Hocking Hills Ash Cave Shelter

About

Hocking Hills Ash Cave Shelter provides one of Ohio's most unique camping experiences, allowing overnight stays in an actual rock shelter formation near the park's famous Ash Cave. The shelter features a built-in fireplace and basic toilet facilities, offering weather protection from the natural sandstone structure while maintaining a primitive camping atmosphere. This is a single-site accommodation that requires advance reservation through ReserveOhio. Ash Cave itself is the largest recess cave east of the Mississippi River, measuring 700 feet from end to end, 100 feet deep, and 90 feet from floor to ceiling. A seasonal waterfall cascades 90 feet into the cave from above. The area has historical significance as an Indigenous gathering place, with the cave's name derived from the large quantities of ash found by early settlers from centuries of campfires. The nearby trail to the cave is wheelchair accessible and approximately half a mile long. This shelter camping option is ideal for campers seeking a bucket-list experience prioritizing a unique natural setting over modern conveniences. Maximum stay is 7 nights, and due to extremely limited availability, significant advance planning is recommended.

Directions

From Logan, Ohio, head south on State Route 664 for approximately 10 miles, then turn west onto State Route 56. The Ash Cave parking area is located off State Route 56 in the southernmost section of Hocking Hills State Park.