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Best Equestrian Camping near Athens, OH

262 Reviews

Zaleski State Forest offers primitive horse-friendly camping near Athens, Ohio. The camping area is free to use with no reservation required but provides minimal amenities for equestrian visitors. Basic facilities include vault toilets and drinking water access, but no electric hookups, showers, or sewer connections are available. The sites accommodate tent camping with space for horses and trailers, though no dedicated horse corrals are provided. Trails throughout the forest remain muddy in places during wet weather, requiring proper preparation for both rider and mount.

The extensive trail system connects riders to multiple loops designed for day trips or longer rides through scenic woodland terrain. Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground provides an alternative with 44 designated sites offering more amenities for equestrians, including water hookups, electric service, and showers. Located approximately 35 miles from Athens, the campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each site with trailer parking available. Most equestrian trails in the region follow natural terrain with occasional steep sections requiring experienced riders and sure-footed horses. Clean pit toilets are maintained at trailheads, but riders should pack sufficient water for longer trail excursions, especially during summer months when water sources may be limited.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Athens, Ohio (17)

    1. Lake Hope State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5253

    "Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but..."

    "At lake hope you can enjoy camping in many ways rather if it’s by tent (the way I prefer) or by camper. It’s a very nice place to have some family fun. Very nice beach and swimming area."

    2. Burr Oak State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 767-3683

    "Wayne National Forest shares the area with Burr Oak State Park near Glouster, Oh. Wayne National Forest is split into three areas in southeastern Ohio."

    "The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away."

    3. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    26 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / night

    "Beautiful trails with waterfalls, hills and lookouts. Full site hook ups, shelters or no electric tent sites.We were there for the Athen’s Marathon. Trails were close by."

    "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

    4. Strouds Run State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Athens, OH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 592-2302

    "The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake."

    "Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park."

    5. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."

    "Much of Ohio is flat corn land, so Zaleski is a special place in Ohio. The trail swings close to some homes, which is less remote than out west where I live now, but overall it's nice."

    6. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Nelsonville, OH
    16 miles

    "The second night we only had one tent near us. There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well."

    "OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season. Nice place."

    7. Old Stone Church Campground

    2 Reviews
    New Lexington, OH
    22 miles
    Website

    "Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."

    8. Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground

    5 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 416-1066

    $40 - $70 / night

    "The old horse stalls have been torn down and 28 new covered stalls have been built! They are amazing and plenty if room for larger horses. "

    "Stacked Stones has a very nice location and the camp hosts/owners are wonderful. They truly make you feel like family."

    9. Dillon State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nashport, OH
    47 miles
    Website

    "I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."

    "I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."

    10. Pine Creek Cabins & Camping Resort

    2 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 478-2520

    $15 - $999 / night

    "This cabin also comes with two horse stalls. Bridle trail access right from campground."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Athens, OH

4 Photos of 17 Athens Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Athens, OH

262 Reviews of 17 Athens Campgrounds

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Strouds Run State Park Campground

    Best Camping Near Athens

    The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake. Strouds also has a beach with a volley-ball net! All walking and biking distance from most of the cabins.

  • Heidi S.
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    A must go stop when camping in the Midwest

    A required destination for anyone in the mid west region. Beautiful trails with waterfalls, hills and lookouts. Full site hook ups, shelters or no electric tent sites.We were there for the Athen’s Marathon. Trails were close by. Sites were spacious and shady.

  • Dare To Everywhere .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Kinderhook Trailhead

    Unique "Dispersed" Camping

    Stayed: 9/6/2020 - FREE

    Site: Left fire pit facing toilet

    This campground is the equestrian Kinderhook Trailhead within Wayne National Forest.

    I didn't know what to expect for a dispersed campground at a trailhead. We pulled in and there was one couple setup at a designated site (picnic table and fire pit). As we drove around the trailhead, we found a second designated site. The forest website says dispersed camping is allowed and fires are allowed with a 10 foot clearance and a ring of rocks. So when we pulled up and saw picnic tables and fire pits provided, I was a little confused. I'd assume you'd also be allowed to create your own site, if the two designated sites are taken. There's not a ton of room, but I'd say another 5 sites could setup and be somewhat spread out. It is an open area, so there wouldn't be physical privacy, although the tall trees provide shade.

