Best Equestrian Camping near Melbourne, KY

A.J. Jolly Park & Campground offers quality stall accommodations for equestrian campers approximately 30 minutes from Melbourne, Kentucky. The stalls include bedding and receive consistently positive reviews for their cleanliness and accessibility. Campers with horse trailers have access to spacious sites in the equestrian area, though some reviews note the RV sites are situated a few hundred feet from the stables. Trailer parking accommodates units up to 30 feet long, with site 5 offering adequate space despite being positioned about 6 feet off the access road. The equestrian camp host provides exceptional assistance to visitors traveling with horses, making overnight stays convenient for those passing through the region or planning longer visits.

Riders access multiple trails directly from the campground, with both short and longer routes available for daily excursions. The park maintains several miles of bridle paths that wind through wooded areas and near the 175-acre lake. Horse owners must bring their own feed and water buckets, though water sources are available throughout the camping area. While the park doesn't feature dedicated horse corrals outside the stall area, the stall accommodations eliminate the need for portable corrals or highlines. The campground's proximity to Cincinnati makes it ideal for weekend equestrian getaways, and its year-round operation allows for winter trail riding opportunities when weather permits. Campers traveling with horses should make reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer and fall riding seasons.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Melbourne, Kentucky (8)

    1. East Fork State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 734-2730

    $29 - $30 / night

    "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. "

    "Great Park, several access points to the unlimited HP lake.  Recently lucky enough to watch scull Rowing races .   It is a big Park, and lots of campsites and very busy.  Total of 34 miles trails. "

    2. Winton Woods Campground

    23 Reviews
    Fairfield, OH
    18 miles
    Website

    "Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks. 1.7 mile paved walking trail is great for walking, running and biking. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by."

    "The location is located on the lake with access to put in a kayak or canoe. The bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls."

    3. A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Alexandria, KY
    10 miles
    Website

    "Overnighted here with my horses on my way south for the winter, but will definitely be coming back and spending more time. Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding."

    "Amazing place for the price and proximity to the city!! Just wish there was more hiking trails"

    4. Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Wilmington, OH
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 382-1096

    "Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park.  It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. "

    "I've stayed here in the past and Cowan Lake does not disappoint. The B site campground is all non-electric tent camping, and far enough away from the larger RV pads that it's a quiet little campsite!"

    5. Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    College Corner, OH
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 523-6347

    "The park is about 3000 acres with a beautiful sailing / fishing lake. There is a beautiful lodge and golf course, archery range, and plenty of hiking paths and equestrian paths."

    "We have stayed in both the general camping spot as well as the horse campground. Love them both."

    6. Versailles State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Versailles, IN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 689-6424

    $30 - $32 / night

    "The park offers great hiking trails, mountain bike trails, seasonal nature center, seasonal swimming pool, horse trails and 230 acre lake."

    "Whole site is on a slope except for a small area near the woods. 35' pull behind felt really to big for this one. Would avoid if rain expected. Secluded site with woods nearly completely surrounding."

    7. Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks)

    8 Reviews
    Germantown, OH
    41 miles
    Website

    $15 - $28 / night

    "There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take"

    "This is the 5 easily accessible campsites and a few are near the lake. We picked the site further away from the lake as we had little ones. "

