Is Hocking Hills, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Hocking Hills, Ohio, begin by researching local regulations through Hocking County's zoning department and the Ohio Department of Commerce, as short-term rentals typically require compliance with state lodging laws and local zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Hocking County, register with the Ohio Department of Taxation for sales tax collection (currently 5.75% state rate plus local taxes), and secure proper insurance coverage that includes short-term rental liability. Find a suitable property by searching areas near popular attractions like Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls, focusing on cabins or homes that offer privacy and outdoor access, with properties typically ranging from $150,000-$400,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with rustic, comfortable furniture emphasizing the outdoor experience, including essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, outdoor furniture, fire pit equipment, and hiking gear, budgeting approximately $15,000-$25,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photography showcasing the natural surroundings, competitive pricing typically ranging $100-$300 per night depending on property size and season, and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to hiking trails and outdoor activities. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests (budget $75-$125 per turnover), creating a local network of maintenance contacts, implementing keyless entry systems, providing detailed area guides for guests, and maintaining responsive communication to achieve high ratings in this competitive market where outdoor recreation drives year-round demand.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Hocking Hills, Ohio, focus on locations within 5-10 minutes of major attractions like Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls, prioritizing properties with private access to hiking trails or creek frontage. Seek cabins or homes with 2-4 bedrooms, hot tubs, fire pits, game rooms, and pet-friendly amenities, as these command premium rates averaging $150-300 per night depending on size and luxury level. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, targeting areas where average daily rates exceed $180 with occupancy rates above 65%. Research competition by studying listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underpriced properties, while monitoring seasonal demand patterns that peak during fall foliage (September-November) and summer months. Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources including the Hocking Hills Tourism Association website for visitor statistics, while partnering with local property management companies like Hocking Hills Property Management or Red River Gorge Cabins who understand zoning regulations and can provide insights on emerging high-demand areas near Logan, Rockbridge, and South Bloomingville.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Hocking Hills, Ohio, you must first contact the Hocking County Building Department at 1 East Main Street, Logan, OH 43138 or call (740) 385-2127, as short-term rental regulations are typically handled at the county level since Hocking Hills is an unincorporated area. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a detailed floor plan and property layout, obtain a certificate of occupancy, provide proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the local fire department, and ensure compliance with septic and well water systems if applicable. Required documents include a valid Ohio business license, tax identification number, emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 minutes of the property, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking. The application fee is approximately $150-250 with additional inspection fees of $75-100, and the annual renewal fee is around $100-150. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, provided all inspections pass and documentation is complete. Specific Hocking Hills requirements include maintaining the property's rural character, adhering to noise ordinances particularly during evening hours, providing adequate waste management for increased occupancy, ensuring septic systems can handle short-term rental capacity, and maintaining clear emergency access routes for rural properties.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Hocking Hills, Ohio, as the area operates under Hocking County's jurisdiction, which does not have county-wide prohibitions on vacation rentals. However, regulations vary by specific township and municipality within the Hocking Hills region, with some areas requiring business licenses, occupancy permits, or compliance with zoning ordinances that may restrict STRs in certain residential zones. The Ohio state government has generally taken a hands-off approach to STR regulation, leaving decisions to local governments, and many townships in the Hocking Hills area have embraced vacation rentals due to their importance to the tourism economy centered around Hocking Hills State Park. Property owners typically must comply with standard lodging regulations including fire safety codes, septic system requirements for rural properties, and tax collection obligations, while some areas may have noise ordinances or parking restrictions that affect STR operations. Recent trends since 2020-2022 have seen increased scrutiny and potential new registration requirements in some townships as STR popularity has grown, but no widespread bans have been implemented in the core Hocking Hills tourism areas where vacation rentals are considered essential to the local economy.

