2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Jefferson Lake State Park Campground offers horse-friendly camping with equestrian campsites located in a designated section separate from the family camping areas. The campground features a mix of regular and equestrian sites, with two electric sites specifically designed for campers with horses. Standard amenities include picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grates, pit toilets, and parking pads that accommodate horse trailers. Water access consists of non-threaded spigots that require manually holding containers for filling. The maintenance building provides a threaded spigot for easier water access. Sites tend to be well-maintained with flat, level pads suitable for camping setups.
The campground connects to 18 miles of multi-use trails through southeastern Ohio woodlands that accommodate horses, hikers, and other trail users. Trail conditions remain suitable for riding throughout much of the year, though seasonal weather can affect accessibility. Trail routes provide access to various park features including a small lake for fishing and a creek area. The campground layout separates equestrian sites from general camping to minimize disturbance between different user groups. Located near Richmond, Ohio, approximately 20 minutes from Bloomingdale, the park offers a quiet setting with minimal crowds. Most visitors note the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings as primary attractions. Advance reservations are recommended as the limited number of equestrian sites can fill quickly during peak seasons.
"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!"
"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
"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
"We go at least once a year for the Ohio Bigfoot Conference which draws people from all over the country."
"**Salt Fork State Park of Ohio is for individual, couples or group camping. Salt Fork lake is natural spring fed water supply that fills this lake."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $35 / night
"Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."
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 found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
TravelerThe site is full hook-up. 30/50 amp. This site is partial tree covered and at the end of the loop. Shower house very short walk across the road. Trash dumpster across the street. This is a short site 23 foot max for RV. Has a double pad with concrete Picknick table area. Best spot on C loop.
ScoutSimple site, gravel park pad, fire pit with swinging arm grill. Plenty of free firewood. Great place would stay again
TravelerMore trails to add to the collection.
GuideWhen you pull into Beaver Creek Family Campground you pretty much have two choices: either you go left into multiple Pine tree sites or right into two cabins and more RV friendly open sites. A few of the RV sites have electric, but no water for their tanks. I suggest the pine sites for any tent or hammock campers. I stayed in one of the first set of 3 pine sites numbered 43, 44, and 45. There is some brush and cover between these sites, but each has a pull in parking pad. If 45 was occupied with a RV, 44 would not be as nice as it was. Backing into 44 and 45 would be tricky as well. To be fair any larger RV that came in better know how to get through tight quarters.
The back area of each of those 3 sites looked best to get even ground for a tent. My buddy hung his hammock between the tree to the left of the picnic bench and to a tree back and left in the picture of site 44. Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe.
Probably the nicest pit toilets I have experienced and while we didn't use, it the sun shower building would give anyone privacy if they had packed a portable shower. Lots of trails to choose from and the pioneer village in the state park gives you many options to spend the day. Had some luck fishing at the Canoe/Kayak area in the South East area of the park close to the Group Camp Sites.
GuideDated, but pretty clean bath\shower building with clothes washer and dryer ($2). Sites in C-loop are far enough apart to not feel too crammed together. Power pedestal has 20, 30 and 50 amp service. 30 amp worked fine. Lots of trails, allowing dogs on leash. True, other amenities are a drive of at least a couple miles to get to. ATT service was fine for streaming using ROKU and my phone as a hotspot. Paved, level pads, but not long enough for largest trailers. Check size if you have one. Sites at South end of loop get the most shade
RangerPaved, free, self register, FF, pit toilet, cell service 3 bars. Only negative to some maybe gunfire at nearby range during day. Fernwood state forest.
TravelerAlways love going to salt fork. Bathrooms are always clean and I appreciate having wash racks for the horses. If i had a complaint it would be that the campground is always pretty busy
Jefferson Lake State Park Campground serves as one of the primary horse campgrounds near Bloomingdale, Ohio, situated in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio at elevations ranging from 900-1200 feet. The region features a mix of deciduous forest and open meadows with approximately 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating suitable trail conditions throughout much of the spring and fall seasons. The area's horse trails wind through terrain that includes both wooded paths and creek crossings.
