11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
West Branch State Park Campground includes a separate equestrian camping area with primitive sites for horse owners. The equestrian camp features tie-ups for horses and is located in the back section of the campground with dedicated camp hosts who assist visitors with horse-related questions. Tent camping is also permitted within the horse camping section, though this arrangement has created some challenges with non-equestrian campers occasionally leaving garbage at sites and lacking understanding about horse behavior and safety. Direct trail access from the camping area connects riders to the park's extensive bridle trail system. The campground offers both tent and RV camping with some electric sites available.
Located about 30 miles from Boardman, the park's equestrian area distinctly separates horse campers from the main campground. The trails provide scenic riding opportunities around West Branch Reservoir with multiple access points. Horse owners find the dedicated camp hosts helpful in educating non-equestrian campers about horse safety. Sites in the horse camp are more primitive than the main campground, which offers full hookups with electricity and water that horse campers cannot access. The campground maintains several miles of horse trails with connections to the broader trail network. Many riders note the well-maintained paths are particularly enjoyable during fall foliage season. Adequate space for horse trailer parking is available, though reservation requirements should be confirmed in advance as only 12 sites can be reserved with the remaining available on a first-come, first-served basis.
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $23 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit."
"In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking"
"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."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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
Check Availability"Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."
"The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."
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 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.
GuideMosquito 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.
GuideHad 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:
Cons:
FAQ:
GuideI'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!
TravelerVery neat and clean and organized
ScoutWhen 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.
GuideFirst 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.
ScoutWe 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.
West Branch State Park's equestrian area features 12 reservable sites located 30 miles from Boardman, Ohio. The park sits at an elevation of around 1,000 feet, covering over 5,000 acres of woodland terrain in northeast Ohio. The mixed hardwood forests create ideal riding conditions from spring through fall, with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season.
Trail riding access points: At West Branch State Park Campground, riders can explore multiple access points to the bridle trail system directly from the equestrian camping area. "There are many scenic hiking trails at West Branch. Bridal trails are located on Esworthy Rd," notes Alisa G.
Fishing opportunities: Lake access points allow for fishing directly from camping areas at multiple locations. "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," explains Katelyn P. about the waterfront sites.
Swimming and beach access: The park offers multiple swimming areas for cooling off after trail rides. "The camper beach was small but nice and clean. We also took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear," shares Andrea F.
Private, spacious sites: Beaver Creek State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots with ample room for horse trailers. "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," writes Matt H.
Clean facilities: The restrooms at several equestrian campgrounds near Boardman receive positive reviews despite their rustic nature. "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," notes Aaron B.
Evening activities: Weekend events provide entertainment after a day of riding. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," mentions Alisa G. about West Branch State Park's weekend gatherings.
Site conditions vary significantly: Many equestrian camping areas have uneven terrain that can make setup challenging. "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," reports Andrea F. at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground.
Reservation requirements: Prime horse camping sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly," advises Alisa G.
Water access limitations: Some equestrian areas have restricted water access. "They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank. Make sure you fill up before you go," warns Bounding Around about Beaver Creek.
Kid-friendly amenities: Jefferson Lake State Park Campground offers activities beyond horseback riding. "Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court. Small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek," recommends Theresa Tittle R.
Nature exploration opportunities: Many parks offer additional activities for children when not riding. "There are little hideaway trails everywhere, making for a fun adventure! The campgrounds were a bit crowded, but good grounds, tucked away from the noises of the busy world," shares Jill T.
Budget-friendly options: For families watching costs, Hidden Hollow Campground provides free camping near horse trails. "It is a very well maintenance campsite most have fire pits a lot of level ground for tent camping pull in parking spots for RVs and campers a bathroom on site and two different trails to hike fishing minutes away," explains Justin T.
Electric hookup locations: At most horse camping areas near Boardman, electric sites are limited and often separated from the equestrian section. "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," notes Eddie at Jefferson Lake State Park.
Water fill procedures: Water fill stations can be challenging at some locations. "First 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," advises Andrea F.
Site selection for level parking: For RVs at Canton-East Sparta KOA, site selection is critical. "Mostly gravel site..heavy construction where patio sites are. They're not open. Very nosy machinery during the day we are here. Stepped up hill gravel sites," reports Rick K., highlighting the importance of checking site specifications before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Boardman, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Boardman, 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 Boardman, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Boardman, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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