Old Man's Cave Campground

For Ohioans eager to immerse themselves in the renowned beauty of the Hocking Hills, Old Man's Cave Campground stands as an unparalleled gateway. Situated directly adjacent to the iconic Old Man's Cave, this campground offers more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it provides direct access to the region's breathtaking geological wonders, making it an ideal base for exploration. Part of the larger Hocking Hills State Park, Old Man's Cave Campground is a popular choice for locals seeking adventure, tranquility, and a comfortable stay amidst stunning natural landscapes.

Visitors consistently praise the campground for its prime location and its well-maintained, if sometimes slightly dated, facilities. While some sites might be closer together than in more expansive parks, the trade-off is the incredible convenience of being able to walk to some of Ohio's most famous trails and natural attractions. This campground caters to a variety of camping styles, from full hook-up sites for modern RVs to rustic hike-in spots for those truly seeking to disconnect. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a solo hiking expedition, or a peaceful retreat with loved ones, Old Man’s Cave Campground offers a memorable experience deeply rooted in the heart of Ohio’s natural splendor.

Old Man's Cave Campground boasts an exceptional location at 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA. This address places it directly within Hocking Hills State Park, making it incredibly convenient for Ohio residents who want to maximize their time exploring the famous rock formations, caves, and waterfalls. The campground’s most significant accessibility highlight is its immediate proximity to the Old Man's Cave trail system. Campers can literally walk from their campsite directly onto the trails, bypassing parking challenges and starting their hikes within minutes. As one review noted, there's a "very short trail hike to Old Man's Cave from our site," a major advantage for early morning explorations or quick evening strolls.

Reaching the campground is straightforward via well-maintained state routes. Ohio State Route 664 leads directly to the park entrance, making it accessible for all types of vehicles, including larger RVs and those towing trailers. While some internal roads within the campground might be winding, and sites can be closely situated, the paved pads at each site ensure a level and stable setup. Despite its popularity and central location, the campground maintains a relatively quiet ambiance, allowing visitors to enjoy the sounds of nature. The visitor center, offering restrooms, a gift shop, and educational exhibits, is also located just below the campground at the Old Man's Cave parking lot, adding another layer of convenience for campers. This strategic placement ensures that Ohio locals can easily dive into the heart of Hocking Hills without extensive travel once they arrive.

Old Man's Cave Campground provides a range of services designed to make your stay comfortable and convenient amidst the natural beauty of Hocking Hills:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers full hook-up sites (with 20-, 30-, or 50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections), electric-only sites, and non-electric (primitive) sites. This variety accommodates everything from large RVs to traditional tent camping.

• Paved Pads: Each campsite is equipped with a paved pad, providing a stable and clean surface for your setup, whether it's an RV or a tent.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every site includes a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring, perfect for enjoying campfires (firewood is available for purchase at the camp store).

• Shower Houses and Flush Toilets: The campground features shower houses with flush toilets. While one has been upgraded, another is noted to be older, providing a mix of modern and more traditional facilities. Heated showers are available, ensuring comfort even during cooler seasons.

• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are provided, offering a practical amenity for campers on longer stays or those needing to clean up after muddy adventures.

• Dump Station and Fill Station: A convenient dump station for wastewater disposal and a fill station for potable water are available for RV and trailer campers.

• Campground Store: A well-stocked campground store is on-site, offering a variety of essential camping supplies, snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. The phone number for the store is (740) 385-6842.

• Swimming Pool: A significant amenity, the campground features a swimming pool, offering a refreshing way to cool off during warm Ohio summer days.

• Playgrounds: Playgrounds are available within the campground, providing dedicated areas for children to play and burn off energy.

• Sherman Cabins: For those seeking a unique camping experience with a few more comforts, the campground offers three Sherman Cabins. These temperature-controlled shelters include a small refrigerator and microwave, with shared restroom facilities in the campground's main shower houses. One of the cabins is ADA accessible.

• Hike-in Primitive Camping: For a more rustic experience, a primitive hike-in campground is available. These sites require campers to carry their gear up to half a mile from a parking area and are equipped with pit latrines, fire rings, and picnic tables.

• Pet-Friendly Sites: Pets are permitted on all campsites (but generally not in Sherman Cabins), allowing Ohio families to bring their beloved four-legged companions along, subject to park regulations regarding leashes and waste.

Old Man's Cave Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Ohio locals:

• Unbeatable Proximity to Old Man's Cave: The most significant highlight is its direct, walkable access to the renowned Old Man's Cave trails and the Visitor Center. This convenience allows campers to explore one of Ohio's most famous natural attractions without the hassle of driving and parking, enabling early morning hikes and sunset strolls.

• Iconic Hocking Hills Scenery: Staying at Old Man's Cave Campground means you're immersed in the stunning geological formations, towering cliffs, recessed caves, and beautiful waterfalls that Hocking Hills is famous for. The natural beauty is literally steps from your tent or RV.

• Variety of Camping Experiences: From the comfort of full hook-up sites for large RVs to the rustic charm of hike-in primitive sites, the campground caters to a broad spectrum of camping preferences. The addition of Sherman Cabins offers a unique option for those seeking a more temperature-controlled overnight stay without sacrificing the outdoor experience.

