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Van Buren State Park Campground features a dedicated horse camp with newly installed pens for horses, providing an alternative to traditional tie-ups. The park offers electric hookups at most sites with recently paved camping pads. Located approximately 20 minutes from Bluffton, this equestrian-friendly campground includes two camping loops with flat, shaded sites. While the campground lacks shower facilities, it maintains clean pit toilets and centralized well water. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins with a playground nearby for families. Horse owners should note that the sanitary dump station is located in a separate section of the park. Horse camping near Bluffton, Ohio is regularly updated on The Dyrt, with current reviews and photos to help equestrians plan their stay.
Multiple trail networks throughout the park provide ample riding opportunities for equestrians. The campground remains quiet and well-maintained with a friendly camp host available to assist visitors. Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone, with no walk-ins accepted. Firewood and ice are available for purchase at the check-in cabin, though there is no full store on premises. The park offers several hiking trails that intersect with the horse trails, and visitors report that staff work diligently to keep facilities clean and functional. For non-riding activities, the park includes a dog park and small wildflower garden, making it suitable for multiple-day stays.
"Since Van Buren State park is an easy 20 minutes away from home for me, i visit there often. it is clean and quiet, they dont get too busy and loud."
"It’s a small campground with one side as equestrian and the other side not. All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. There were only drop toilets and no showers."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"I may be biased, with it being close to home, but they have a lot for the kids to do. Beach, volleyball net, playground. Plenty of water locations. For me the bathrooms are unusable."
"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."
from $25 - $55 / night
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ScoutSince Van Buren State park is an easy 20 minutes away from home for me, i visit there often. it is clean and quiet, they dont get too busy and loud. the horse camp is nice with some new pens to keep your horse instead of them having to be tied up. They keep the restrooms clean, but no flush toilets, which dont bother me. My only complaint about Van Buren State park is that there are no shower facilities.
LegendWe stayed one night on our way to IN. We’ve never been here before and wanted to check it off our list. It’s a small campground with one side as equestrian and the other side not. All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. There were only drop toilets and no showers. They were clean but I don’t think I’d want to do more than a weekend there. It had a nice playground for kids and plenty of trails to hike or go horseback riding. They also had a dog park and small wildflower garden. The check in cabin had ice and wood for sale but no store. Our site was really nice. The pads were recently paved and had a huge bumper at the end. The fire ring was nice and the site had plenty of space for tents.
TravelerWe stayed during the week for one night. Campground was clean and quiet, had electric hookups at most sites. Host was very friendly. They also have a camp area for horses. Only criticism is you have to drive to another area of the park for an RV dump.
TravelerCampground is small but well maintained. Hiking is great. Probably better for people with horses. Electric did not work at all sites. Pit toilets did not seem sufficient for all camp sites.
RangerVan Buren State Park is very easy to access from I-75. It has tons of trails and a pond. There are a few places to car camp or RV camp nearby. I love getting out of town and visiting Van Buren State Park, and I have lots of good memories. It gets 4 stars because I now live in Montana and Montana camping outshines Ohio, but I can't bash on Van Buren State Park at all.
GuideThis park has a beautiful lake and nice (although short) hiking trails. The problem is that there is no running water- no showers and smelly pit toilets. There is one spigot for drinking water.
Beware that the campsites are mostly in one big grassy field with no shade. I'd pick a site along the perimeter or along the lake.
This park is overrun with feral cats (or it was when I was there). Some people might think that is cute. I consider feral cats to be wild animals that carry disease. What's really bad about them is that they've been fed so they are comfortable around people. We spent the whole weekend trying to fend them off- every time our backs were turned, they jumped up on our picnic table. They ate our food, which we had to throw away. When we sat by the fire, they rubbed up against our legs, which is disgusting, considering they carry Bartonella, which is transmitted through their fleas and ticks (Bartonella is a co-infection of Lyme, or you can get it on its own. I know- I've had it since middle school. Feral cats probably carry Lyme too, as they are mammals). I can't express how stressful it was, trying to keep these wild cats away from us the entire weekend. I don't know why the park can't get them under control.
Sure, cat people will be offended by my statement, but would you want raccoons or skunks up on your table, eating out of your pots and pans? Would you want raccoons rubbing up against you while you are trying to relax? These cats are also wild animals, yet way too tame for comfort. Ugh,I shudder remembering it.
