Cabin camping near Lancaster, Ohio offers multiple accommodation options within a 40-mile radius. The region sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making seasonal availability an important consideration for cabins, as several campgrounds close during colder months from November through March.
What to do
Trail access from campsites: At Hocking Hills State Park Campground, trails connect directly to recreation areas. "Old Mans Cave is an easy walk to get to. We enjoyed swimming in the pool. There's outhouses with no running water but also a relatively new bath house with nice showers and toilets," notes one visitor who appreciated the proximity to hiking areas.
Water activities: The 40-mile region contains multiple lakes and rivers for recreation. Fishing at Jackson Lake Park provides entertainment for all ages. "The little lake was so much fun. My children were upset we had to leave early due to the storm coming in," reports a recent visitor who enjoyed the swimming facilities despite pool maintenance issues.
Outdoor evening entertainment: Several campgrounds offer nighttime activities. Canoe enthusiasts can take evening trips at Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe, where "You set off at 7:30-8pm. We had around 40 people in our launch group. Cost is $45 per boat. After you are done there is a live band and free s'mores," according to one reviewer who enjoyed the unique torchlight experience.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Campbell Cove Camping offers lakeside sites with unobstructed views. "We stayed at site 63, on the water. Big site, water view and plenty of space," writes one camper. Another mentions: "We stayed at site 61 and the lake view is perfect. Bring your hammock because there are plenty of trees!"
Clean bathhouse facilities: Many campgrounds prioritize bathroom maintenance. At Hocking Hills KOA Holiday, "The shower houses were immaculate," according to one reviewer. Another camper notes: "The bathroom was clean and spacious," highlighting the practical importance of well-maintained facilities during longer stays.
Game facilities for downtime: Several campgrounds provide indoor and outdoor recreation options. One camper at Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA appreciated "Tons of stuff for kids, they had a blast! Great atmosphere, friendly staff! Will deliver wood to site & had lots of amenities."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds and even within the same property. At Tar Hollow State Park Campground, "Many of the campsites are situated on pretty intense slopes. 106 wasn't too bad. I would guess 105 is probably the most level site in the campground," notes one visitor who carefully evaluated the site topography.
Cabin supplies vary widely: Inventory what's included before arrival. One camper noted about a cabin: "For $175, it was a basic cabin with a queen bed and 2 twin bunk-beds, a very small bathroom with a toilet and shower, and a small kitchenette with a microwave, sink, and mini-fridge." Another mentioned: "The cabin was somewhat dirty - dust on the floor and spider webs in the corner."
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging throughout the region. "There is no cell service. Be sure to give anyone who may need to contact you a heads up," advises one camper about Tar Hollow. Another noted: "There is no cell service. Enjoy the outdoors! You are off the grid!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easy bathroom access: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. One camper at Hocking Hills State Park reported: "The campsites are so close together, which you think would at least mean the bathrooms were close, but no, they were a serious hike. Not good with kids."
Check for kid-specific activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreation for children. "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals," notes one visitor to Campbell Cove Camping who appreciated the variety of activities available.
Consider cabin camping for convenience: Cabins provide weather protection and simplify packing. One family at Top O' The Caves Campground mentioned: "On this particular trip it was chilly and we were staying with small children so we went the rustic cabin route. The best part is you can walk to ash cave from your campsite! There is a connecting trail right at the front of the campground."
Tips from RVers
Campground road conditions vary: Access roads require attention. One RVer noted about Hocking Hills KOA: "The little road going up to the campground is VERY bumpy. It's not the campground road, it belongs to the Township. This was only our second time out in our fifth wheel camper so it was a little scary, but we just drove slow and our truck handled it just fine."
Full hookup availability: Water connections may require special equipment. "We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site. But, the water hook ups were accessible through a hole/pipe and we had to 'fish' down to connect our hose," reported one RVer about Jackson Lake Park.
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. "The sites were level and spacious," noted one camper about Hocking Hills KOA Holiday, while another mentioned: "The sites are not all level but it's an area that has lots of hills."
