Secluded Black Bear Lodge w / Private Pool Hot Tub near Hocking Hills Ohio
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
Secluded Black Bear Lodge is a smoke-free, pet-friendly vacation home on roughly 10 acres of private wooded acreage in Nelsonville (Athens County), positioned as a base for Hocking Hills and Southeast Ohio. It’s designed for groups, with large shared living spaces and an open-concept layout that makes it easy to gather or spread out.
Layout & Interior
The lodge includes 4 bedrooms plus generous common areas, anchored by knotty pine walls, hardwood flooring, and wood accents for a warm, cabin-style feel. A full kitchen and dining area support self-catering stays, and the home includes air conditioning and cable TV for downtime between outings.
Outdoor Amenities & Recreation
Outdoor living is a major focus, with a private outdoor pool for summer stays, an outdoor hot tub, and an outdoor grill for cookouts. The property also offers a fire pit, a game room, on-site hiking trails, and a fenced area that helps pets enjoy the grounds safely.
Location & Nearby Highlights
The lodge sits near natural and cultural attractions including Wayne National Forest (Athens Unit) and Waterloo State Wildlife Management Area, with local landmarks such as Robbins Crossing Historical Village and the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Dining options within driving distance include Tammy's Country Kitchen (~6.7 km), Rhapsody Restaurant (~6.4 km), GiGi's Country Kitchen (~13.7 km), and Hocking Hills Diner (~13.9 km). For air travel, John Glenn Columbus International Airport is about 82.7 km away and Rickenbacker International Airport about 70.5 km away.
Best for
This lodge is best for families and friend groups who want a private, rural getaway with space to gather—supported by 4 bedrooms, large shared living areas, and a full kitchen. It also suits outdoors-focused travelers who want quick access to Hocking Hills and nearby forest/wildlife areas, plus on-site recreation like a pool, hot tub, fire pit, and trails. Pet owners will appreciate that it’s explicitly pet-friendly and includes a fenced-in area for dogs.
Travel tips
This is a rural, secluded property, so plan to arrive by car and consider picking up groceries and supplies before heading into the wooded acreage. For flights, the closest major airports are Rickenbacker International (about 70.5 km) and John Glenn Columbus International (about 82.7 km). If you’re visiting in warm weather, pack for pool time; in cooler months, plan evenings around the fire pit and hot tub.
What guests say
Reviews emphasize that the lodge works well for group getaways, with enough space for guests to be together or have room of their own. Outdoor amenities are a standout, particularly the hot tub and the grill for cookouts. The overall impression aligns with a comfortable, well-equipped retreat geared toward downtime and shared time in a rural setting. No consistent negatives are reflected in the limited review details provided.
Check availability · Booking links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure