The best camping near Hocking State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hocking State Forest adventure.

100% (2 reviews)

Discover Hocking State Forest's rugged beauty and outdoor adventures.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hocking State Forest

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Hocking State Forest

100%

(2)

Hocking State Forest Horse Camp

23 sites In Hocking State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Hocking State Forest

99%

(935)

Fruitdale Farm

9 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Bainbridge, OH

Come stay at our little sustainable farmstead amid the beautiful rolling hills of southern Ohio! Our peaceful 20 acres has a good mix of woods, wild meadows and maintained cleared areas as well as a small pond, all of which can be explored via our nature trail. Enjoy the sounds of nature and an incredible night sky. Farm fresh eggs and fresh produce are available for purchase during the growing season and firewood is available all year round. There is also a wonderful sauna on the property that can be reserved. Great hiking, kayaking, biking, birding, fishing, swimming, and disc-golfing opportunities just a few miles away at Paint Creek State Park and the Highland Nature Sanctuary. Amish country is also just 15 minutes away with a great bakery, markets and greenhouses. This area is home to an impressive network of ancient earthworks including the world famous Serpent Mound. Our accommodations range from primitive tent-camping to "glamping" in one of our tiny off-grid cabins. The sites are spaced out for privacy and each site offers a private picnic table and fire pit. There are two shared privies/outhouses which have basic composting toilets. A grassy parking area is provided near the road, however, ALL SITES ARE WALK-IN ONLY. Greenfield (5 miles north) is the nearest town and has two grocery stores, restaurants, a bar, hardware, gas, etc. Bainbridge (7 miles south) has gas, hardware, a couple of restaurants, dollar store, amish businesses, etc.

99%

(48)

Little Darby Outdoors

5 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Galloway, OH

This is 13 acres in the Little Darby river valley. Lots of space to choose from tents to RVs and campers. Self contained campers only. Flush toilets and shower are available in the agricultural building. Clean and comfortable with country charm. Clean water is available. Free firewood! Free phone and bicycle charging station. Three miles to McDonalds and local businesses. Surrounded by the Columbus Metro Park and 2 miles to the Ohio to Erie bicycle trail. Bring your own kayak and enjoy the beauty of the Little Darby creek.

98%

(395)

Altenbrauch Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Mc Arthur, OH

Located only 8 miles from Hocking Hills State Park, Altenbrauch Farm features 62 acres of open fields, small streams and wooded hills intersected by a lonely country road. Aside from our house, there are no neighbors in sight. Easily pitch your tent in an open field or trek through the hills and hollows to find your perfect campsite.As part of Ohio's famous Hocking Hills Region, Vinton County is home to the second largest state forest, in addition to multiple state parks and wildlife areas. You’ll encounter abandoned historical sites and relics dating back to the early 1800s, hidden away among the wooded hills of Ohio’s least populated county. If you're a lover of outdoor recreation, this is the place to be. Within about a half-hour drive, there are many opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, hunting and fishing, and birding. Nearby parks and forests include Hocking Hills State Park, Hocking Hills State Forest, Lake Hope State Park, Zaleski State Forest, the Moonville Rail Trail, Lake Alma State Park, Tar Hollow State Forest, and more!Set up camp wherever you like! There are 12 acres of open field space, surrounded by 50 acres of wooded hills and hollows with hiking trails and level spots to pitch tents. Vehicles can be driven to the field sites; we are still working on a road to access the hill sites by vehicle. The fields have about a dozen "permanent" sites with stone or metal fire rings and log seating. Portable fire rings are also available that can be moved anywhere. Dead wood for campfires is free to gather, or split firewood is available to purchase for $5/bundle. A toilet and solar shower are located at the center of the property. An outdoor water spigot is also available. Guests are expected to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles. Any trash packed onto the property must be bagged and taken with you.

99%

(61)

Yourway Camp

7 sites · Lodging, Tents26 acres · South Bloomingville, OH

Our camp sites are located in the Hocking Hills Region in the Appalachian Mountain foothills. The campsites are in densely wooded, hilly, terrain. Our 26 acre, residential property, is a great year round destination to get back to nature. Located in the Hocking Hills are several state parks. Hocking Hills State Park Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Whispering Pines, Conkles Hollow, and Rock House, and Tar Hollow are all within 10 miles. You can enjoy hiking our trails, sitting around the fire ring and relaxing after visiting the amazing Hocking Hills Region . So many options for fun on your trip to Hocking Hills. If you enjoy canoeing, horseback riding, shopping, or a trip to an observatory, Hocking County has something for everyone. Fishing at Rose Lake Mountain Biking at Hocking Hills Mountain Bike Trails Swimming at Tar Hollow to name a few.

