Hocking Hills Rock House Shelter

About

Rock House Shelter is a reservable group camping facility located within Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio. The shelter provides access to the park's famous Rock House geological formation, a massive cliff-face cave with gothic-arched window openings carved by natural erosion. The camping area is part of the broader Hocking Hills State Park campground system, which includes various camping options throughout the park. The park encompasses seven major hiking areas including Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, Conkle's Hollow, and Whispering Cave Trail in addition to Rock House. These trails showcase the region's distinctive Blackhand sandstone formations, waterfalls, and hemlock-filled gorges. The Rock House trail itself is approximately one mile and provides access to the unique shelter cave formation with its natural stone columns and windows. Hocking Hills State Park offers year-round camping with various facilities depending on the camping area. The main campground complex features modern amenities including heated shower houses, flush toilets, laundry facilities, a camp store, and a seasonal swimming pool. The park operates under Ohio's ReserveOhio.com reservation system with sites bookable up to six months in advance.

Directions

From Laurelville, Ohio, take State Route 374 south for approximately 5 miles. The Rock House Shelter is located within Hocking Hills State Park, with parking available near the trailhead.