Sherman Cabins at Hocking Hills State Park

Bare-bones cabins with AC near Old Man’s Cave
Sherman Cabins at Hocking Hills State Park, Hocking Hills State Park
InsideHocking Hills State Park

Overview

Think of the Sherman Cabins as a big step up from a tent, not a full-service cabin. There are three of them tucked inside the main campground near Old Man’s Cave, giving you four solid walls, electricity, heat/AC, and just enough creature comforts to make a damp weekend feel civilized.

What They Have

  • Electricity, heat, and air conditioning for year‑round comfort.
  • Mini‑fridge and microwave for simple meals and leftovers.
  • Covered porch, outdoor grill, picnic table, large fire ring, and a dedicated parking spot.

What They Don’t

  • No running water and no bathroom inside—plan on the nearby campground shower house (multiple toilets, sinks, and showers).
  • No linens or pillows—mattresses only. Indoor lighting is on the dim side, and Wi‑Fi isn’t advertised.
  • Pets aren’t allowed in these cabins.

Layouts (at a glance)

  • Cabins #1 and #3: two sets of twin bunks (sleep 4).
  • Cabin #2: two-room layout with one full bed plus a set of bunks (sleeps 4) and a larger table/kitchenette space.

Campground Perks & Nearby Trails

From the cabin loop you can hop on the Camp Access Trail to Old Man’s Cave, then link to Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and the rest of the park’s headliners. In season, the campground adds a pool and outdoor movies, and the park often runs free hikes and events. Rose Lake is close for quiet paddles and fishing, and John Glenn Astronomy Park runs public programs most clear Friday/Saturday nights March through late November (parking registration required).

Wildlife & Camp Etiquette

You’ll likely see deer and plenty of bold raccoons—keep every crumb sealed and never leave food out. Expect squirrels and chipmunks around camp. Ticks are present; use repellent and do nightly checks.

Essentials & Reservations

  • Three total cabins; reservations open up to six months in advance. Pets not permitted.
  • Off‑peak (Nov 1–Apr 1): water access is limited to Shower House 1, though the store, dump station, and that shower house stay open.
  • Closure note: The Sherman Cabins close October 1, 2025 for an electrical upgrade project, with a target reopening of June 1, 2026. Shower House 1 remains open during the project.

What to Bring

Bedding/sleeping bags, pillows, and towels; water jugs; headlamp or lantern (for reading); camp chairs; an extension cord/power strip; basic cook kit and cooler; charcoal/wood; a critter‑proof food bin.

Best Time to Visit

Weeknights are far quieter than weekends. Spring and fall bring cool hiking temps and thinner crowds; summer is busiest but adds the pool and outdoor movies. Winter can be stunning but icy—traction cleats help. For stargazing or astrophotography, time your stay with astronomy programs on clear Friday/Saturday nights (March–late November) and arrive early for parking.

Pros

  • Climate‑controlled, powered shelters with mini‑fridge and microwave
  • Easy access to Old Man’s Cave via the Camp Access Trail

Cons

  • No bathroom or running water in-cabin; use nearby shower house
  • Bring your own linens, pillows, and towels

Tips

  • Book up to 6 months ahead—these three cabins go fast on weekends.
  • Pack bedding, pillows, and towels; the cabins only have mattresses.
  • Bring a headlamp and an extra lantern—indoor lighting is dim for reading.
  • A power strip and long extension cord make the single outlets more useful.
  • Store all food in sealed bins; raccoons will raid anything left outside.
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