100%

(137)

Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat

2 sites · Lodging50 acres · Thornville, OH

Our farm has been in the family for over 50 years. My Cherokee grandmother purchased the farm with the intention of giving each of her children property. We have been raising bison here since 2008. We chose the name Cherokee Valley to honor my heritage and the gift of this farm by my grandmother and mother. We created this tipi experience to share that gift with you! Enjoy a night in our spacious 22 foot tipi. We provide a comfortable queen platform bed for your convenience. You must provide sleeping bags, linens , blankets etc. The tipi can sleep up to 6 people, 2 on the queen bed we provide, with ample room for additional cots or air mattresses that you provide. We have cots available to rent as an add on. . You may also pitch additional tents or hang hammocks in the trees with room for up to 10 people in all. Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch is a working bison farm with bison, honeybees, chickens and peafowl. We are a certified Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Way Station. Enjoy our beautiful hiking trails through the rolling hills of our ranch. We have a plethora of bird species, butterflies and wildflowers to delight nature lovers. After hiking the trails you can splash around in the pristine creek that borders our property (we recommend water shoes). Take in a gorgeous sunset over our farm, enjoy a wood fired dinner cooked over the provided fire pit with grill. The sounds of hoot owls will lull you to sleep and when you wake, enjoy the stained glass glow through the beautiful tipi. We are close to several wineries, breweries and recreational areas (kayaking, canoeing, golfing, biking) as well as Legend Valley concert venue. We are a short drive to Buckeye Lake, Dillion Dam, and Hocking Hills. We have a selection of grass fed bison available in our on-site farm store.

98%

(382)

Camping with Unruly Goats

2 sites · RVs, Tents76 acres · Groveport, OH

Learn more about this land:Harrison Farm is a working livestock farm, with goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, ducks, a horse, a donkey, and super friendly barn cats. We host many events, including yoga classes, tours, on-Farm dinners, and private parties. We are located thirty minutes from downtown Columbus, just outside of historic Canal Winchester, and only five minutes from BrewDog. The hills of southeastern Ohio are close by, with Lancaster only twenty minutes away, and just an hour’s drive to Hocking Hills or Tar Hollow. We welcome you to relax in solitude, or join us to learn more about farming.

95%

(63)

Limestone Bluffs

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Jackson, OH

Disconnect to Reconnect at the Bluffs. The Bluffs is a 20 acre campground in Jackson, Ohio. Property highlights include a large fishing pond, trails for hiking, a port-a-potty and 7 campsites. Each site is secluded unique offering idyllic natural beauty and serenity. Our property currently hosts 6 total Camping Sites.... 3 of them are primitive camping sites that can be pull in's for truck or tent camping & 3 of them tent platform camping sites. Two that are single tiered, and one that we call "The Lookout" that is a 2 tiered platform with room below or above to pop your tent! (your choice). The lower level also includes an outdoor shower, a grill and prep/cooking space for you if you want to entertain guests or family! The property includes several trails, a fully stocked pond and a "Zen Den" Which is a walk up camping location, available for rent, and has a platform at the site as well. Just to give you a sneak peek into the future, we also have plans for a Community Kitchen, more Outdoor Showers and a Stage for concerts/events!! Located within the region and just a short 15-20 min drive from The Bluffs, you can find Lake Alma State Park, and Lake Katherine Nature Preserve, where there are beautiful waterfalls on display, and just a little jog north you can explore the famous Canter's Cave, Leo Petroglyphs Nature Preserve and Jackson Lake State Park. The Campground is just a 8 min drive from downtown Jackson, where you can stop in and sample some of their locally famous places! If your feeling pizza, then you have to try Cardo's or, LaRosa's Pizza, If you want some good local BBQ, hop on over to Rowdy's Smokehouse. If you want to try a Western themed Roadhouse, there's Dakota's, or you can relax by listening to some live music while you eat over at Stockroom 601. If Micro Brewery's are your thing Sixth Sense Brewing Co. is the place for you! Want to just take it easy and learn a little about the region? Jackson also hosts the Markay Cultural Arts Center, and Lillian Jones Museum. Everything you need for an absolutely memorable and relaxing getaway!!

