 is at the far end, you don't have anyone walking by your campsite to and from the parking lot," explains a Tar Hollow camper regarding tent sites, but the same consideration applies to cabin locations.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Access roads to cabin areas can present challenges. At the KOA, one camper mentions: "The little road going up to the campground is VERY bumpy. It's not the campground road, it belongs to the Township, so its completely out of their ability to make improvements." Larger vehicles should call ahead about road access.
Winter cabin alternatives: RVers seeking heated options can find year-round facilities. "A winter camping gem! Heated bathroom with showers are available for winter campers at Paint Creek State Park," writes a visitor to Paint Creek State Park Campground. The proximity to Kingston makes this a convenient four-season option.
