Equestrian camping options exist within 40 miles of Bellbrook, Ohio, though dedicated horse facilities are limited in the immediate area. The region features a mix of state parks and county-managed recreation areas with varying levels of horse trail access. Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds maintain natural surface trails that can become challenging after rainfall due to the area's clay-based soil composition.
What to do
Fishing at reservoirs: Cowan Lake State Park Campground offers productive fishing, especially in spring. "Great crappie fishing in early May just steep cliffs to get down to the water. There is a marina nearby where you can rent a John boat for pretty cheap too," notes Renée C.
Kayaking on no-motor lakes: Kiser Lake State Park Campground provides a peaceful paddling experience. "This park is know for the lake that is kayak and canoe friendly since it doesn't allow any kind of boat with a motor. It also features a beach, 2 playgrounds and several hiking trails," explains Andrea F.
Exploring limestone terrain: The Twin Valley Trail at Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) offers challenging terrain. "Germantown MetroPark provides visitors with well-kept trails over rolling hills through old forests, leading down to lush river valleys of the Twin Creek watershed system," reports Charles R.
What campers like
Spacious primitive sites: Buck Creek State Park offers secluded non-electric camping areas. "Over a late-August weekend, we found the non-electric loop to be pretty quiet and uncrowded. The grounds are level and grassy, with trees that provide partial shade," shares Amanda P.
Equestrian camping facilities: Horsemen's Camp at Whitewater Memorial State Park provides well-designed spaces for horses and riders. "I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out! Totally makes sense given that you have large horse trailers/campers and also horses at each site," explains Brady R.
Natural water features: The creeks and ponds found throughout the region's parks provide watering opportunities for horses. "The creek runoff is managed by the Germantown Dam, and the park is upstream, so the heavy rains we'd been having had left the valley and banks very sloppy and muddy," mentions Charles R. about Five Rivers Metroparks.
What you should know
Limited potable water access: Many backcountry sites require carrying in all water. "If there is one complaint, it would be that there is a dearth of potable water stations, so all water needs to be packed in from trailheads with water, the Welcome Center, or pumped from non-potable sources, filtered and/or treated," warns Charles R. about Germantown MetroPark.
Weather impacts on trails: Hueston Woods State Park Campground trails can become challenging after rainfall. "Streams were dried up at our visit. A cool restoration covered bridge was a short hop from the campground," notes Dave V.
Seasonal considerations: Fall visits require planning for walnut trees at some parks. "Don't get a site in the back under the walnut trees in the fall. They drop all day & night long," advises John L. about Kiser Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: East Fork State Park Campground offers multiple play areas. "Playgrounds are in several loops (I saw them in C and G). Rentals are available but most are only in season (ended September 30)," shares Lee D.
Educational trail features: Five Rivers Metroparks includes informative signage for young naturalists. "I loved the informational boxes and tags that they had on the trees or plants. This is helpful if you have little ones with you or if you are just like to learn about the animals/plants on the trail," explains Kenpocentaur K.
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Buck Creek provides safe riding areas for children. "My sons love camping here for the trails and large areas to ride their bikes," mentions Buck B.
Tips for RVers
Site selection strategy: Winton Woods Campground offers varied RV site options. "There are 123 campsites including RV sites, tent pads, and camping cabins. Most RV sites are back-in but there are 12 pull-thru sites. There is a myriad of sites here from 50-amp full hook-up with paved pads and patios to 30-amp gravel sites," explains Nancy W.
Level site availability: Cowan Lake sites require minimal setup. "A bit rough getting RV setup, but pad is fairly level, so easily setup to use slides. Site 60, 46 feet max length, ours 39," shares Johnothan R.
Connection quality: Cell service varies significantly between parks despite proximity to urban areas. "For a park so close to a large city (Cincinnati), I was surprised the cell service was so lacking (on Verizon). We eked out one and occasionally two bars of 4G," warns Lee D. about East Fork State Park.
