Camp Heart Hocking Hills at Raven's Retreat

For Ohio residents yearning for a truly unique and immersive escape into nature, Camp Heart Hocking Hills at Raven's Retreat offers an experience that transcends traditional camping. Nestled within a private 58-acre nature preserve in the heart of the renowned Hocking Hills region, this destination is designed as an intentional retreat space, blending eco-conscious lodging with opportunities for wellness, creativity, and deep connection with the natural world. It caters to those who appreciate a thoughtfully curated environment, from unique art installations to private hiking trails, all while being just a stone's throw from Ohio's iconic state parks.

Camp Heart is part of the larger Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills, which encompasses various lodging options including "Camp Shroom" (which includes Camp Peace and Camp Heart) for primitive/boondocking sites, and the luxurious "Unique Art Lodge" and upcoming "Tiny Art Bungalows." This diverse offering means that whether you're looking for a secluded spot to truly unplug or a more amenity-rich lodge for a group retreat, Raven's Retreat aims to provide an environment tailored to your desires. Owned and created by two eco-conscious artists, Dustin and Raven, the property reflects a dedication to sustainable practices, artistry, and holistic well-being, making it a distinctive choice for Ohioans seeking more than just a typical campground. Reviews consistently highlight the "fantastic property," "great location," and the unique care evident in spaces built by the owners themselves.

Camp Heart Hocking Hills at Raven's Retreat is located at 17683 Thompson Ridge Rd, Laurelville, OH 43135, USA. This address places it directly within the captivating Hocking Hills region of Ohio, a highly sought-after destination known for its stunning natural beauty, including towering cliffs, deep gorges, and waterfalls.

The accessibility of this retreat is one of its prime advantages for Ohio residents. Laurelville is a small, charming town that provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility, yet it remains conveniently close to major routes that lead into the Hocking Hills area. While tucked away on Thompson Ridge Road to ensure privacy, the retreat is reportedly "just two miles from town" (Laurelville), meaning essential supplies and local eateries are within easy reach.

Furthermore, its location offers unparalleled access to the region's main attractions. Camp Heart is in close proximity to popular Hocking Hills State Parks and preserves such as Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow Nature Preserve (approximately 11 miles away), and Cantwell Cliffs State Park. This allows Ohio visitors to easily venture out for daily adventures, exploring the breathtaking trails and natural formations, and then return to the peace and unique ambiance of Raven's Retreat. The balance between being a secluded, nature-immersed haven and offering convenient access to the region's highlights makes it an ideal spot for Ohioans looking to explore one of their state's most beautiful treasures.

Camp Heart Hocking Hills at Raven's Retreat, along with its sister sites and the Art Lodge, offers a thoughtful array of services and amenities designed for an immersive and comfortable nature retreat:

• Diverse Camping & Lodging Options:
  • Camp Heart (Primitive/Boondock): This site within Camp Shroom is designed for "boondocking" a 20-foot trailer/camper/RV, offering a private, tranquil forest ridge experience. It includes a stone firepit, hammock, hardwood bench, picnic table, grill, and a tangle-free domestic animal tie-out. Potable water and a portable toilet (Porta-Pottie) are available on-site, distanced from the camping areas.
  • Unique Art Lodge: A luxurious 4000 sq ft lodge designed for groups up to 16, featuring 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Amenities include Wi-Fi (200-400 Mbps), a hot tub, sauna, outdoor shower, black walnut kitchen and bar, electric fireplace, and BBQ grill. This space also has unique art installations created by the owners.
  • Tiny Art Bungalows: Eco-conscious and modern "cozy bungalows" designed for couples or solo travelers (Tiny Art Bungalow and Pollinator Tiny Bungalow). These feature Wi-Fi, a hot tub, and are set within the 58-acre nature preserve. More bungalows are coming in 2025.
• Private Hiking Trails: The 58-acre property boasts over a mile of private hiking trails, wellness trails, meditation areas, and functional fitness stations within its forest.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: The retreat emphasizes sustainability, with spaces created by eco-conscious artist hosts.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted, with specific amenities like a tangle-free tie-out at camping sites.
• Wellness & Creative Experiences (Add-ons): As a retreat destination, they offer customizable experiences such as:
  • Yoga and guided meditation sessions.
  • Forest bathing and sound healing.
  • Stress relief techniques and neuro-linguistic programming.
  • Guided hands-on art projects (sculpture, painting, ornament creation).
  • Plant-based chef prepared meals.
  • Wood carving demonstrations.
• Stargazing: Given the natural setting with little to no light pollution, the retreat offers incredible night sky views.
• Potable Water Access: Fresh water refill hoses are available at the main house.
• Firewood: Firewood is often available for purchase in a nearby town (5 minutes away).