100%

(2)

Burr Oak Lake Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Malta, OH

Private 2 acre campsite. Power, septic, private parking, and large fire pit. RV and camper charging available. Property sits directly adjacent to Burr Oak Lake with state Boat Launch. Burr Oak Lake offers tremendous fishing and paddling. Within minutes to Wildcat Hollow one of the premier hiking trails in Ohio.

98%

(93)

Pop's Place Camping

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Corning, OH

A small primitive camping area in SE Ohio. We have 2 acres with four sites available. A short distance to Burr Oak State Park, Tecumseh Trails Off-road, Merckles offroad, Wayne National Forest, Bailey's Trail System and The Triple Nickel. A side x side, ATV or hunters paradise. We are also motorcycle friendly.

96%

(67)

Nature's Way

21 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Rockbridge, OH

Visiting the Hocking Hills ? No interest in crowded campgrounds ? you have found 75 acres mostly wooded with trails right at the start of the Hocking Hills. (easy access from 33 and to Logan) There are various places around the property to pitch a tent. There are also options for RV parking with no hookups. I can transport you and your gear to the remote sites. ATV's are also welcome on the property. Firewood will be provided for free and in abundant amount. The site on top of the hill is a very secluded and mowed crest of hill surrounded by dogwood trees and the invasive Autumn Olive bushes. The site above the rxrwinery.com is a secluded, mowed clearing in the mature woods. There are also 2 sites in the valley that allow you to be near your vehicle. While on my property, clothing is optional. If you are traveling with an RV, the Sunny Rest location is the best with campfire.

90%

(5)

Hocking Vacations Campsites

4 sites · Tents4 acres · Logan, OH

Nestled in the heart of the Hocking Hills Region, Hocking Vacations Campsites offer a rustic retreat for those seeking to reconnect with the great outdoors. Guests can enjoy the central location and the close proximity to Hocking Hills State Park, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Whispering Pines, Conkles Hollow, Rock House, and many more! Our campsites offer many amenities to make your back-to-basics experience a comfortable and convenient one. Each campsite is clearly marked and has a 10 x10 wooden PLATFORM with rings to tie down your tent, fire ring, picnic table, and EMERGENCY USE fire blanket. HIKE TO SITE - you will be hiking between 120 and 240 yards to the campsites from the parking area, uphill, and on uneven terrain of mulched paths. There is a shared pull cart available. Recommend you arrive before dark. The parking area is well lit and there is a solar light above the site name sign. PARKING-There is easy access from the road to assigned parking spots, where you will find a well-maintained area with potable water, solar lighting, port-a-potty, fire extinguisher, shared metal cart and informational sign. You will hike to your reserved and private campsite. If needed and available, there is a metal cart to aid you in transporting your supplies to your site. FIREWOOD – Firewood bundles are for sale at a nearby property. Hocking Vacations Campsites are large, cleared areas located amidst towering trees and surrounded by lush foliage. You will be walking to your site on paths cleared of trees and dense foliage. Wear appropriate shoes as the paths are grassy, uneven in places and may have small roots. Visitors are invited to embrace the simplicity and serenity of wilderness camping and create memories that will last a lifetime.

92%

(86)

RusticAppalachian Cabin on BeefFarm

1 site · Lodging136 acres · Stockport, OH

We have been raising our family & Grassfed Angus Beef here since 1984.

The best camping near Hocking State Forest guide

Overview

About

Bring that trusty bag of climbing chalk, because Hocking State Forest is the perfect getaway for your inner climber. Featuring nearly 10,000 acres of forest land, it will be hard not to notice the colorful outcroppings of trees in the fall and the stark rocks found year-round. Park your beat up Chevy in the parking area off of Big Pine Road, then get down to work on rappelling the rocks and cliff face with your ideal climbing partner. With an additional 60 miles of hiking and 40 miles of bridle trails, it may take more than just a couple days to explore this expansive gem.

When to go

The best times to visit Hocking State Forest are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is either blooming or showcasing a vibrant array of colors. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for higher temperatures and busier trails. Winter can be magical with snow-covered trees, though some areas may be less accessible.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season, as conditions can change rapidly.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your visit accordingly.
Stay on marked trails to protect the forest's delicate ecosystem and your own safety.
Some areas may have limited cell phone reception; download maps and trail guides beforehand.
Bring your own water and snacks, as facilities may be limited within the forest.