Horse camping options exist throughout the region surrounding Erlanger, Kentucky, where the terrain features rolling hills and wooded areas typical of Northern Kentucky. Several campgrounds within a 30-minute to 1-hour drive provide facilities specifically designed for equestrians, with many offering direct access to riding trails. Winter temperatures in this area typically range from 20-40°F, while summer months see highs around 85-90°F.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: At Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground, trails connect directly to the horse camping area. "The horse campground for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out! Totally makes sense given that you have large horse trailers/campers and also horses at each site," writes Brady R.
Lake activities: Many campgrounds feature lake access for fishing and boating. "Whitewater Memorial State Park is located close to Liberty Indiana and is our favorite between the two major parks on Brookville Lake. It has water access to both Brookville and Whitewater lakes," notes Brandie B. Fishing is popular at several parks within driving distance of Erlanger.
Hiking options: The region offers varied terrain for hiking enthusiasts. At Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks), "There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take on the TVT challenge, beautiful hike through hilly terrain, and great spots of overlooks," says Karen K.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: East Fork State Park Campground receives positive feedback for its upkeep. "Camp sites are all blacktop, level, and clean. Nice bath houses, and playgrounds," writes Jarrod M. The attention to cleanliness is mentioned across multiple reviews.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate spacious sites that offer privacy. At Whitewater Memorial State Park, one reviewer noted, "Very, very spread out! Totally makes sense given that you have large horse trailers/campers and also horses at each site, but even then, they were very spread out and had lots of great space to actually enjoy nature."
Nature immersion: The region offers diverse ecosystems to explore. "The Twin Valley Trail combines the existing network of trails in Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks. These trails connect to create a longer, more integrated trail system totaling more than 25 miles," shares Kenpocentaur K. about Five Rivers Metroparks near Dayton.
What you should know
Site layout challenges: Some campgrounds have design issues to consider. At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, "Pad are about 12 x12 concrete so that's a plus but the location of the pads if you want to use your RV awning means your wheels in what ever your using are going to be nearly off the level area or in the grass," warns jeffrey D.
Weather considerations: Seasons affect camping experiences significantly. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures between 20-40°F, while summer brings humidity and temperatures in the 80s-90s. Storms can impact trail conditions, as one reviewer noted at Germantown MetroPark: "The heavy rains we'd been having had left the valley and banks very sloppy and muddy."
Water availability: Not all sites provide easy water access. "No water so bring your own and the latrine is an old one (cement blocks)," advises Kenpocentaur K. about Possum Creek Camp Site in Five Rivers MetroParks. Always check water availability when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Hueston Woods State Park Campground offers diverse activities for children. "From walk in camping to paintball hueston woods has it all. Lots of trails and creeks, biking, boating, play grounds, swimming, food, store, movie nights mini golf and more! They even have an animal preserve," writes Daniele M.
Safety considerations: Choose sites appropriate for your family's needs. At A.J. Jolly Park, "We picked the site further away from the lake as we had little ones. We were still close enough so we could easily walk to the lake," shares Kenpocentaur K.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning experiences. "I loved the informational boxes and tags that they had on the trees or plants. This is helpful if you have little ones with you," notes a reviewer about Cowan Lake State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Clifty Falls State Park Campground, site choice matters. "None are level looking so you will need to know what your doing to level your rig. The lake is in view to each site," advises Bobby C.
Hook-up availability: Electric and water access varies between campgrounds. "Pad are about 12 x12 concrete so that's a plus but the location of the pads if you want to use your RV awning means your wheels in what ever your using are going to be nearly off the level area or in the grass. Sites 7 11 10 3 are the best. The power for site 7 is on the wrong side so your going to need an extension possibly," notes jeffrey D. about A.J. Jolly Park.
Road conditions: Access to horse camping areas can be challenging for larger rigs. "If you have a large horse trailer type camper your screwed the sites are small so that only leaves you with the RV sites that are a few 100 feet away from the stables," warns a reviewer about the horse facilities at A.J. Jolly Park & Campground.