Camp Heart Hocking Hills at Raven's Retreat stands out with several distinctive features and highlights that create a truly unique experience for Ohio visitors:

• Immersive Nature Retreat Design: The entire property, spanning 58 acres, is intentionally designed for "transformation and reconnection" with nature. This goes beyond simple camping, offering a holistic environment for wellness and introspection.
• Art-Infused Environment: Created by master sculptor Dustin Weatherby and artist Raven Morgan, the spaces, especially the Art Lodge, are adorned with steel sculptures, wood carvings, and tile murals. This artistic touch provides a unique and inspiring ambiance, making every corner visually engaging.
• Private Trails and Wellness Features: Guests have exclusive access to over a mile of private hiking trails, wellness trails, designated meditation areas, and functional fitness stations. This offers a serene and uncrowded environment for outdoor activity and mindfulness, a distinct advantage over busy public trails.
• Luxury Amenities (Art Lodge & Bungalows): While Camp Heart is more primitive, the broader Raven's Retreat includes high-end features like hot tubs, saunas, and outdoor showers at the Art Lodge and Tiny Art Bungalows, catering to a range of comfort preferences and providing a "glamping" feel.
• Customizable Retreat Experiences: The ability to add on guided yoga, meditation, art classes, chef-prepared plant-based meals, and even neuro-linguistic programming sessions offers a highly personalized and enriching stay not typically found at a standard campground.
• Seclusion and Tranquility: Despite its proximity to popular Hocking Hills attractions, the retreat is nestled on a tranquil forest ridge, ensuring a sense of privacy and quiet for guests. The limited number of primitive sites (three separate plots) enhances this feeling of seclusion.
• Eco-Conscious Philosophy: The owners' dedication to eco-friendly and sustainable practices aligns with the values of many modern travelers, offering a responsible and harmonious way to experience nature. Bookings also help fund their animal rescue efforts.
• Exceptional Stargazing: With minimal light pollution in the Hocking Hills, the "incredible night sky" is a prominent feature, perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and romantic evenings.

Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills, which includes Camp Heart, periodically offers special promotions and booking incentives directly through their website. For Ohio locals planning a visit, these offers can provide added value to their stay.

• Direct Booking Discounts: The retreat encourages booking directly through their official website, often advertising that this provides the "best rates." This bypasses third-party booking fees and allows guests to potentially access exclusive deals.
• Sign-Up Offers: Visitors can sign up on their website to receive a coupon, such as "$100 Off" their stay. This is a direct incentive for new bookings.
• Seasonal Offers: The website indicates "Seasonal Offers for Your Nature Getaway in Ohio," suggesting that different deals may be available depending on the time of year, potentially offering better value during off-peak seasons.
• Package Deals for Retreats: While not a traditional "camping promotion," for those interested in the full retreat experience (wellness, creative, team-building), customizable packages that bundle lodging with various add-on experiences (e.g., chef services, guided activities) can represent a comprehensive value.

To ensure you receive the best available rates and to inquire about any current promotions or package deals, it is highly recommended that Ohio residents visit the official Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills website or contact them directly. Keeping an eye on their "Special Offers" page is advisable when planning your unique Hocking Hills escape.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Camp Heart Hocking Hills at Raven's Retreat, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 17683 Thompson Ridge Rd, Laurelville, OH 43135, USA
• Phone: (614) 783-6143 (This number is listed for Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills)
• Website: The official website for Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills (often found by searching for "Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills") is the primary resource for detailed information, booking, and special offers.
• Email: While a direct email for Camp Heart isn't universally listed, general inquiries for Raven's Retreat may be found on their website.

When contacting, particularly for specific details about the primitive Camp Heart sites versus the Art Lodge or bungalows, it's best to be clear about your preferred type of stay. Given the unique and curated nature of this retreat, direct communication is the most effective way to plan your visit and explore the tailored experiences available.

Camp Heart Hocking Hills at Raven's Retreat offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching experience for Ohio locals, particularly those who cherish the Hocking Hills region and seek a more intentional and unique outdoor escape. Its prime location within a private 58-acre nature preserve means Ohioans can enjoy the iconic beauty of Hocking Hills (with state parks just a short drive away) while returning to a secluded, serene, and uncrowded basecamp.

For those who appreciate thoughtful design and an artistic touch, the curated spaces and unique art installations by the owners elevate the experience beyond typical camping or cabin rentals. Whether opting for the rustic tranquility of a primitive boondocking site at Camp Heart or the luxury and amenities of the Art Lodge or Tiny Art Bungalows, there's a tailored option for various preferences. The emphasis on wellness, private hiking trails, and customizable retreat experiences (such as yoga or art classes) provides a holistic dimension not commonly found, allowing Ohioans to truly rejuvenate and connect with nature on a deeper level. This blend of accessibility to regional attractions, private natural beauty, and a unique, art-infused, eco-conscious philosophy makes Camp Heart Hocking Hills at Raven's Retreat a truly special and fitting destination for local Ohio residents.

Camp Heart Hocking Hills at Raven's Retreat

17683 Thompson Ridge Rd, Laurelville, OH 43135, USA