3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
West Branch State Park Campground offers equestrian trails and a designated horse camping section located away from the main camping areas. Primitive campsites in the equestrian area accommodate both horse trailers and tents, though recent changes have allowed tent-only campers to also use these sites. The park features horseback riding trails within its 5,000-acre property that connect to approximately 20 miles of bridle paths shared with snowmobile use. Camp hosts in the equestrian area help educate visitors about horse safety and camping protocols. The horse camping area lacks full hookups, with most sites offering basic amenities suitable for horse trailers with minimal services.
Trail riders access the extensive bridle trail system directly from the equestrian camping area. Safety concerns have emerged as non-equestrian campers increasingly use the horse camping section, creating potential hazards with children running near horses that can spook easily. The trails wind through wooded terrain with connecting paths throughout the park. Unlike the main campground where electric hookups and water access are available, the horse camping area remains more rustic with limited facilities. The separation from the main camping loops provides quieter surroundings for horses but fewer amenities for their owners. Horse campers have noted that allowing regular tent campers in the equestrian section has changed the dynamic of what was previously a specialized area for those traveling with horses.
"The bathrooms are clean and include a laundry and sinks outside to wash your dishes. Campground hosts and staff are friendly and helpful. Sites are roomy and clean. Lots of variety."
"There is no WiFi and barely one bar of cell service; your best internet access is at the nice public library 7 miles away in Ravenna Sand beach is an easy walk from all camp sites and boat trailers can"
Available this weekend
from $29 - $55 / night
"Portals/parks/PDFs/parks/Maps/Beaver_Creek/beavercreekcampmap.pdf)
- 6 electric sites
- 44 non-electric sites
- Dump station
- No showers; no flush toilets
- Pets are permitted on all sites
Equestrian"
"I live near by to this state park and have spent much time exploring the entirety of it."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 - $50 / night
"This park is one of my favorites in Ohio at this time. Most of the sites are some what private. There are many trails and even a fog park next to the lake."
"They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park."
Available this weekend
from $23 - $80 / night
"Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."
"Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."
"This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $29 / night
"Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."
"The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit. The best part - it's free!"
"Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too."
"Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks. Four stars because it is not a vast wilderness adjacent experience."
from $10 - $20 / night
ScoutI struggled making a reservation online, you need an account and it wouldn’t let me make one but i was able to call in and reserve a spot same day. I’m traveling to the east coast and just needed a place to pitch a tent for the night. worked perfect.
ScoutThere’s no electricity and no where in walking distance and the internet isn’t great, and at night u hear raccoons in the trash cans. If you come here bring a portable phone charger. There’s really nothing here, and the bathrooms are disgusting
GuideWe were passing through on a weeknight in mid September. Many open sites. Sites are paved and many are sloped. Most are shaded. Our site #41 was fairly level with electricity. Close to huge bathhouse with flush toilets, showers and laundry. High above the lake with views through the trees. Appeared there were many long term campers but just as good for our short overnight stay. Online registration. $45 for electric only site.
GuideMosquito Lake gets a bad rap because of its name. We had such a great time launching our kayak from our campsite! I’ve attached a highlighted map marked with the sights on or very close to the water to launch a kayak. Additional kayak launch sites available around the park if you can’t get one of these. It’s great campground if you have kids or a dog. Plenty of great playgrounds and a dog park/dog beach. The camp host was very nice and welcoming. The wash house has laundry and showers. Everything was clean.
GuideHad a nice stay at the Camp Site A tent site, which they label as their ADA Accessible site.
Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too.
Pros:
Cons:
FAQ:
GuideI've heard there are campgrounds that discriminate against car camping, first time experiencing it. There are many sites where people have a LARGE camper, a car, and multiple tents spread out over a large area. We have 2 SUV's with tents that attach to the backs. We followed all the rules and are taking up about HALF of our site. We were told that is not allowed. When asked for reasoning and comparing to what we've seen around the park, we get no clear answer that makes sense. We are here with a group that rented about 20 sites. After spending 4 hours setting everything up, she says one may have to leave; she's waiting to hear from her boss. I will definitely never return here!
ScoutWhen we arrived, we checked in at the camp office. The ladies there were very kind. The roads through the campground are wide enough for two-way traffic and nicely paved.
This is a beautiful, heavily treed campground. Even on Memorial Day weekend with lots of people, the park was very peaceful. The sounds of birds permeate the air round the clock. Chipmunks run amok. They’re just so cute.
