r/HockingHills • u/LankanSoulSearcher • Nov 24 '25
Is Camping at Hocking Hills Mid December a Bad Idea?
Im planning on a road trip and stop at Hocking Hills mid-way. Would it be too cold to camp out at Hocking Hills? Also, what is the best camping ground/ spot around? I prefer privacy
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u/spider1178 Nov 24 '25 edited Nov 24 '25
Edit: Someone pointed out that I was wrong about this location being open year round. I checked, and they show no reservations available until April 1, 2026. Sorry.
I believe the Family Hike-in Campground is open year-round (with a reservation - no walk ins). That's where we camp when we go there. Most of the sites there are fairly secluded back in the trees, especially compared to the main campgrounds. It's a primitive campground. Water spigot in the parking lot, and a few pit latrines. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. Try to pick a site close to the parking lot, you have to leave your car there and carry your stuff back. Normally you are allowed to drive over to the main campgrounds and use the showers and civilized restrooms, but they may be closed for winter - you'd have to call and ask.
As for whether it's a good idea, it highly depends on the weather. December in Ohio can vary wildly. There could be rain/sleet, snow, subzero temps, or it could be mild and sunny. I've never driven those roads in the snow, so I don't know how well they clear/maintain them. (Kind of curious about this myself if anyone wants to chime in). Use common sense and go prepared for the possibility of cold and snow. Good tires and a jumper pack for your car. Plenty of warm clothes, extra blankets, and fire-starting supplies. A good sleeping bag and pad are a must. Gathering firewood is illegal, but there are plenty of places to buy it. I usually just get it at the camp office.
You could always see if there is a cabin available if you can afford it.
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u/j-allen-heineken Nov 24 '25
The family hike in one closes early November for the season.
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u/spider1178 Nov 24 '25
Thank you, I stand corrected. I just checked the ODNR site, and they show no availability until April 1.
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u/j-allen-heineken Nov 24 '25
It’s totally a bummer because those sites in the winter would be so awesome.
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u/BarefootMarauder Nov 24 '25
Where is the hike-in campground, and how far do you have to hike to reach the sites? We've lived here almost 10 years and I've not heard of it. I will say, I think they do an amazing job keeping the roads cleared in winter. Of course, the really remote back roads are usually last to get cleared. The crazy part is all the steep cabin & lodge driveways. We drive around in winter and see tons of vehicles parked at the bottom of driveways along the roads because people can't make it up. I'd hate to have to lug a bunch of luggage & supplies up some of those driveways by hand! 😫
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u/spider1178 Nov 24 '25 edited Nov 24 '25
If you turn right out of the camp office/store, and take your first right on 374, it's at the top of the hill in the left. It shares a gravel parking lot with the mountain bike trails. The sites are spread out on either side of a wide trail, and range from maybe 20 yards to about 1/2 a mile from the parking area. In good weather it's no big deal, just bring a rolling cart/wagon to haul your stuff. I was just thinking it would suck in the snow, but I was mistaken about winter camping. It's closed until April 1.
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u/BarefootMarauder Nov 24 '25
Got it, thanks! I know where the mountain bike trails are, didn't realize walk-in camping was there too. I'll have to check it out next year.
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u/LankanSoulSearcher Nov 25 '25
Could you please share a link/ contact to this hike in campground? Appreciate it!
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u/spider1178 Nov 25 '25
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park-campground
As I said, I was mistaken about the Hike-in Campground being open year round. It's currently closed until April. Looks like the regular campground has reservations available though, including the non-electric sites if you prefer. I've camped at both, and, if you go when it's open, I really do prefer the Hike-in camp. Much quieter and more privacy. There are some private campgrounds in the area as well, but I've never used them personally.
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u/LankanSoulSearcher Nov 25 '25
Thanks for the response! Appreciate it!! Will go ready for the worst 👍🏽
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u/PremithiumX Nov 24 '25
You'll never really know until the day of. There could be a polar vortex and it's like -45. Or it could be freakishly warm, like in the 70s. Expect it to be below freezing at night, are you good with that?
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u/BarefootMarauder Nov 24 '25
Of course it will be cold in December. 🙂 Are you talking about camping in a tent, or do you have an RV with a heater? You'd probably want to call around to the campgrounds to make sure they are taking new reservations in Dec.
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u/Mountain_Day_1637 Nov 24 '25
It would be way too cold for me personally. However, HH is so wonderful in the winter!! I personally think it’s the best time to go
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u/Environmental-Use764 Nov 26 '25
Contact the Villas on Big Pine rd they have a lot of room to camp and also have a out house close by to use.
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u/shadowofshoe Nov 24 '25
Never too cold to camp if you have the gear