Hocking Hills is cabin country. Most short-term rentals here are wooded cabins and lodges around Logan, Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave and Lake Logan, many of them with hot tubs, fire pits and long gravel driveways. Guests come for the state park and forest, so demand is steady through much of the year, and the local rules focus on lodging tax and, increasingly, life safety.
As of 2026, the clearest obligation is Hocking County's 6% lodging tax on stays under 30 consecutive days: 3% goes to the county and 3% to the township where the property sits. Key points from the county:
On zoning and permits, the picture is still moving. The City of Logan adopted its own short-term rental licensing rules in 2024. For unincorporated Hocking County, the zoning commission sent a draft short-term rental ordinance to the county commissioners in early 2026, centered on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, occupancy limits tied to bedroom size, inspections and driveway standards. Check with the county commissioners for its current status before you buy or list, and verify all of the above with the official sources, since rules change.
We did not find a reliable published price survey for this area, so get two or three quotes. What drives the price here is distance and amenities rather than square footage. Cabins are spread out on winding county roads, so travel time between turnovers is real. Hot tubs need water checks and chemical balancing, wood stoves and fire pits need ash cleanup, and large group lodges generate big linen loads. Ask whether a quote includes hot tub care, linens and restocking firewood or supplies.
October is the busiest stretch, when fall color brings crowds and weekends book out early. Summer is strong with families and hikers, and spring brings waterfall season. Winter is quieter, but cabins with hot tubs still draw couples, and the annual Winter Hike in January brings a burst of visitors. Line up your cleaner and a backup well before fall, since local crews fill their calendars fast.
No. The county states that Airbnb, Vrbo and other platforms are not remitting the lodging tax. You register, collect and file the 6% yourself each month.
You need a lodging tax registration. Inside Logan city limits there is a city license. A countywide short-term rental ordinance was under consideration in 2026, so confirm the current requirements with the county before listing.
Fall, especially October foliage weekends, followed by summer. Winter is the slowest period, though hot tub cabins and the January Winter Hike keep some demand going.
Sources:
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