Trail riding access: Fernwood State Forest's Hidden Hollow Campground connects to multiple forest paths with varying difficulty levels. "There are pit toilets and a water pump. The ranger comes by everyday to collect registration cards," notes Karen W., emphasizing the managed yet rustic nature of this free camping option.
Fishing opportunities: At Salt Fork State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy angling in the spring-fed lake. "Just driving in saw turkeys and 'turkets':) and two 6 point bucks. You can hike, swim, boat, bike and horseback ride," shares Shelly S., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities that complement fishing activities.
Historical exploration: Beaver Creek State Park features pioneer buildings that offer educational value. "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)," explains Shay D., detailing the historical component often overlooked by visitors.
Quiet atmosphere: Many equestrian campers appreciate the peacefulness at Hidden Hollow Campground. "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. Very quiet everytime I've camped there, many times btw," shares Joe W., providing insight into the campground's character.
Spacious campsites: Beaver Creek offers ample room for camping setups. "We camped this past weekend in site 50. It is an unbelievably spacious site under towering pine trees. The site sits back off the road and really makes you feel like you have the place to yourself," Matt H. notes about the park's layout that provides privacy.
Lake activities: The water features at Beaver Creek State Park Campground receive positive feedback. "The lake is pretty beautiful. The trails are well marked and the horse trails go on for miles and miles so if you have horses this is a great place to trail ride," comments Annie V., speaking to the dual appeal for both horse owners and water enthusiasts.
Limited amenities: Many equestrian campgrounds near Bloomingdale provide basic 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," reports Eddie from Jefferson Lake State Park, noting the specific limitations for electric hookups.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions significantly. "Bring containers to put natural pure water in for home or camping supply. Trails that lead along shore line to old stone house built in early days of Ohio. Caves to be explored that are easy to access," advises JH T. at Salt Fork State Park, mentioning the natural water sources available.
Wildlife awareness: The local ecosystem includes diverse animal life. "TICK WARNING!!!! After a morning hike down wooded Trail, we spent A LONG TIME pulling ticks from dogs...even though the temps were in the 30's overnight and everyone was treated with flea & tick protection," cautions Staci R., providing important safety information for trail users with pets.
Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational facilities when camping with children. "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," recommends Theresa Tittle R., highlighting family-friendly amenities.
Kid-friendly trails: Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday offers activities designed for younger visitors. "This is our favorite KOA! I have 4 kids and return at least 1x per year. Great family owned KOA. Horseback riding on site," shares Lisa D., pointing out the consistently available equestrian options for families.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Plan morning activities when animals are most active. "We chose this park because it was the closest one we could find that was still open with electric this time of year to downtown Pittsburgh. Also, because it had great cell/internet service on our hotspots and had a lot of trails," explains Bounding Around, noting the connectivity benefits for families who need to stay in touch.
Site selection strategy: Choose level spots that accommodate larger vehicles. "Perfect for our little Scamp trailer. Only 5 big electric sites, no showers or potable water. As a result it was so peaceful! We loved our rainy stay," advises Teri A. at Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, emphasizing the tradeoff between amenities and tranquility.
Water access planning: Bring sufficient water supplies or identify filling locations. "Self-register with cards located at pit latrine building. 14 days every 30. No problem getting 40' skoolie in and parked in mostly level spots. Camp fire rings and picnic tables at most sites. 🚱 hand pump available, grey water pits and trash cans available," reports Donald F., providing practical information about facilities for larger vehicles.
Road accessibility: Research approach routes before arrival with large rigs. "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. You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped," cautions Kimberly, noting the terrain challenges that affect site selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bloomingdale, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bloomingdale, OH is Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest with a 4.1-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bloomingdale, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Bloomingdale, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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