• Clean and Functional Facilities: While some facilities might be older, reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the shower houses and restrooms. The presence of heated showers is a significant comfort, especially during cooler seasons.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a swimming pool, playgrounds, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit, the campground provides ample opportunities for recreation and fun for all ages, making it an excellent choice for family getaways.

• On-Site Convenience: The campground store, laundry facilities, and dump/fill stations add a layer of convenience, meaning campers don't need to leave the park for essential supplies or services.

• Quiet Ambiance (despite popularity): Despite being a popular destination, the campground often maintains a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy the sounds of nature without the noise of the busy trails directly impacting their site.

• Wildlife Encounters: The natural setting means opportunities to observe local wildlife, such as raccoons, reminding campers to secure their food and belongings, adding to the authentic outdoor adventure.

As a part of the Ohio State Parks system, Old Man's Cave Campground (which is the campground at Hocking Hills State Park) generally follows statewide policies for promotions and discounts rather than offering specific, unique deals. However, Ohio residents can still take advantage of several opportunities to enhance their camping experience or reduce costs:

• Golden Buckeye Card Discount: Ohio residents aged 60 and older with a valid Golden Buckeye Card are eligible for a 50% discount on camping fees from Sunday through Thursday, and a 10% discount on Friday and Saturday. This is a significant saving for senior campers.

• Military Discount: Active and retired military personnel receive a 10% discount on all overnight facilities, valid every night of the week.

• Disabled Veteran/POW Free Camping Pass: Honorably discharged Ohio resident veterans who are former Prisoners of War or permanently and totally disabled, and receiving compensation from the VA, may qualify for a free camping pass.

• Off-Peak Season Rates: Camping during the off-peak season (typically November 1 to April 1) often comes with reduced rates. During this time, Shower House 1 and the dump station usually remain open, providing essential services at a lower cost.

• The park may also have specific closures for improvements. For example, campsites 1-20, 78, and 80 are scheduled to be closed mid-March 2025 – May 1, 2025, and sites 1-23, 71-80, and the Sherman Cabins will be closed October 1, 2025, until May 2026, due to ongoing improvement projects. Always check current advisories.

• Online Reservation System: While not a discount, utilizing the Ohio State Parks online reservation system (reserveohio.com) allows campers to easily check availability and book sites up to six months in advance, securing their preferred dates, especially crucial for this popular park.

• Park Programs and Events: The park regularly hosts free or low-cost naturalist-led programs, guided hikes, and special events throughout the year. Check the Hocking Hills State Park event calendar on the ODNR website to see what's happening during your visit, adding value to your stay.

It is always advisable for Ohio residents to confirm current promotions and eligibility requirements by visiting the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website or by contacting the park office directly before making reservations.

To plan your stay or gather more details about Old Man's Cave Campground (Hocking Hills State Park Campground), Ohio residents can utilize the following contact information:

• Address: 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA

• Park Office / Camp Office Phone: (740) 385-6841 or (740) 385-6842

• Mobile Phone: +1 740-385-6841

• Reservations (Toll-Free): (866) 644-6727 (This is the central Ohio State Parks reservation line)

• Campground Store Phone: (740) 385-6842 (This number also routes to the park office)

For the most efficient booking, online reservations are highly recommended due to the campground's popularity. You can make reservations up to six months in advance via the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website at reserveohio.com. The park office is typically open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center at Old Man's Cave also serves as an excellent resource and is usually open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Always consult the official ODNR website for the most current operating hours, reservation policies, and any important advisories.

Old Man's Cave Campground is an exceptional choice for Ohio locals, offering a perfectly balanced outdoor experience right in their own state. Its most compelling advantage is its unrivaled proximity to the iconic Hocking Hills State Park attractions. For Ohioans, this means less time spent driving and more time exploring the breathtaking natural wonders, such as Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave, which are often just a short walk from their campsite. This direct access allows for spontaneous adventures and eliminates the common frustrations of finding parking at popular trailheads.

The campground caters to a diverse range of preferences, providing everything from full hook-up sites for comfortable RV and trailer camping to more rustic hike-in options and unique Sherman Cabins. This variety ensures that every local, whether a seasoned camper, a family with young children, or someone seeking a comfortable retreat, can find a suitable and enjoyable place to stay. The consistently praised cleanliness of the facilities, including heated showers and well-maintained restrooms, significantly enhances the overall comfort of the camping experience, a factor often appreciated by Ohioans looking for a convenient yet clean outdoor escape.

Beyond the practical amenities, Old Man's Cave Campground offers a genuine connection to Ohio's natural heritage. It's a place where locals can unwind, enjoy campfires, observe wildlife, and create lasting memories amidst stunning geological formations. The blend of accessibility, varied amenities, and direct access to world-class hiking makes Old Man's Cave Campground not just a place to camp, but a true home base for experiencing the best of Ohio's cherished Hocking Hills region. For any Ohioan seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure close to home, this campground is an unparalleled choice.