The most lucrative Airbnb investment areas in Hocking Hills, Ohio center around Old Man's Cave and the Hocking Hills State Park vicinity, particularly properties within 2-3 miles of the main attractions, as this area draws over 3 million visitors annually seeking proximity to hiking trails, waterfalls, and rock formations. The Logan area offers excellent investment potential due to its position as the gateway to Hocking Hills with year-round appeal from outdoor enthusiasts, families, and couples seeking romantic getaways, especially during peak fall foliage season from September to November. South Bloomingville presents strong opportunities for larger group rentals and luxury cabins, attracting corporate retreats and family reunions with its secluded forest settings while maintaining reasonable access to attractions. The Laurelville corridor appeals to investors targeting budget-conscious travelers and longer stays, benefiting from lower property acquisition costs while still capturing overflow demand during peak seasons. Rock House and Conkles Hollow areas command premium rates due to their proximity to unique geological formations and hiking trails, particularly attractive to adventure travelers and nature photographers who book extended stays during spring wildflower season and autumn color tours.

Airbnb properties in Hocking Hills, Ohio are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, Hocking County's transient guest tax of 3% (implemented around 2019), and potentially local municipal lodging taxes that can range from 1-3% depending on the specific township or village where the property is located. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began operating in Ohio around 2018, and the platform remits these funds quarterly to the appropriate state and local tax authorities. Property owners must register with the Ohio Department of Commerce and obtain a vendor's license, while also registering with Hocking County for the local transient guest tax, with remittance required monthly by the 23rd of the following month if not collected by Airbnb. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and some properties may qualify for exemptions if they rent fewer than 3 rooms or units, though this varies by local jurisdiction and property owners should verify current requirements with local tax authorities as rates and collection procedures can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Hocking Hills, Ohio ranges from $285,000 to $350,000. Property purchase costs average $220,000 for a median 3-bedroom cabin suitable for short-term rentals in the area. Furnishing costs typically run $25,000-$35,000 including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, outdoor furniture, and décor to create an attractive vacation rental. Initial setup expenses of $3,000-$5,000 cover professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic marketing. Permits and fees total approximately $1,500-$2,500 including business license, short-term rental permit from Hocking County, tax registration, and any HOA approvals. Insurance costs $2,000-$3,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits require $500-$800 for electricity, water, internet, cable, and propane if applicable. First six months operating costs of $8,000-$12,000 include property management software subscriptions, cleaning services, maintenance reserves, marketing, guest supplies restocking, and utility bills before rental income stabilizes.

Airbnb properties in Hocking Hills, Ohio demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-$400 depending on property size and amenities, generating annual revenues of $35,000-$85,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 15-20% for utilities and supplies, and 10-15% for property management if outsourced, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for owner-operated properties. Success factors include proximity to popular hiking trails like Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls, unique features such as hot tubs, fire pits, or treehouse designs, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. Properties within 5 miles of Hocking Hills State Park command premium rates, with luxury cabins featuring amenities like game rooms and outdoor spaces achieving $300+ nightly rates and annual profits exceeding $40,000. The region's year-round appeal, driven by fall foliage tourism, winter cabin retreats, and summer outdoor activities, supports consistent bookings, though properties typically see peak performance during October leaf season and summer months with occupancy rates reaching 85-90%.

Airbnb investments in Hocking Hills, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, driven by the area's popularity as a nature tourism destination with Hocking Hills State Park attracting over 3 million visitors annually. Properties in prime locations near Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls command nightly rates of $150-400 depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% throughout the year and peak rates during fall foliage season (September-October) and summer months. Initial investment for a suitable cabin or lodge ranges from $200,000-500,000, with most investors achieving profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for property acquisition, renovations, furnishing, and operational expenses. The market has shown consistent growth since 2018, with companies like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting strong performance metrics for short-term rentals in the region, though investors should budget for seasonal fluctuations and higher maintenance costs due to the rural location and heavy guest usage.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, including in the Hocking Hills, Ohio market. Local real estate agents serving the Hocking Hills area include Coldwell Banker King Thompson (established 1980s), RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals, and Century 21 Thacker & Associates, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and Tom Bradley who focus on investment properties. National services include Awning (founded 2017), RedAwning, and AirDNA (launched 2015) which provide market analysis and property identification tools. Local property management companies such as Hocking Hills Property Management and Southeast Ohio Vacation Rentals offer turnkey solutions for investors. Additional national platforms include BiggerPockets (2004), Roofstock (2015), and Mashvisor (2014) which help identify cash-flowing rental properties. Regional specialists include Ohio Valley Real Estate and Hocking County Realty, while services like HostGPO and Vacasa (2009) provide comprehensive property management and optimization services for Airbnb investors in the Hocking Hills region.