Horsemen's Camp at Whitewater Memorial State Park near Okeana, Ohio offers equestrian camping facilities with well-spaced sites designed to accommodate campers with horse trailers. Located 22 miles northwest of Okeana in Liberty, Indiana, the campground connects directly to the park's bridle trail system. The campsites are situated far enough apart to provide privacy and adequate room for horse trailers and camping equipment. Vault toilets are available within the horse camping area, while shower facilities require a short drive to the main campground areas.
What to do
Hiking at Twin Valley Trail: The Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) offers extensive trail systems for hikers of various skill levels. "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," notes Karen K.
Boating opportunities: East Fork State Park Campground features a large lake with multiple access points. "The State Park is on one side of the Lake and the Campground is on the other. There is no public road between the two," explains Karen J. The park includes separate beach and marina facilities for day visitors and overnight campers.
Mountain biking trails: Several parks in the region offer dedicated mountain biking paths for riders of different ability levels. "Not a bad little park for mountain biking, hiking, etc.," says Caleb S. about East Fork State Park, making it suitable for beginners looking to practice their skills before attempting more difficult terrain.
What campers like
Large, well-spaced sites: Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground receives praise for its spacious campsites. "I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out!" shares Brady R. about the Horse Campground area.
Clean facilities: Versailles State Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. "Clean bathrooms with push button showers," mentions Kristene B., while another reviewer notes, "Very nice campground and park. Well set up. Easy to get around. Clean restrooms and showers."
Family-friendly atmosphere: The campgrounds near Okeana typically offer amenities that appeal to families with children. "This is a great southern Indiana State Park with easy access from US 50. Plenty of sites to accommodate larger rigs with paved pads, picnic tables, fire rings, 30 amp, dump station and very clean restroom & shower facilities," states Stephen & Theresa B. about Versailles State Park.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions at campgrounds near Okeana. "Watch out for the raccoons they are pretty aggressive and were all over our campsite. Clearly they are used to getting handouts, so keep your foodstuffs in you vehicle or well secured," warns John F. about Whitewater Memorial State Park.
Water access considerations: Many campsites near lakes have varied access to water. At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, "the main lake is nice you can rent kayaks canoes. Or use your own boat. The boat ramp is nice the other end of the lake at the flat wood rv section. Is t really a lake it's a back water shallow mud hole depending on the time of year," explains Jeffrey D.
Seasonal trail conditions: Trail conditions can vary significantly by season. "A very well stocked camping store with friendly staff. New pit toilets were very clean and potable water station are located throughout campgrounds. Watch out for the raccoons they are pretty aggressive and were all over our campsite," notes John F., highlighting the importance of checking conditions before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween festivities: Hueston Woods State Park Campground offers special Halloween activities during October weekends. "Unknowingly, it appeared every weekend in October has a big Halloween emphasis, so the upper campground was sold out," explains Dave V., indicating the popularity of these seasonal events.
Swimming options: Many parks feature swimming areas that are popular with families. "The beach is a short distance away and love that they also include a dog swimming area," mentions Maddy B. about Hueston Woods State Park, which offers both human and pet swimming zones.
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with playground equipment for children. "From walk in camping to painball 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," notes Daniele M., highlighting the multiple recreational options available.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: When camping at Cowan Lake State Park Campground, careful site selection is important. "Our campsite did not have any trees but they have planted a lot of new trees. I assume this due the previous trees having to be cut down due to Emerald Ash borer damage. Our campsite didn't have any shade but others did so you really have to pick wisely," advises Kenpocentaur K.
RV size limitations: Not all equestrian campgrounds near Okeana accommodate large RVs. "The camp sites are pretty close together, with most of the campground completely exposed with no shade. It was like trying to relax on a huge parking lot jammed with RVs and people," shares Megan M. about one local campground, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate sites for larger vehicles.
Utility placements: Pay attention to utility hookup locations when selecting sites. Many RVers note that some parks have utilities positioned in ways that may require extensions or creative parking. "Sites are pretty close together and small, but standard for a county Park. The electric sites are nice. Reasonable amount of shade in most," explains Mike H. about Winton Woods Campground.