    8. Horseman's Camp — Versailles State Park

    Be the first to review!
    Versailles, IN
    46 miles
    +1 (812) 689-6424

    $22 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Melbourne, KY

1 Photos of 8 Melbourne Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Melbourne, KY

202 Reviews of 8 Melbourne Campgrounds


  • j
    Sep. 12, 2024

    A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

    AJ Jolly campground

    Expensive for what it has to offer. At 48.00 bucks a night yes they do have WIFI in the RV section. They do have concrete pads. It’s a shame they are worthless they are to small to park the average RV on an are on the wrong side of most rigs unless you pull in 1/2 the sites the electric is on the wrong side. The sites are gravel and not level the rest rooms are new and nice. The horse stalks are very nice. If you have a large horse trailer type camper your screwed the sites are small so that only leaves you with the RV sites that are a few 100 feet away from the stables If you want to walk threw the drainage ditch add about 300 ft if you don’t want to walk threw the muck. It’s a shame when they paved the entry road they didn’t spend a little more. “Grant money “ or tax money an do it properly. The main play ground is extremely nice. About 1/3 Mile walk. They do have a small playground in the rv section. For horses again they have a nice setup for big RVs it Sux they have a dump station. Situated in between the entry road to the Fkatwood rv section and equestrian area The main lake is nice you can rent kayaks canoes. Or use your own boat. The boat ramp is nice the other end of the lake at the flat wood rv section. Is t really a lake it’s a back water shallow mud hole depending on the time of the year. Mosquitoes the size of jet fighters. Will rather eat you alive or carry you off. “Lol sorry could t resist “ it gets bad the park is clean and well maintained Except for the camp sites

  • J
    Jul. 25, 2021

    A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

    Aj jolly

    Campgrounds we’re designed for pop up campers limited sites for RVs an Travel Trailers electric was dependable water at most sites plenty of tent sites. They have some equestrian sites and one or two trails For what it is a the location it’s not a bad place. We have camped there. Many many times. Really a good campground for new campers. Close to what ever you may have forgotten or need

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2024

    East Fork State Park Campground

    HUGE state park with many activities

    General: Huge state park with over 400 sites. All are pet-friendly and electric. About 20 are FHU. While tent camping is permitted, certain sites are not recommended for it as there would be no place to pitch a tent. 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. 

    Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Some sites have more trees to provide privacy while others are closer together with little separation.

    Bath/Shower House: Not all loops have their own bath house and the I loop where we stayed was one of them. We used the one in the H Loop. The bathhouses were clean, and the shower had nice hot water, however, it doesn’t seem like there were sufficient facilities for how large the campground was (H Loop had two showers, two toilets, and three sinks). Hooks or shelves would have been appreciated.

    Activities/Amenities: Many activities can be enjoyed here including mini golf (small nine-hole course), soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, corn hole, boating, and bicycling. Playgrounds are in several loops (I saw them in C and G). Rentals are available but most are only in season (ended September 30). There is a nature center and several hiking or paved biking/walking trails. There is also a camper beach for boating and swimming.

    When we reserved months earlier, we knew that our first night (a Saturday) was 100% full as we got the very last site. What we did not know is that there was a HUGE Halloween celebration complete with 30-40 decorated golf carts parading through the campground. The road was closed until 6:45 pm (we arrived around 7 pm) and cars lined both sides of the approximately two-mile road! If that's your thing, great but it wasn't necessarily ours!

    I appreciate that this park encourages so much outdoor activity, but it is not very pedestrian-friendly. I walked the road from one end to the other and there was no shoulder and, in many spots, no place to safely step off into the grass. I’m guessing it is assumed you will either have a car or golf cart to get around. 

    One final note: 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.

  • C
    Jul. 6, 2021

    Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    Great place to stay, just watch your reservation

    Hueston Wood, a real gem. The park is about 3000 acres with a beautiful sailing / fishing lake. There is a beautiful lodge and golf course, archery range, and plenty of hiking paths and equestrian paths.

    The biggest issue for us was the description of the site at C36 was nothing like the description. We approached the staff in the office and they expressed no concern in helping us. One camping family left due to the office staff's attitude.

    Ok, now for the positive! We met one of the volunteers, Gary, who was able to find us a site to hold our 34 foot motorhome. He made our July 4th weekend, couldn't have been more accomodating. 

    Sites have 30A electric and there is plenty of potable water available around the campground, just not at the site. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. At the A and B loop there was plenty of space around the site to spread out. 

    The dump station is fairly new and can accommodate 2 RV's. Though most site are grass, some have gravel, but the A loop sites are full hookup and concrete or paved (but not all flat). When setting reservation and with an RV over 20ft, shoot for A or B loop.

