East Fork State Park Campground
A large campground spread out over multiple loops. Roads and campsites are paved. Our site #416 was spacious and secluded at the end of a dead end road. The bathhouse was a short hike away and in good condition.
15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse camping near Blue Creek ranges from primitive equestrian campsites to sites with electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables, giving riders flexible options depending on their needs. Equestrian Campground in Shawnee State Park offers primitive camping facilities for horse owners approximately 2 miles from the main campground. The site provides basic accommodations for those traveling with horses, though it lacks modern amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities. Fires are permitted at designated sites, and pets are allowed throughout the camping area. The campground trails are very challenging with numerous up and down hills, making this an ideal destination for experienced riders seeking more difficult terrain. Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground near Blue Creek offers additional options with electric hookups, drinking water, picnic tables, and both tent and RV sites.
Multiple bridle trails wind through Shawnee State Forest, connecting the equestrian campground to over 70 miles of riding opportunities. The forest terrain features significant elevation changes with scenic views of the Ohio River valley. Trail riders should prepare for rugged conditions, as the trails can become muddy after rainfall and require careful navigation in some sections. While most basic amenities are primitive, the location provides direct access to extensive trail networks. Cell phone reception is limited throughout the area, so riders should plan accordingly and bring adequate supplies. During Halloween weekends, the main campground hosts special events that may affect road access and parking availability for those hauling horse trailers.
"This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge."
"We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers. "
"This is your standard Ohio State Park campground. It has the usual parking, water, restrooms, camp store, and activities. East Fork is rather nice as it has the lake and long trails. "
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."
"Greenbo is a small state park tucked away in beautiful greenup co a very quit peaceful park. With a little known secret outside of the area world class bass fishing."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park Campground Review:
We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."
from $33 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."
"It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."
from $35 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."
"We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."
from $55 - $85 / night
Check Availability"The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."
"Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done."
from $45 - $62 / night
Check AvailabilityA large campground spread out over multiple loops. Roads and campsites are paved. Our site #416 was spacious and secluded at the end of a dead end road. The bathhouse was a short hike away and in good condition.
This is a large campground with everything you need. Nice, clean, family friendly campground. Has many private sites backed up to trees. Shower houses has always been clean.
Greenbo is a small state park tucked away in beautiful greenup co a very quit peaceful park. With a little known secret outside of the area world class bass fishing. Yelp that’s right you wouldn’t ever guess that by the size of the lake but it’s fact and the restaurant at the lodge. Is outstanding
One of our favorites! So many nice sites! Great for biking, hiking, kids playground. Decent shower rooms. Little fishing going in campground.
We love Twin Knobs! We have camped there numerous times - in the Sping, Summer, and Fall. Electric and non electric sites. The campground staff is always a pleasure to interact with, and so kind! Always clean. Most sites are within walking distance to the lake. My only suggestion is I wish they had some playgrounds for small kids.
trails are a complete mess, a lot were impassable and very dangerous not recommended for horses, some have not had any maintenance done in years, even the main trail out of camp a couple miles was impassable... very poor :(
Campground is beautiful. Restrooms were very clean.
Mix of hook up and primitive. VERY spacious sites with privacy and space between. Its right on Cave Run Lake too.
Only negative we saw was widowmaker limbs in trees directly above campsites.
Nice pool, most sites I could see have sewer. Water pressure was low. Very few shady sites on top level.
Quiet and peaceful campground in the former corn field of the owners grandfather. Clean bathhouse, kids play area and hammocks for relaxing. Staff will shuttle you and a kayak 3 miles up the Licking river for a relaxing, family friendly float. My site had electric and water with a dump station available for $40.
Equestrian campgrounds near Blue Creek, Ohio offer unique access to over 70 miles of trails through challenging terrain. The primary equestrian area sits approximately 2 miles from Shawnee State Park's main campground. Most sites are primitive with minimal amenities, requiring riders to pack necessary supplies. During wetter seasons, trails become particularly challenging with significant mud accumulation on steep sections.
Trail riding through varied terrain: The equestrian trails at Twin Knobs Recreation Area connect to diverse landscapes with significant elevation changes. "You camp on rock sites so it drains great if it rains. The sites are kinda secluded from one another by tree and bush lines," notes Kellie Dawn T., highlighting the practical camping surfaces that remain usable even after rainfall.
Explore lake activities: At Pike Lake State Park Campground, riders can alternate between trail days and water recreation. "There is a small lake with a beach. You can kayak, but it's really small," explains Shannon G., detailing the more compact water features available when taking a break from riding.
Cave exploration: Within driving distance, Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground provides underground adventures after trail riding. "The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see," Chris B. mentions, pointing to additional natural features beyond the namesake caves.
Privacy between sites: At Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius, horse owners appreciate the natural separation. "Most of the sites shaded and separated by trees. Love the privacy this provides," says Chris S., referencing the natural buffers that keep camping areas distinct.
Proximity to additional trail systems: Riders value how horse trails connect to larger networks. "Not much access to a good town for supplies so bring what you need," advises Jarrod M. about Shawnee State Park Campground, emphasizing the need for proper planning due to limited resupply options.
Off-grid experience: The lack of connectivity lets riders fully disconnect. "Shawnee State Park was totally without any phone signal. Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South," Shelly S. explains, highlighting both the location and connectivity limitations.
Cell service limitations: Prepare for minimal connectivity throughout the region. "There is absolutely no cell service in the Campground. The lodge at the top of the hill has a weak signal, but is better than nothing if you really need to check in with outside world," reports carrie S. about camping conditions.
Water availability challenges: Many equestrian sites lack drinking water access. "We ended up running out of water. I had to carry water from about 500 or 600 ft away. They also need more water hookups," Karen P. mentions about East Fork State Park Campground, illustrating common water access issues.
Limited site sizes: Horse trailers require specific considerations. "Looking around the campground I'd say that Site 8 is the best site for car camping or RV camping. There are 2 tent camping sites (111 and 112) that provide separation from other campers but you have to park and carry your gear back to the sites," Marc H. observes about campground logistics.
Pack for limited amenities: Families should bring supplies for primitive conditions. "We were told that the site we'd been assigned was room enough for 52'. Our RV is only 34' so that would be more than enough. We got there and it was maybe 20-24" in length, with no wiggle room because one end was the park road/driveway, the other end a hill," explains carrie S., highlighting measurement discrepancies that can affect setup.
Plan for limited bathroom facilities: Shower houses may be limited or distant from equestrian areas. "They have drop toilets in a few spots (very clean) and up front they had a great shower house. There were four in total that had the toilet and shower all in one," notes Shannon G. about facility distribution.
Check trail difficulty ratings: Not all trails suit young riders. "The trails are very challenging with numerous up and down hills," states the Equestrian Campground description, indicating the advanced nature of many riding paths.
Electric hookup limitations: Electric sites can be scarce and poorly positioned. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though," warns Ron & Bonnie D., describing practical connectivity challenges at some campgrounds.
Site selection importance: Choose level sites that accommodate larger rigs. "Not a bad little park for mountain biking, hiking, etc.," states Caleb S. about East Fork State Park, where paved sites provide more stable parking for larger vehicles.
Weather contingency planning: Heavy rain can significantly impact trail conditions and campsite usability. "It rained quite a bit and many of the sites got flooded. The ground here doesn't drain well," Bob M. cautions about drainage issues affecting equestrian camping sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Blue Creek, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Blue Creek, OH is Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Blue Creek, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Blue Creek, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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