Located about 45 minutes from the state capital of Columbus, Hocking Hills is an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream. The area is known for its bountiful hiking, fishing, hunting, rafting, rappelling, and water sports opportunities, and the main attraction is Hocking Hills State Park. You’ll also find other family-friendly activities like zip lining, horseback riding and antiquing there’s a cute arts and culture scene.
Hocking Hills (Photo: Britt Reints via Flickr/ CC BY 2.0)
Pets are allowed in all Ohio state parks on leashes, however some of the smaller and privately owned nature preserves have different rules, so be sure to check the rules before renting a place if you’re traveling with four-legged friends. Many Hocking Hills cabins are pet friendly.
We compared several popular travel sites that book cabins in Hocking Hills based on the number of cabins available, customer service, pricing and other criteria. Here, we present our top three choices.
VRBO
There are tons of deals to be had in the Hocking Hills region in Vrbo, making it our preferred choice for cabin rentals. For example, we found a 2-bedroom cabin that sleeps six people for $104 in April. Many of the cabins can sleep up to 12 people and feature amenities like hot tubs, ponds, porches, and are pet friendly. You’ll also find a variety of styles including A-frames and log cabins.
We like the reviews feature on Vrbo, which features feedback from previous guests, and depending on how far in advance you book, the cancellation policy is very generous. Many of the more than 50,000 cabins available on the site are available via instant booking, but some do require a separate confirmation from the owner, which can take up to 24 hours. The downside: several separate taxes and fees can easily double the cost of a one-night stay; we suggest using this option for longer rentals.
BOOKING.COM
You’ll find a mix of cabin rentals and traditional hotel lodging on this convenient booking site, which typically offers slightly better pricing than our top pick. Use the filters to select “Vacation Homes” or “Entire Apartment” to find privately-owned residences and hotels/bed and breakfasts with suites that can sleep several people. There are also a few spots that offer tent camping for those who prefer to sleep under the stars. While the selection of cabin rentals in Hocking Hills is not as plentiful on Booking.com as some other sites, we love their instant booking feature, flexible cancellation policy, and reliable customer service.
HOCKINGHILLS.COM
This information-packed site features several local cabin rental companies all in one convenient place—and there are dozens of choices. Along with more traditional cabin lodging, you’ll find treehouses, recreational vehicles, and other fun sleeping quarters. There is also a wide variety of sizes of cabins and amenities available. The site also has other useful information for planning a Hocking Hills vacation, like photos, a list of local parks and nature preserves and vendors for popular outdoor activities. You can also find out about the latest festivals and happenings via their blog and announcements on the home page.