Equestrian Camping near Bedford, OH

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    West Branch State Park Campground maintains a dedicated horse camping area with separate facilities from the main campground. The campground features multiple trails accessible to horse riders, including several miles of bridle paths that connect to surrounding areas. Tent campers have recently been permitted in the horse camping section, which some equestrians find concerning due to safety considerations with horses that may spook around unfamiliar people. The horse camping area has traditionally been reserved exclusively for those camping with horses, providing necessary space and appropriate facilities. Primitive camping options are available in this specialized section, which is located in a quieter back portion of the park.

    The equestrian camping area at West Branch State Park is situated away from the main campground for both safety and convenience. Trails accessible from the horse camp connect riders to various parts of the 2,650-acre park and its surrounding natural areas. Horse owners must bring their own containment systems as permanent corrals are not provided. The park requires horses to be properly secured at all times when not being ridden. Campers report that the park staff and camp hosts work to educate non-equestrian campers about appropriate behavior around horses, though the increasing number of tent campers in the horse camping area has created some challenges. The campground is maintained year-round, allowing for equestrian camping in multiple seasons depending on weather conditions and trail status.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Bedford (5)

      1. West Branch State Park Campground

      4.6(68)28mi from Bedford196 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      from $30 - $52 / night

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      2. Headwaters Park

      4.0(3)24mi from BedfordTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      3. Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

      4.0(28)40mi from Bedford224 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $27 - $80 / night

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      4. Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch

      5.0(3)49mi from BedfordRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."

      5. Canton-East Sparta KOA

      3.3(4)49mi from BedfordRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bedford, OH

    105 Reviews of 5 Bedford Campgrounds

    • nThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 23, 2026

      West Branch State Park Campground

      Great overnight close to Ohio Turnpike

      We 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.

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 3, 2026

      Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

      Relaxing and peaceful

      Mosquito 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.

    • Zachary A.
      Jul. 21, 2026

      Headwaters Park

      Campsite A

      Had 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:

      • Tent site was generally good with a picnic table and fire pit on-site
      • Pull in parking right next to the campsite (which seems to be true for all tents and leantos)
      • Great walkable area with lots to explore with the kids
      • A few nice things just a 10min drive away like the Eagle Park splash park and playground and the cute Burton town square.
      • Tons of birds for all my bird watchers
      • Right at the entrance to the tent site area and right next to the restrooms
      • Sometimes people bring horses down there for a walk
      • Can't see other campers tent from your site (which i like because Im out here to get away from people)

      Cons:

      • Being right next the restrooms and tent area entrance is a higher traffic area. Didn't bother us much but could get annoying if woken up by a late night driver or door slam
      • The stump on the tent site has a snake in it. Didn't bother us at all, only saw it once as it was slithering away, but thought other might like to know.
      • Toilet was out of hand sanitizer

      FAQ:

      • No electic
      • No plumbing or showers (it is basically an outhouse)
    • Susan A.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 29, 2026

      Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

      Discriminate against car camping

      I'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!

    • Bev The Dyrt Pro User
      May. 27, 2026

      Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

      Beautiful campground, choose your site wisely

      When 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.

    • Charles S.The Dyrt Pro User
      May. 7, 2026

      Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

      What a great place to camp!

      First 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.

    • Heather T.
      Apr. 18, 2026

      Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

      Our "trial run" place

      We 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.

    • J
      Nov. 9, 2024

      West Branch State Park Campground

      Great park

      First time at this park I can see why it's always booked up. It seems like the sites are good sized but some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level. Bathrooms were clean separate showers verizon works well here.

    • Kevin C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Feb. 12, 2024

      Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

      Lots to do for the whole family

      My wife and I stayed here in late September so it wasn't overly crowded. The camp sites were fairly spacious and level. There seemed to be water fill stations scattered around the campground for convenience. I was actually able to fill me fresh water tank from one near by. The campground is fairly large and we rode our bikes around quite a bit, including our to the campground store at the entrance. There were numerous playgrounds and activities for kids. They have full hookup sections, but most of the campground is electric only. All in all the best review I can give is to say that we would go back.

    Guide to Bedford

    West Branch State Park provides specialized equestrian camping facilities near Bedford, Ohio, approximately 30 miles from the city. The dedicated horse camping area features spacious sites designed for trailers and necessary horse containment. The equestrian campground connects to multiple bridle paths within the 2,650-acre park, allowing riders direct trail access from their campsites. Most trails remain open seasonally from April through October, weather permitting.

    What to do

    Kayaking and boating: West Branch State Park offers multiple water access points for paddlers. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. There are many inlets to explore or fish," notes Alisa G. from West Branch State Park Campground. The large reservoir provides calm waters suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers.

    Trail riding: Mosquito Lake State Park maintains separate bridle paths away from hiking trails. "There are many trails and even a dog park next to the lake," explains Jim L. from Mosquito Lake State Park Campground. Riders must stay on designated bridle paths and carry proof of negative Coggins test.

    Archery practice: Several parks in the region offer designated archery ranges. "We like to bring our bows and use the archery range," shares Karen D. about Mosquito Lake. Ranges typically require participants bring their own equipment and follow posted safety regulations.

    What campers like

    Lake access sites: Several campgrounds offer direct water access from specific sites. "We're at site 160. No electricity, no hook ups, but a HUGE lakefront site. Beach is right next door too!" reports Rino S. from West Branch State Park Campground.

    Clean facilities: Restroom and shower buildings receive regular maintenance. "The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean. There is even a book exchange shelf at the shower house in case of rainy days," mentions Alisa G. about West Branch State Park.

    Horse-friendly amenities: Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday offers on-site riding opportunities. "Horseback riding on site," confirms Lisa D. from Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch. Riders should call ahead to verify availability and any special requirements.

    What you should know

    Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. "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," explains Andrea F. about West Branch State Park.

    Limited facilities at equestrian sites: Most horse camping areas offer basic amenities only. "No place to wash dishes. Rough if you're tent camping," notes Courtney C. about Mosquito Lake State Park Campground.

    Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises Alisa G. Most equestrian sites require advance booking during peak season.

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly activities: Several parks offer structured activities for children. "The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers," shares Alisa G. about West Branch State Park. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend."

    Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for different age groups. "If your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters," explains Joe F. from Canton/East Sparta KOA.

    Educational opportunities: Nature programs run seasonally at most state parks. "There are little hideaway trails everywhere, making for a fun adventure!" notes Jill T. about West Branch State Park. Check with park offices for current program schedules.

    Tips from RVers

    Water fill challenges: Some parks have infrastructure limitations. "The water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full. This was okay for a short weekend but not good planning from who ever designed the park," cautions Andrea F.

    Site selection for rigs: RVers should carefully research sites before booking. "It seems like the sites are good sized but some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level," advises Joe I. about West Branch State Park Campground.

    Seasonal considerations: Water systems may shut down during winter months. Many campgrounds maintain limited sites with electricity year-round, but water access points close when temperatures drop below freezing. Call ahead to verify winter services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bedford, OH is West Branch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 68 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Bedford, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.