Equestrian camping near Alum Creek Lake offers alternatives for trail riders seeking overnight stays with their horses. The lake covers 3,387 acres within a region characterized by rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests at approximately 890 feet elevation. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and winter dropping to 20-40°F, affecting trail conditions and camping options.
What to do
Trail riding access points: At Delaware State Park Campground, located about 20 miles north of Alum Creek Lake, visitors can explore bridle trails during daylight hours. According to a reviewer, "All different kinds of campsites and the people at the camp office will be more than willing to help you out. They have sites that are all grass, sites with grass and woods and sites that are all woods" (Joshua E.).
Explore mountain biking options: Mohican State Park Campground maintains dedicated trails for cyclists seeking terrain challenges. As one visitor notes, "There is a nice mountain biking trail in the vicinity. There's a small beach within the campground, a bigger public beach a short drive away, hiking trails and campground events to enjoy" (Catherine).
Water activities: The Alum Creek State Park Campground offers water recreation beyond horseback riding opportunities. A camper reports, "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)" (Jenny C.).
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Many equestrian campers appreciate the room to spread out at Delaware State Park Campground. A visitor shares, "This is probably our favourite state park we have been to thus far. We went camping early October in tents. The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy. There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground" (Maddy B.).
Nearby paddling access: Horse campers often enjoy additional recreation options during their stay. A reviewer at Alum Creek notes, "Great state park campground. There are some full hook ups but mostly just electric. They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost. There is a campground beach and boat launch" (Jill B.).
Seasonal amenities: Visitors report varied facilities available throughout the year. At Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground, one camper observed, "We have been going to Pleasant Hill for weekend camping for the last 10 years. They have recently put a lot of money in upgrading their campground. There are many seasonal sites but plenty of transient as well. Very large park with plenty of room for hikes, bike rides and walks" (Michelle H.).
What you should know
Primitive camping alternatives: For equestrian campers seeking more rustic options, Malabar Farm State Park Campground provides basic facilities. A visitor explains, "Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground. There's also a small rentable cabin open year round" (Shelly S.).
Site reservations: During peak season, securing spots can be challenging. At Alum Creek, a camper warns, "The prices here are reasonable, however most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites (ie lakefront) are always taken" (Catherine).
Weather impacts: Trail conditions vary with rainfall. As one visitor to Alum Creek notes, "First Campground site I went to had a large mud puddle full of hornets. I asked to move site and was accommodated. It was right after a heavy rain storm and so maybe it was just a fluke" (Jan B.).
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mohican Wilderness provides family-friendly amenities. A reviewer shares, "This is a family friendly campground with lots to do. They offer on river and off river sites. Open grassy or wooded sites. The sites are spacious and with the option to park your trailer where you want (grass sites). They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more" (Shannon P.).
Educational opportunities: Families interested in agriculture or conservation alongside their horse activities can explore unique learning experiences. A visitor to Malabar Farm notes, "This place is amazing! (and would be an excellent home schoolers camping trip!) Not your typical going hiking kinda campground (there are trails but they are not "major") you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm" (Shelly S.).
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events for children. At Delaware State Park, a camper reports, "This summer my family has went to many campgrounds and by far Delaware has been our favorite. The site we were on was set back in the woods. My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site" (Ashley R.).
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For horse trailers with living quarters, Buck Creek State Park Campground offers varied site options. A camper notes, "One of my favorites in this area, great rv spots and even better tent/non electric spots... easy walk to fish or to campers beach... my sons love camping here for the trails and large areas to ride their bikes" (Buck B.).
Site selection considerations: When traveling with horses and RVs, level sites become important. At Pleasant Hill Lake Park, a visitor advises, "We stayed 2 nights on site 304 which was electric only by choice and when we return we will opt for full hook up since those sites look brand new. Lots are spacious. Lots of activities: WhoaZone, boating, fishing, horseback riding" (Korinne K.).
Seasonal planning: Off-season camping offers different experiences. A visitor to Delaware State Park explains, "This is another of our favorite Ohio State Parks. The campground is setup in a nice layout with each of the separate sections having a spoke and wheel layout with a bathhouse in the middle. Sites are roomy and we like the wooded feel" (Marshall P.).
