A.J. Jolly Park & Campground features several equestrian trails suitable for riders staying at the facility. The campground is located within a 1,000-acre park in Alexandria, Kentucky, approximately 15 miles from Taylor Mill. The park sits on rolling terrain with a 200-acre lake, offering equestrians opportunities for both trail riding and water access. The trails wind through wooded areas with terrain that ranges from flat sections to moderate hills.
What to do
Lake activities for equestrians: After trail rides, equestrians can enjoy A.J. Jolly's 200-acre lake for fishing or paddling. The park offers boat rentals and fishing opportunities close to the horse trails. One visitor mentioned, "The main lake is nice you can rent kayaks canoes. Or use your own boat. The boat ramp is nice."
Mountain biking at East Fork State Park: Located about 30 minutes from Taylor Mill in Batavia, Ohio, this park offers trails for mountain bikers of varying skill levels. A visitor described it as a "Good beginner park" for mountain biking and hiking, with several miles of trails suitable for day trips from the equestrian areas.
Horseback riding at Versailles State Park: For those wanting additional riding options, this park offers dedicated horse trails about an hour's drive from Taylor Mill. "There are miles of paved and rustic hiking trails. There is also a camper beach for boating and swimming," notes one camper, making it a good day trip option for equestrians staying near Taylor Mill.
What campers like
Equestrian stall quality: Horse owners consistently praise the quality of the stalls available for equine guests at A.J. Jolly. One camper noted the "stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding," highlighting the above-average accommodations compared to other regional equestrian facilities.
Privacy between Whitewater Memorial State Park sites: Though farther from Taylor Mill (about 90 minutes), this park offers exceptional privacy for horse campers. A visitor explained the horse campground has "very, very spread out" sites that "had lots of great space to actually enjoy nature," which contrasts with the more compact setup at some other regional equestrian campgrounds.
Accessibility of water for horses: Campers appreciate that A.J. Jolly provides access to water for horses throughout the equestrian camping area. As one camper mentioned, "Water is available at most premium sites," allowing horses to stay hydrated without long walks to water sources after trail riding.
What you should know
Site layout challenges: The equestrian sites are located separately from the main RV sites, which creates logistical issues for some setups. One camper pointed out, "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."
Terrain considerations: The terrain at A.J. Jolly can be challenging for parking larger rigs. "None are level looking so you will need to know what your doing. I'm o level your rig," explained one camper, indicating the need for leveling blocks and experience with setting up on uneven ground.
Alternative options at Hueston Woods State Park Campground: Located about an hour from Taylor Mill, this park offers another option for equestrians. A visitor noted, "One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers," suggesting less competition for equestrian sites during certain periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds near equestrian areas: Families with both horses and children will find playgrounds accessible from the equestrian camping area. "The main play ground is extremely nice. About 1/3 Mile walk. They do have a small playground in the rv section," notes one visitor, providing options for children when not trail riding.
Water activities for kids: After horse activities, families can enjoy the lake. "Fishing is t to bad. The park has a golf course," mentioned one camper, highlighting activities that can keep non-riders in the family occupied while others are on horseback.
Consider Cowan Lake State Park Campground: For families wanting a day trip about 45 minutes from Taylor Mill, this park offers additional recreation. "There are organized activities on the lake and through the nature center. You can also do your own thing," shared one visitor, providing options for family members not participating in equestrian activities.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord needs: RVers with horse trailers should come prepared with extra-long extension cords at A.J. Jolly. One camper specifically mentioned, "The power for site 7 is on the wrong side so your going to need an extension possibly," which is a common issue at several of the equestrian sites.
Premium site hookups: Those traveling with larger horse trailers should target the premium sites for better utility access. "All the premium sites have 30/50 amp hook ups and water," noted a camper, though they added these sites are "a joke. It's terrible road it ungraded sites are in level the approach to the sites are terrible," so come prepared for challenges.
Dump station location: Plan your departure carefully as the dump station location can be inconvenient. "Dump station is about 500 ft away," according to one RVer, requiring some planning when breaking camp with horses and a rig.
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