    The grounds are just beautiful, hiking trails great but not all marked well. A place we will return.

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2021

    A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

    AJ jolly

    First time we’ve been to the park since they added the “premium sites” what a joke. It’s terrible road it ungraded sites are in level the approach to the sites are terrible it was t planes out very well not well maintained. It would make a better off road park that a premium RV site. When we arrived you have to make a u turn because the ranger station you sign in it on the other side of the actual “premium sites “. The road that use to go back to the equestrian sight is no longer used. No idea why. Probably ooor planning an construction again Water hook ups are on the opposite side of electrical on several sites. They do have nice picnic tables. A fire ring. And a charcoal grill the camp grounds use to be well maintained the staff use to be helpful and friendly. Not so much now. The parks department need to do some work before I would recommend this place to anyone with a trailer or Motorhome been to worse but not much. Tent camping is better suited for this park

  • John B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2023

    East Fork State Park Campground

    Great Park, lots of people.

    Great Park, several access points to the unlimited HP lake.  Recently lucky enough to watch scull Rowing races .   It is a big Park, and lots of campsites and very busy.  Total of 34 miles trails.  this is combined with horse, hiking and biking trails around the lake.

  • j
    Apr. 24, 2023

    A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

    A J Jolly

    Recently looked at staying at the RV Flat Woods section. They haven’t done any camping upgrades. To the RV section the electrical. Is on the wrong side if a few sites. So you will need 25 ft 50 amp extension cord. The sites are Not Paved. They are Nit full hook up most of the pads they poured are in the Wrong position for a 5th wheel. For 45.00 a night. Your better off going to anyone of the Kentucky or Ohio State parks. They do have canoe rentals. and a huge frisbee golf course. “Rolling eyes “ really. They spent money on upgrades. Mainly on planting grass and walking loops. The few RV sites. Are gravel. Un even un kevel. And Over priced hasn’t changed for the past 4 years other than the price going up. The park area fir day use is nice. Ball field upgraded. Boat ramp. Same location just upgraded. With better automatic gate. Again the park is nice. But the rv section SUX. Especially fir 45.00 a night plus

  • K
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Big Improvements Happening

    Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park.  It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway.  This is good if you want to meet with friends somewhat in between.  It isn't too close to the highway so you don't hear the road noise as it is a few miles away but it is an easy drive to the park. 

    They have been revamping the Nature Center to make it more accessible to folks as they have recently added a ramp. The Nature Center actually has two buildings side by side used for different purposes.  Then behind the Nature Center they have a location where several birds are located in cages.  Then next to where the birds are kept you will notice a new paw print trail that is a short but informative hike.

    The commissary has great pizza and ice cream.  We also bought our firewood and ice from them as well.  We didn't need to leave the park.  We had a few trails to pick from and picked two of the shorter ones for members in our group.  

    The cabins have been revamped as well.  They are all close to each other so if you wanted to have a family reunion or a get together this would be a great spot to do so.  At the end of the main road it will lead you to the lake.  You can use the dock to put your boat out (kayak and certain motor boats).  Folks are fishing at the lake or simply enjoying the beauty of the lake.  

    The beach is simple but that is part of the charm.  It is clean and we were able to swim on the hot days that we had while camping.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2016

    East Fork State Park Campground

    East Fork State Park

    East Fork State Park is a popular spot for horse enthusiasts. This was discovered upon choosing a spot in the "horse loop" and receiving a suggestion to take a different site. With a successful discovery of a site without road apples we set up in the woods. If you looked at our site from the road you wouldn't even see us. It was nice to be set back from the other campers in our own private space. It is an enjoyable camping location


Guide to Melbourne

Equestrian camping options are abundant in the northern Kentucky region, with several dedicated facilities within 45 minutes of Melbourne. The area's terrain features rolling hills with elevation changes of 200-400 feet, creating varied trail experiences for riders. Most horse campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though winter trail access depends on weather conditions and ground stability.

