Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you want to know about Pool House Lodge — the indoor pool, accessibility, booking, amenities, and what to do in Hocking Hills.

The Property

The Cabin

Pool House Lodge sleeps up to 20 guests across 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The property sits on 22 private acres in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
Pool House Lodge has 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms spread across multiple floors. Bedroom configurations include king suites, queens, and a bunk room to accommodate large groups and families of all ages.
Yes. The kitchen is large and designed for cooking for groups of 20. It features blue cabinets, granite countertops, two dishwashers, two sinks, and commercial-grade appliances. Cooking for a big group here is practical — not a scramble.
Pool House Lodge provides fresh bath towels, pool towels, toiletries, bed linens, a fully equipped kitchen, coffee, and cooking basics. Guests do not need to bring towels, toiletries, or kitchen supplies. Firewood is not provided — available from the neighbor across the street or a nearby gas station.
No. Pool House Lodge does not allow pets. This is a firm policy due to allergies, pool sanitation, and property maintenance requirements.
Pool House Lodge is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Columbus — about 75 miles southeast via US-33. It is also easy to reach from Cincinnati (2.5 hours), Cleveland (2.5 hours), and Pittsburgh (3 hours).
Pool House Lodge is approximately 25 minutes from Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills State Park, depending on your exact route. Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and Rock House are all within a similar driving range.
Pool House Lodge is owned by a family of three from Columbus, Ohio. They built the cabin as a dream project — a place where extended families and groups could truly share one space, instead of renting several small cabins scattered across a property.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the lodge. A designated outdoor smoking area with 2 chairs and a cigarette butt collector is located in the parking area. Smoking is not permitted during an active burn ban.
Like any authentic log cabin, sound carries between floors — the floor above is the ceiling below. We've insulated between rooms to keep noise down, but you may hear footsteps from your own group upstairs. Light sleepers may want to bring earplugs.
Baby cribs and high chairs are not provided. You are welcome to bring your own.
Yes! Decorations go up mid-to-late November and stay through the end of January. Hot chocolate is also provided during the holiday season.
Pool House Lodge was built by Hochstetler Log Homes and Cedar Creek Cabin LLC — the same two Amish companies that built the log portion of the Hocking Hills State Lodge. The property was designed by the owners in collaboration with Hochstetler Log Homes' architect. Read our story.

What's Included

Pool & Amenities

Yes. Pool House Lodge has a private heated indoor pool that is open year-round. The pool is exclusively for your group — there is no shared access with other guests or the public. This is one of the few Hocking Hills properties where the entire large group can swim together in any season. See the Indoor Pool page for photos and details.
Yes. The indoor pool is climate-controlled and heated year-round, including in January and February. Regardless of snow or cold outside, the pool room stays warm and the water stays comfortable. See the Indoor Pool page →
Yes. The indoor pool is available to guests during all waking hours of your stay. Because it is fully enclosed, weather and darkness do not affect pool access. Always follow posted pool safety rules, especially with children present. See the Indoor Pool page →
Yes. Pool House Lodge has an outdoor hot tub on the lower covered patio with views of the rolling hills. It is heated and available year-round.
Yes. The property has a large outdoor firepit that comfortably seats the whole group. Firewood is provided. It is a popular evening gathering spot in every season.
Yes. Pool House Lodge has a dedicated game room with an arcade game. It is popular with kids and adults alike — a great option for rainy afternoons or evenings when the group wants to stay in.
The Gnome Trail is a private nature trail on the 22-acre property decorated with handmade gnomes and fairy-tale features hidden among the trees. It is one of the most unique aspects of Pool House Lodge — families with young kids especially love it. The trail is on-property, so guests can explore it at any time during their stay.
Yes. Pool House Lodge has WiFi throughout the property — useful for streaming, remote work, or keeping the group connected during a longer stay.
Yes. There is a dedicated work desk in the Owner's Suite on the main floor. Wi-Fi is Spectrum Fiber Optic with speeds up to 1 Gbps — fast enough for video calls, remote work, and streaming simultaneously.
Firewood is not provided, but is available for purchase from the neighbor directly across the street, or at Campbell's Market (5.0 miles, 8 min).
The island and dining table combined seat up to 14 guests. A 6-foot folding table is available in the Owner's bedroom closet, and additional chairs are on the lower-level patio for extra seating.
Yes. There is a propane outdoor grill on the lower-level patio, with a backup propane tank included.

Mobility & Access

Accessibility

Yes. Pool House Lodge is one of the few large-group cabins in Hocking Hills with meaningful accessibility features. These include step-free ramps at both entries, a roll-in shower in the queen ensuite, 36-inch doorways, grab bars in multiple bathrooms, accessible parking, wheelchair-friendly outdoor decks, and a wheelchair-accessible pool room. It is well suited for multigenerational groups that include guests with mobility needs. See the full Accessibility page for room-by-room details.
Yes. There is a roll-in shower in the main-level queen ensuite bathroom. There is also a transfer shower on the lower level. Both bathrooms include grab bars.
The pool room is wheelchair accessible and has handrails at the pool entry steps. The property does not have a mechanical pool lift. If this is a critical requirement for your group, please contact us before booking to discuss your needs. See the full Accessibility page →
The main floor and lower level are both accessible via ramp entry, with no step threshold at either entrance. The pool room, main living areas, kitchen, and the accessible queen bedroom and bathroom are all on the same accessible floor. Some areas of the property — upper-level bedrooms and sections of the outdoor acreage — are not accessible. Mixed-ability groups have found the property works very well for their needs. See the full Accessibility page →
Yes. Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park has a fully paved, ADA-accessible trail — the only completely accessible trail in the state park system. The 0.3-mile path leads directly to the cave recess and waterfall without steps or gravel. It is the top recommendation for groups that include wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility. Read our Ash Cave guide →

