Finding the hidden cave in Camp Whittlewood is essential if you want to uncover the camp's darkest secrets or work toward multiple game endings. Tucked away beneath the roots of the massive forest tree, this concealed cavern holds key story items and serves as the staging ground for one of the primary end-game rituals.

Because the game offers little in the way of explicit map markers, locating the cavern entrance requires keeping a close eye on the hiking trail's landmarks. Here is the exact path to reach the hidden cave, what equipment to carry, and how to solve its internal puzzle.

Where to Find the Hidden Cave

The hidden cave is located in the Hiking Area along the Old Camp Trail, which opens up during the campground's scheduled hike on Day 2 and remains accessible on Day 3.

To reach the entrance:

  1. Follow the main hiking trail past the red logging mill where you collect the dark leaf specimen.
  2. From the mill area, proceed up the trail and take your first left.
  3. Look for a crow perched nearby. Next to it, you will spot a narrow dirt trail heading south down toward a dead end beneath the large bridge and tree base.
  4. Walk down this secluded path until you reach the rock opening nestled directly beneath the roots of the massive tree.

Required Items Before Entering

Stepping into the cave without preparation will leave you stuck in the dark. Make sure you have the following gear ready before heading inside:

  • Lantern: The interior of the cave is pitch black. Interacting with the darkness without an active light source will prevent you from spotting objects or navigating the chamber. Ensure you collect the lantern dropped after the logging mill encounter before heading into the cavern.
  • Magnifying Glass (Optional but Recommended): Won by leading your team to victory in the Day 2 tug-of-war competition. It allows you to read the worn engraving on items found inside.
  • Wet Moss: Collected from the fire-starting station at the lodge or rehydrated in the nearby stream. You will need this if you intend to prepare the cave for the ritual ending.

Key Loot and Secrets Inside the Cave

Once inside, illuminate the chamber with your lantern to reveal a small campsite containing a bed roll, empty tins, and a crate filled with old axe heads.

Examining the ground will reveal two critical points of interest:

  • The Discarded Locket (Medallion): Buried shallowly in the soil is an old piece of jewelry. Inspecting it normally shows an engraving too faint to read with the naked eye. If you examine it while holding the Magnifying Glass, the inscription reveals: "On sandy shores, the floors and forest floors eternally yours. Mary Flint." This locket can later be combined with twine and beads at the arts-and-crafts table to craft a Friendship Bracelet, which lets you escort a surviving camper out of the campground.
  • The Dry Root Bed: Beneath the tree's roots, the soil is dry and compacted like stone. Attempting to dig here immediately with a shovel will fail.

How to Solve the Cave Soil Puzzle

The cave plays an indispensable role in unlocking Ending 2 (the Ritual / Scion path) and earning the Botany Badge Steam achievement. To complete this route, the soil must be prepped well ahead of the final night.

  1. Place the Wet Moss: While inside the cave during Day 3, interact with the hardened dirt under the roots and place your soaking wet moss directly onto the ground. The moisture needs hours to seep into the packed earth.
  2. Advance to the Final Night: Complete your remaining badge activities and trigger the evening events. The moss will sit undisturbed, gradually softening the soil throughout the day.
  3. Return on the Final Night: After retrieving your confiscated backpack from the administration office during the monster's assault, run back to the hidden cave.
  4. Excavate and Graft: With the ground thoroughly softened, equip your Shovel to dig into the exposed, pulsating roots. Use the Grafting Kit—crafted using instructions from the cellar's botany book, turpentine, and wire—to bind yourself to the root system and complete the ritual.

Preparing the cave during daylight hours ensures you do not waste valuable time while avoiding the roaming creature on the final night.