What to do

Trail riding opportunities: At Versailles State Park Campground, riders can access multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. "The park offers great hiking trails, mountain bike trails, seasonal nature center, seasonal swimming pool, horse trails and 230 acre lake," notes Stephen & Theresa B., who appreciate the park's diverse recreational options.

Swimming access: Several parks offer water activities alongside horse facilities. East Fork State Park Campground maintains separate swimming areas for day visitors and campers. "There is also a beach and marina for campers away from the main beach and marina for those just visiting the park for the day," writes Andrea F., highlighting how the park accommodates both overnight guests and day visitors.

Wildlife viewing: Many of the bridle paths near Melbourne traverse woodlands ideal for wildlife spotting. "Deer sighting were plentiful as were chattering tree rats...ahem, squirrels, sorry. Woodpeckers stayed busy overhead," reports Dave V. about their experience at Hueston Woods State Park Campground, noting the active wildlife throughout the park.

What campers like

Stall quality: Horse owners consistently praise clean, well-maintained stall facilities at equestrian campgrounds near Melbourne. "Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding. The camp Ranger/host, Larry?, was incredibly helpful and kind," shares Judy B. about her overnight stay at A.J. Jolly Park & Campground with her horses.

Lakeside views: Many equestrian campsites offer scenic water views. At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, Anna N. appreciates that "each site is wooded and on lake front," providing a pleasant setting for both horses and riders during camping stays.

Trail variety: The mix of terrain types appeals to riders seeking different experiences. "There are several miles of bridle paths, biking trails, fishing, and bicycling," notes Dan G. from Winton Woods Campground. The variety of trail options allows equestrians to plan rides appropriate for their horses' conditioning levels.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Horse campgrounds near Melbourne often fill quickly, particularly during peak seasons. "Get your ideal site early during busy season," advises Kenneth D. about Winton Woods, underscoring the importance of advance planning for equestrian campers.

Site layouts vary: Campsite configurations can present challenges for horse trailer positioning. At A.J. Jolly, Jeffrey D. notes that "most of the sites are large enough for 30 and larger RVs but were designed by someone who was clueless on the general setup of newer campers." Some sites may require creative parking solutions for horse trailers.

Water access considerations: While water sources are available, their locations may not always be convenient. One reviewer at Cowan Lake State Park Campground mentions "a variety of water stations" throughout the grounds, but accessing them might require planning when setting up your horse camping area.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds within walking distance: Many equestrian campgrounds include family-friendly facilities. "There are playgrounds in several loops (I saw them in C and G)," reports Lee D. about East Fork State Park, offering children alternatives when not participating in horse activities.

Swimming options for non-riders: Family members who don't ride can enjoy water activities while others are on the trails. Abby N. emphasizes "lots to do for families" at Cowan Lake State Park, making it suitable for mixed groups of riders and non-riders.

Educational opportunities: Some parks near Melbourne offer nature programs suitable for children. "The trails were well marked and the camp hosts were very friendly. The nature center offered movies in the evening for guest," writes Andrea F., highlighting evening activities for families after a day of riding.

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup availability: RVers traveling with horses should verify electrical service capacity. "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 a reviewer at Winton Woods, detailing the range of available options.

Leveling challenges: Many equestrian sites require additional leveling equipment. Jeffrey D. warns about A.J. Jolly: "The sites are gravel and not level," suggesting RVers bring adequate leveling blocks when visiting horse campgrounds near Melbourne.

Dump station locations: Plan your arrival and departure around dump station access. "There is only one dump station for the three campgrounds so there can be quite the line when trying to get out of there on a Sunday afternoon," cautions Jessie W. about Versailles State Park, noting potential delays during busy checkout times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Melbourne, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Melbourne, KY is East Fork State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 65 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Melbourne, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Melbourne, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.