Reservations

Booking

  • The property is smoke and pet free
  • The person booking must be 25 or older and is responsible for all guests during the stay
  • The person who books must be present at the property for the full stay — the reservation cannot be transferred to someone else
  • Maximum 20 guests at any time, including daytime visitors
  • ID verification must be completed and approved within 48 hours of booking
  • At least 2 days before arrival: final guest count, remaining balance, and security hold must all be completed
  • This agreement must be signed before check-in details are sent
  • Quiet hours are 10 PM – 8 AM
  • No events or weddings — the lodge is for vacation lodging only
  • No smoking indoors or on decks/grounds — designated smoking area in the parking lot only
  • No pets (ADA service animals permitted, but not in the pool or hot tub)
  • No ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, fireworks, or firearms
  • No glass, food, or animals in or around the pool and hot tub
  • Only human waste and toilet paper may be flushed — no wipes of any kind
  • Grease goes in the provided container, not the drain
  • No moving indoor furniture
  • Children under 6 are not permitted on the top bunk
  • Stay on maintained hiking trails only — no trail use after sunset
  • Ohio burn ban: no outdoor burning between 6 AM and 6 PM during March, April, May, October, and November
  • EV charging: use the provided 50-amp outlets only — no 120v wall outlet charging
Pool House Lodge is available to book on Airbnb, VRBO, and directly through this website at poolhouselodge.com/book. Booking directly through the website avoids third-party service fees.
Check-in is at 4:00 PM EST. Check-out is at 10:00 AM EST. Early check-in or late check-out may be available for $50 per hour, subject to availability — contact us to request.
The minimum stay is typically 2 nights on regular weekends and 3 nights on holiday weekends. Minimums may vary by season. Check the booking page for current requirements on your dates.
Nightly rates vary by season, day of week, and length of stay. Rates are generally higher during fall foliage season (October) and summer weekends, and lower during off-peak winter and spring weeks. Check the booking page for current pricing on your dates.
97% refund if cancelled 30 or more days before arrival. 47% refund if cancelled 14–29 days before arrival. No refund for cancellations less than 14 days before arrival. A 48-hour free cancellation window applies only if arrival is at least 14 days away at the time of booking. The 3% credit card processing fee is non-refundable. Travel insurance is recommended.
You can reach us by email at info@poolhouselodge.com or by phone at 740-729-8007. We're happy to answer questions before you book.

Large Groups

Groups & Events

Yes. Pool House Lodge was designed for large group gatherings. With 7 bedrooms sleeping 20, a private indoor pool, a large two-dishwasher kitchen, 22 private acres, and accessibility features across two floors, it handles multigenerational reunions better than almost any other Hocking Hills property. Read our complete Hocking Hills guide →
Yes. The large common spaces, covered outdoor deck, pool, game room, and 22-acre property provide a strong environment for team building and offsite retreats. The property can accommodate up to 20 people under one roof, which is rare at this level of comfort. Plan your trip with our Hocking Hills guide →
Yes. The private indoor pool, hot tub, firepit, and large kitchen make Pool House Lodge a popular choice for birthday celebrations, bachelorette weekends, and milestone gatherings. The property is exclusively yours during your stay, so the group never has to share spaces with other guests. See our celebration planning guide →
Yes, though the property is large. Couples who book the whole cabin enjoy exclusive use of a private indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, firepit, and 22 secluded acres. The setting is quiet and scenic — ideal for a luxury escape. See our romantic getaway guide for tips on how to plan the stay.
Pool House Lodge welcomes group gatherings for booked guests. Organized events or celebrations beyond the stated guest count require prior written approval. Maximum occupancy is 20 guests at all times.

The Region

Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills is worth visiting in any season. Fall (October–early November) draws the biggest crowds for fall foliage. Spring (March–May) brings waterfalls at full flow and wildflowers. Summer is lush and green. Winter is quiet, dramatic, and — with the indoor pool — still very comfortable. Fall books the earliest, so plan ahead if you want October dates. Read our fall foliage guide →
Peak fall foliage in Hocking Hills typically occurs between October 10 and October 25, though the exact week shifts by a few days each year depending on temperature and rainfall. The mix of maple, oak, beech, and hickory produces vivid oranges, reds, and yellows — especially dramatic in the gorges. See our October guide for more detail.
Yes. Hocking Hills State Park trails are open year-round. In winter, some trails may be icy and require caution. Ice cleats are strongly recommended from December through February. The frozen waterfalls in winter are a highlight many visitors miss entirely. Explore our trail guide →
Pack waterproof layers (base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket), waterproof hiking boots, ice cleats, warm gloves, and a hat. Pool House Lodge provides towels, toiletries, and kitchen supplies — you do not need to bring those. See our January packing guide for a full list.
Ash Cave has the only fully paved, ADA-accessible trail in the Hocking Hills State Park system. The 0.3-mile paved path leads directly to the cave recess and is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. See our wheelchair accessibility page for full details on the property and local trails.