    With it being an equestrian trail, there were a lot of horses and trailers throughout the day. Before sunset, everyone cleared out and only campers remained.

    One vault toilet and perfect AT&T and Sprint cell service.

    #DareToEverywhere

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2017

    Blue Rock State Park Campground

    It's moss I think....

    Blue Rock State Park is outside Zanesville, Oh off I70. Rt 60 takes you South and then you have a choice of routes in. Good Ohio farmland scenery.

    Out of the way, small camping area with basic sites. A cool feature is a few of the sites have pavilion type covered patios that you can pitch your tent in to help stay dry during inclimate weather.

    Otherwise the sites are close together. Though there are a few sites that are more off to themselves, they are still wide open with sparse tree cover.

    The restroom is basic, the showerhouse is located at the reservoir beach as well as the camp store and boat rental.The staff was very knowledgeable about the area and conversational.

    Several trails are in the area, the Horse Camp is up the road. In addition to this area there is the Blue Rock State Forest that offers several out door activities, check out their map and site online.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 28, 2016

    Lake Hope State Park Campground

    Variety, solitude and immersed in history!

    Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but...

    Each time I have stayed at Lake Hope State Park, I have marveled at why there are only a few stray campers in a state park of 190 sites. Granted...I am usually camping during the week...but its a ghost town. Which is fine by me...solitude...peace and quiet.

    The main reason is pit latrines...well, that's my guess, anyways. LHSP still has hot showers. I guess because it doesn't have a pool, it doesn't have the crowds. Shoot! I'd stay home if I wanted a pool. Whatever the reason, you rarely, if ever, will have to contend with neighbors.

    Trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn. The terrain is undulating but very doable. The campsites are pretty open, so if you did have neighbors...you'd know it. We'd usually snatch up site 98 or 99...or both. No one would usually go that deep into the park. It was private...pit latrine nearby...flat and airy. Foot trails were nearby and the bike trail wasn't too far away.

    If you brought your boats...Lake Hope is a nice flatwater paddle. Get there early and watch the water lilies open. Hope furnace is just outside the campground and next to the first "put-in" for the lake. As history buffs will know that Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day. There is also a swimming beach on the opposite end of Lake Hope...if you just have to get wet.

    The haunted Moonville Tunnel is nearby and worth the short drive and hike. Unfortunately, it is becoming defaced by disrespectful taggers...still cool nonetheless.

    You are plopped down smack dab in the Zaleski State Forest...so pick a trail, any trail.

    A short drive away are amazing trails and formations...Old Man's Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle’s Hollow, Rockhouse and Ash Cave. Each one a must see! Give youself time to hike the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of southern Ohio. Not only will you be glad you did...you will want to return year and year!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Most Scenic camping area in Ohio

    This is one of the best state parks and in my opinion the most scenic. There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff. We have camped here in tents many times over the years. The state park campground is above par compared to others in the Ohio system. The naturalists are great and run many programs even in the off seasons. Fall is the best season, the foliage is awesome. Popular with Boy and Girl Scout groups. Campground has an outdoor pool.

  • A
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Kinderhook Trailhead

    Trailhead camping

    This is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet,a few trash cans,a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers. There are some trails you can walk or ride on. The locals were all very friendly. You can stay for 14 days and it's free.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2017

    Zaleski State Forest

    Work for it

    Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty.

    Primitive camping, check in before going and bring your good hiking boots. You will get a work out. There is water to enjoy also and a historical drive if you enjoy learning about the stuff our ancestors did for "fun" :)

Guide to Athens

Ohio offers a variety of horse camping experiences, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses. From well-equipped campgrounds to scenic trails, there's something for everyone.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for horse lovers

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Athens, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Athens, OH is Lake Hope State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 35 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Athens, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Athens, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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