We booked site 56 for our 39’ fifth wheel. As soon as we pulled up, we knew there was no way we’d fit even though the reservation site said it would accommodate a 40’ rig. The camp hosts happened to be passing by as we were surveying the site. They were very helpful redirecting us to a nearby site that would be more suitable. FYI, sites 55 and 56 have deep culverts on either side. One wrong turn and you’re going to have a problem. The majority of sites along our road were just wide enough to keep the tires out of the dirt, but not wide enough for the stairs to land on asphalt. If you have a motorhome or other wide-bodied rig, like an Alliance Paradigm, I would recommend choosing one of the sites on the loop around the playground. Those are better suited for newer big rigs.
TIP…the line at the dump station is long on the holiday weekends. Plan accordingly.
GuideFirst time here. They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park. Wood is dry and cheap right outside the park entrance. Bass fishing is top notch on the lake. I would definitely come back here again and again.
ScoutWe live really close so we stay at mosquito for our first stay every year. This year we were disappointed. They had no staff there to check us in, the signs says closed Monday through Wednesday. Bathrooms were supposed to be open because we stayed April 16th, but only some of them were. (Even though online states April 1st they reopen). Some sites are more wet than others. We stayed at site 54 this time. The pad was very narrow and it was wet around it (it has been raining a lot). The person before us must have purchased a $12 bale of hay that they were selling up front because there was hay everywhere. Wish they would just put gravel down.
Otherwise, it's quiet. We love the nature play area for the kids. We love the playgrounds.
When they are open, the bathrooms are very clean. The shower house is dated but clean. Far walk from every site basically as they put it on the main road between both loops.
West Branch State Park offers horseback riding trails and a designated equestrian camping area as part of its 5,000-acre property near Alliance, Ohio. The park sits within the glaciated Allegheny Plateau at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, creating varied terrain for trail riders. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during peak camping season, with spring and fall providing cooler conditions for horse camping activities.
Trail riding access: At West Branch State Park Campground, riders can explore the extensive bridle trail system directly from the equestrian camping area. "There are many scenic hiking trails at West Branch. Bridal trails are located on Esworthy Rd," notes Tracy H., highlighting additional trail options beyond the main campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water access points provide excellent fishing opportunities within minutes of the equestrian areas. "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," shares Katelyn P. about waterside camping at West Branch.
Archery practice: Mosquito Lake State Park Campground offers additional recreational options for equestrian campers. "We like to bring our bows and use the archery range," explains Karen D., making this a versatile option for horse campers wanting varied activities.
Spacious sites: Equestrian campers appreciate generous camping areas that accommodate both horses and equipment. "The sites are huge. The dog park is amazing. Theres so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing. We love it," reports Courtney C. about her stays at Mosquito Lake.
Wooded surroundings: Hidden Hollow Campground provides a forested alternative to main equestrian campgrounds. "Very quiet, close to nature experience," Joe W. explains about this free camping option near Alliance, where sites include fire rings and picnic tables.
Varied terrain: The trails around Jefferson Lake State Park Campground offer diverse riding experiences. "Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court. Dump station and 18 miles of multi use trails!" writes Theresa Tittle R.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian camping areas near Alliance offer minimal services. "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites. Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord," warns Eddie about Jefferson Lake State Park.
Reservation requirements: Horse campsites fill quickly during peak season. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises Alisa G. about planning trips to Beaver Creek State Park Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Water levels affect trail conditions throughout the year. "We chose site 160. No electricity, no hook ups, but a HUGE lakefront site. We're in a self contained RV so it's not a problem for us. Beach is right next door too!" shares Rino S., highlighting how self-contained setups work best at many equestrian sites.
Playground access: Parks with dedicated children's areas provide entertainment between trail rides. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," mentions Alisa G., describing family-friendly activities at West Branch.
Water activities: Families can combine horseback riding with swimming during summer months. "I'm there every chance I get! I love going to the beach. Swimming area is alright, a little muddy in areas, but the beach is kept clean," explains Jill T. about West Branch's amenities.
Educational opportunities: Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday offers supervised riding for younger visitors. "Took the family there and loved it. It's clean and quiet. Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly," reports Bradley B.
Leveling challenges: Many equestrian sites have uneven terrain requiring preparation. "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," Andrea F. cautions about some sites at West Branch.
Water access limitations: RVers should plan for water restrictions at equestrian campgrounds. "They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank. Make sure you fill up before you go!" advises Bounding Around about Beaver Creek State Park facilities.
Site selection strategies: Research site topography before booking for horse trailers. "Most sites have a slight grade so be cautious when selecting. Many trees that provide separation between sites," notes Lee D. about navigating West Branch with larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alliance, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alliance, OH is West Branch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 69 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Alliance, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Alliance, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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