Camp Oty'Okwa

For generations of Ohio residents, the name Camp Oty'Okwa has been synonymous with youth development, outdoor education, and the pristine, rugged beauty of the Hocking Hills region. More than a traditional campground, this facility in South Bloomingville, Ohio, operates as a versatile, year-round retreat center on nearly 800 private, forested acres. Its primary mission is driven by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, which has successfully operated the camp since 1942, utilizing the stunning natural environment to provide life-changing experiences for children.

While the camp is a bustling summer camp organizer and hosts various youth programs, its role as a conference center and a facility that offers public access to its grounds makes it a crucial resource for the wider Ohio community. The unique combination of educational programming and the availability of its vast wilderness for hiking and retreats positions it as an exceptional destination for school groups, church organizations, business teams, and families looking for a structured, natural escape. Customers frequently praise the caring staff and the enriching educational opportunities, noting that the camp focuses on making a lasting, life-long impact on all who visit, including annual additions like the popular science and nature room featuring microscopes and even a viewable indoor bee hive.

Unlike traditional state park campgrounds, Camp Oty'Okwa offers a specialized environment. While it is not set up for general public RV or tent-site rentals, its facilities—which include lodges, cabins, and activity centers—are available for rent by groups of all sizes. This makes it a perfect hub for larger group outings in the Hocking Hills area who are seeking full-service lodging, catering, and customizable activity programming. Moreover, the generosity of the camp in allowing public access to areas like the Old Growth Forest Trail means that local hikers can experience its unique natural features, such as the impressive Broken Rocks and Split Rocks formations. This blend of mission, education, and accessibility makes Camp Oty'Okwa a standout location in Southeastern Ohio.

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### Location and Accessibility

Camp Oty'Okwa is strategically located at 24799 Purcell Rd, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, USA. This address places it squarely in the renowned Hocking Hills region of Ohio, famous for its dramatic Blackhand Sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and lush, mature woodlands. The camp's location is remote enough to provide a true wilderness experience—visitors frequently note the limited Wi-Fi and cellular services, allowing for a much-needed digital detox—yet it remains easily accessible from Central and Southern Ohio's major population centers.

The surrounding area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with nearby Hocking Hills State Park, Old Man's Cave, and Ash Cave offering countless additional recreational opportunities. Crucially for many Ohioans, the camp is committed to inclusivity, offering key accessibility features:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The main areas are designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Designated parking ensures ease of access for all visitors.
• On-site Parking: Ample parking is available for guests and groups utilizing the conference and retreat facilities.

It is important for hikers accessing the public trails, such as the Old Growth Forest Loop and the Split Rocks, to follow the camp's specific guidelines regarding parking and usage, being mindful that the site's primary function is as a youth camp and educational center.

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### Services Offered

As a multifaceted facility, Camp Oty'Okwa offers a range of services that extend far beyond simple lodging, focusing on comprehensive retreat and educational support for groups.

• Group Accommodations: Provides overnight lodging for groups ranging from 13 up to 281 individuals in a variety of settings, including climate-controlled lodges and rustic cabins.
• Full Catering Kitchen & Dining: Features a large, climate-controlled dining hall with a full catering kitchen capable of providing delicious, customizable meals (cafeteria, buffet, or family style) for large groups, including accommodating specific dietary needs.
• Environmental Education Programs: Offers specialized programming for schools and youth organizations, leveraging its natural setting and the new Nature Lab/Discovery Center for hands-on learning in science and nature.
• Conference/Meeting Facilities: The main lodges and activity center are equipped for conferences and retreats, including Wi-Fi, sound systems, and large projection screens.
• Basic Amenities: Restroom facilities are provided in all main buildings and lodging units. Wi-Fi is available in designated facility areas, such as the Dining Hall.
• Activity Programming: Customizable activities are available upon request for rental groups, covering arts, earth sciences, and outdoor adventures, including use of the on-site pool and challenge course elements.

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### Features / Highlights

The appeal of Camp Oty'Okwa lies in its extraordinary natural environment and its commitment to high-quality facilities and programs.

• Nearly 800 Acres of Private Hocking Hills: This vast, privately protected acreage includes deep gorges, rock shelters, and two large caves, giving groups exclusive access to exploration opportunities that are typically only found in crowded state parks.
• Old Growth Forest Trail & Split Rocks: A unique geological and ecological feature, this public-access trail leads through a 200-acre section of Old-Growth Forest to the magnificent Split Rocks—massive sandstone formations that appear to be fractured by an ancient geological event.
• Discovery Center / Nature Lab: A highlight for educational groups, this center features hands-on learning tools like telescopes, microscopes, animal pelts, and an active bee hive viewable through glass, enriching the learning experience for children and adults alike.
• Extensive Recreational Facilities: The camp boasts an indoor gymnasium with basketball and pickleball courts, a rock climbing wall, outdoor volleyball and basketball courts, and an Olympic-sized pool available during warmer months.
• Mission-Driven Excellence: Owned and operated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, the camp's underlying mission ensures a focus on positive role-modeling, safety (it is certified by the American Camp Association), and developing confidence and life skills in youth.

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### Contact Information

To inquire about group rentals, educational programs, or public trail access, Ohio residents may use the following contact details:

Physical Address:
24799 Purcell Rd
South Bloomingville, OH 43152, USA

Phone Contact:

• Main Office: (740) 385-5279
• Alternate/Mobile: +1 740-385-5279

Managing Organization: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio

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### What is Worth Choosing

For any Ohio-based group—whether a non-profit, school, church, or business—looking to host a retreat, conference, or educational field trip, Camp Oty'Okwa is an unmatched choice in the Hocking Hills region. What makes it truly worthwhile is the combination of a spectacular, privately-owned wilderness setting with a full suite of supportive, mission-focused services.

Choosing Camp Oty'Okwa means selecting a venue that is:

• Incredibly Resourceful: It provides lodging, catering, meeting spaces, and specialized programming (like the Nature Lab) all in one location, simplifying logistics for group organizers.
• Deeply Impactful: By choosing to rent the facility, groups are supporting the core mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters, contributing to positive life experiences for Central Ohio's youth.
• Naturally Inspiring: The sheer size of the private acreage, the awe-inspiring geological features like Split Rocks, and the mature forests offer an immersive outdoor adventure that is difficult to find elsewhere.

For the public hiker, the unique opportunity to walk the privately maintained trails and experience a slice of the Hocking Hills' old-growth ecosystem, as described in local reviews, is a hidden gem that alone is worth the trip to South Bloomingville. It is a true Ohio institution, successfully marrying conservation, education, and community service.

Camp Oty'Okwa

24799 Purcell Rd, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, USA