ScoutIt’s my favorite campground so far. I may be biased, with it being close to home, but they have a lot for the kids to do. Beach, volleyball net, playground. Plenty of water locations. For me the bathrooms are unusable. Often a lot of bees swarming the bathrooms on top of the smell. I like that they have activities throughout the day for kids on the weekends. Also have a nice camp store/marina with canoe and kayak rentals at a reasonable price.
TravelerVery nice, clean, people and staff very friendly. You must reserve a spot by phone or online only, no walk ins. I made my reservation while standing at the visitor cabin
TravelerTried it for the first time. It was quiet and relaxing. The camp host was nice and friendly. Kids loved having the playground so close to the camper. Will be back soon.
Van Buren State Park Campground offers specialized facilities for equestrian camping near Bluffton, Ohio. Located on Township Road 218 in Van Buren, the park sits approximately 20 miles from Bluffton in northwestern Ohio's gentle terrain. Winter visitors can access cross-country skiing trails when conditions permit, while summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with moderate humidity.
Winter recreation options: During colder months, Van Buren State Park provides alternative outdoor activities. "I came cross country skiing here in early January and it was absolutely amazing. It is cold but the terrain is simple for first time skiers," notes Kevin T. about Van Buren State Park Campground.
Non-motorized water activities: At Kiser Lake State Park, visitors enjoy a peaceful lake experience. "This park is known 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. about Kiser Lake State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes near Bluffton provide productive fishing spots for anglers. "A hidden gem, super quiet, low traffic and decent fishing," reports Buck B. about his experience at Kiser Lake. The calm waters create favorable conditions for both novice and experienced fishers.
Lake views: Campsites with water views rank highly among visitor preferences. "We camped on lot 57 and the view of the lake was awesome! The new bathhouse is open year round," shares Brad H. about his stay at Kiser Lake State Park.
Playground access: Families appreciate campgrounds with built-in recreation options for children. "Kids loved having the playground so close to the camper," mentions Scott F. about his experience at Van Buren State Park Campground. This convenience allows parents to supervise while maintaining their campsite.
Fall camping atmosphere: Autumn creates distinctive camping conditions in the Bluffton area. "It was absolutely stunning overlooking the water with the trees turning colors. I went the first weekend in October so they had a lot of families there because they had all sorts of Halloween activities going on," describes Alexandra F. about her first camping experience at Kiser Lake.
Site selection considerations: Tent campers should research their sites carefully before booking. "Some of the sites are small so you have to be careful which you site you reserve if you're a tent camper. The outside of the circle is your best bet and there's a few scattered in the middle," advises Brendan V. about equestrian camping options near Bluffton at Kiser Lake State Park Campground.
Seasonal hazards: Fall camping presents specific natural challenges. "Don't get a site in the back under the walnut trees in the fall. They drop all day & night long," warns John L. about his Kiser Lake experience.
Bathroom facilities: Campgrounds in the region often have limited bathroom amenities. "No running water for bathrooms if that's important for you," notes Brendan V. about Van Buren State Park. Campers should prepare accordingly with personal hygiene supplies.
Weekend activity planning: Parks frequently offer organized events for younger campers. "They do things with kids on many weekends. You can also rent canoes or paddle boats," explains Aaliya B. about Kiser Lake State Park Campground. Checking event calendars before arrival helps maximize entertainment options.
Site selection for playground access: Strategic campsite selection enhances family convenience. "If you can get a good middle spot it's nice if you have kids since there's a playground, swings, basketball, and tether court," recommends Brendan V. about Van Buren State Park.
Activity variety: Multiple recreation options help keep children engaged throughout longer stays. "Beach, volleyball net, playground. Plenty of water locations... I like that they have activities throughout the day for kids on the weekends," shares Andrew L. about the family-friendly amenities at Kiser Lake.
RV site amenities: Electric hookups are standard at most area campgrounds, though full-service options are limited. "The campground has no full hookups but does have electric. RV sites have a view of the lake. Sites are clean and paved," reports Aaliya B. about Kiser Lake facilities.
Dump station location: RV campers should note that sanitation facilities may require additional travel within parks. "Our plans were changed so we lost our reservation. However they let us stay for free at the back of the campground. No power or anything. But it was nice of them to help us out," shares Monica S. about her experience at Van Buren State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bluffton, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bluffton, OH is Van Buren State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
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