West Branch State Park offers equestrian camping facilities 12 miles from Akron, Ohio. The 2,650-acre park features over 20 miles of bridle trails through forested terrain near the reservoir. Campsites in the equestrian area accommodate horse trailers and provide direct trail access with specific amenities for both horses and riders.
What to do
Kayaking and boating: West Branch State Park Campground provides opportunities for water activities on the 2,650-acre reservoir. "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," notes Katelyn P. about the waterside sites at West Branch State Park Campground.
Horseback riding: Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday offers on-site horseback riding for families looking for equestrian activities. "Great family owned KOA. Horseback riding on site," says Lisa D. about Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch, which provides another option for horse enthusiasts near Akron.
Fishing and water sports: Mosquito Lake State Park provides fishing opportunities and water recreation. "We chose this state park because it was close and had good reviews. Overall our experience was very good. Great atmosphere and nicely wooded lots," reports Joe F. from his first camping trip to the park with his camper.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of bathrooms and shower facilities at West Branch. "Best bathrooms around! Showers great. Bathrooms great. Lots of 'lakefront' spots. Dog park is pretty great, too! Good spot to camp for cayahoga falls national park," says Kim B. about Mosquito Lake State Park Campground.
Spacious, private sites: Many campsites offer good separation and privacy. "West Branch has private, spacious, shady sites. We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite," mentions Alisa G., highlighting the accessibility of water activities directly from campsites.
Dog-friendly areas: Several campgrounds near Akron feature dog parks and pet-friendly policies. "The dog park is amazing. There's so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing. We love it," shares Courtney C., emphasizing the variety of activities available alongside pet amenities.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have significant slopes requiring equipment adjustments. "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches," describes Andrea F. about her experience at West Branch State Park Campground.
Reservation timing: Popular waterfront sites book quickly, especially in summer months. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly," advises Alisa G. about securing prime locations.
Varying bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality and availability differs between campgrounds and areas. "Only bad are no real bathrooms except at the front of the park. No place to wash dishes. Rough if you're tent camping," notes Courtney C. about one facility.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature well-maintained play areas for children. "Nice playground for kids. Dog park nearby. Camp is near beach & marina," reports Heidi B. about the family-friendly amenities at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground.
Nature activities: Look for parks with educational opportunities and exploration areas. "If your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters," recommends Joe F., highlighting child-friendly activities.
Weekend programs: Some parks offer scheduled events for families. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," shares Alisa G. about the regular programming available at West Branch.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Water fill stations and hookup locations vary in accessibility. "First the water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full," warns Andrea F. about a design limitation at Ashland Fairgrounds.
Site selection for larger rigs: Check site dimensions and terrain before booking. "It seems like the sites are good sized but some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level," advises Joe I. based on his camping experience at West Branch.
Alternative accommodation options: For those without full camping equipment, some locations offer cabins. "Ashland fairgrounds has $20 tent sites or $35 full hookups. You may need an extension cord. All back in sites," notes Charles K., describing the affordable options available at the fairgrounds.
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