Best Equestrian Camping near Albany, OH
Zaleski State Forest offers primitive camping options for horseback riders in southeastern Ohio, located approximately 20 miles from Albany. The forest's designated horse camp provides basic amenities including vault toilets, drinking water access, and fire rings at established sites. No horse corrals are provided, so campers must bring portable corrals or use highlines for their horses. The trails are well-maintained with adequate room for horse trailers in the parking areas. Many visitors note the challenging terrain makes for excellent riding experiences, with numerous hills and stream crossings throughout the extensive trail system.
Trail connectivity is a primary advantage when camping with horses at Zaleski, as riders can access over 26 miles of bridle trails directly from the campsites without trailering. The trail system traverses diverse landscapes including ridge tops, valleys, and wooded areas with numerous stream crossings. Horses must be tied to trailers or secured on highlines when not being ridden, as there are no permanent stalls or pens available. Primitive conditions mean riders should pack in their own horse water buckets, feed, and manure management supplies. The backpacking loop trails connect with the bridle trails at certain points, allowing for varied exploration options, though trail markings can be misleading regarding mileage and difficulty.
