Hocking Hills State Park encompasses over 2,356 acres of natural terrain featuring hemlock-filled gorges, waterfalls, and sandstone formations. The region's campgrounds spread across elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level, creating variable microclimates for campers. Most sites throughout Logan's camping areas remain open from April through October, with limited winter accommodations available at certain locations.
What to do
Hiking trails with waterfall access: Lake Hope State Park offers extensive trail networks through dense forest canopies with abundant wildlife viewing. "Trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn. The terrain is undulating but very doable," notes Dave V., who appreciates the park's solitude compared to busier Hocking Hills locations.
Kayaking on Lake Logan: Campbell Cove Camping provides direct lake access with rental options available nearby. "We loved the location of Campbell Coves to Old Man's Cave and hiking trails. We do a family trip to the area every fall and this will be our go-to location," writes Angie J., who stayed in one of their rustic cabins while family members brought RVs.
Paddling the Hocking River: Hocking Hills Canoe Livery offers guided river trips with convenient transportation. "Best kept secret in Hocking County! Located on the Hocking river the sites are very Private and not on top of each other," says Keith O., who camps here regularly. The livery also features specialty evening events like torchlight canoe trips with live music afterward.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Big Sycamore Family Campground provides sites near the water with easy access to town amenities. "The owners here are really great. Small campground and kind of close to the highway, but the sites are a good size, mostly shaded, and the bathhouse was adequate," shares Chris W. The location offers convenient access to shopping including nearby Walmart and Kroger stores.
Privacy between sites: Top O' The Caves Campground features secluded camping areas with varying degrees of woodland coverage. "This Campground was pretty great! My wife and I stayed in a rather large tent site and my parents stayed in an RV site," writes Fred J., who appreciated that "DOGS ARE ALLOWED!! We were so grateful of this because we love taking our dog camping with us!"
Clean facilities: Hocking Hills KOA Holiday maintains well-kept shower houses and common areas. "The bathroom was clean and spacious. The camp store has everything you may need with a Walmart 10 minutes down the road," reports afshar Y. after a 5-day stay. The campground also features a swimming pool and outdoor theater for evening entertainment.
What you should know
Site flooding concerns: Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe has experienced drainage issues during rainy periods. Camper Ryan B. noted, "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." Consider calling ahead after heavy rainfall to check ground conditions.
Highway noise levels: Hocking River RV Park sites experience traffic sounds from nearby State Route 33. "Right on the river, which is interesting, but it's also right alongside State Route 33, so you hear freeway traffic constantly. Trucks and motorcycles woke me up all night," reports Megan M., who also mentions train tracks approximately 200 yards across the river.
Limited cell service: Lake Hope State Park has minimal connectivity throughout the grounds. "No internet or phone service so great to disconnect," notes Daniel, making it important to download maps and information before arrival. Most campgrounds in the Hocking Hills region have similar connectivity limitations due to the terrain.
Tips for camping with families
Book waterfront sites early: Lake Hope State Park Campground offers lake access points for swimming and fishing. "We have camped in a tent here several times. Popular for Scouting campouts and popular with local boaters," mentions Leon H., who recommends fall visits for best scenery. Sites near water fill quickly during summer months.
Check playground availability: Campbell Cove Camping features kid-friendly recreation areas with seasonal attractions. "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole. The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals," explains Brianna L., who recommends bringing hammocks due to ample trees for setup.
Consider cabin options for weather flexibility: Hocking Hills State Park offers cabins alongside camping areas for families needing backup shelter. "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," writes Jenny K., highlighting potential challenges with tent camping.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies significantly: Burr Oak State Park Campground features terrain with elevation changes affecting parking. "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level," reports Daniel, who recommends bringing extra leveling blocks even for designated RV sites.
Limited full hookup availability: Big Sycamore Family Campground offers varied connection options across their property. "Some sites are full hook up, some sites are electric and water, and some are primitive. The dump station is easily accessible if you need it," notes Amber R., who also mentions the campground's proximity to restaurants that deliver directly to campsites.
Road condition alerts: When traveling to Hocking Hills KOA Holiday, prepare for rough access roads. "The little road going up to the campground is VERY bumpy. It's not the campground road, it belongs to the Township," explains Vicki H., who recommends driving slowly, especially with larger rigs or trailers.
