7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
East Fork State Park Campground near Batavia offers 34 miles of combined horse, hiking, and biking trails throughout the park grounds. The extensive trail system provides ample opportunity for riders to explore the park and surrounding lake area. Trail riders can access multiple loops with varying terrain and difficulty levels suitable for different experience levels. The park maintains bridle paths with natural footing and marked crossings at road intersections. Equestrians camping at the park can enjoy direct trail access from the campground area, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads. Trail maintenance keeps paths clear and free of overhead obstacles. East Fork campsites accommodate both tent and RV camping with electric hookups available, though specific horse corrals are not provided within the campground itself. Bathrooms are extremely clean with hot water available at shower facilities.
Riders at East Fork State Park benefit from the unlimited horsepower lake for water access after trail riding. Campsite booking requires selecting proper loops for horse trailer parking, as not all loops provide adequate space. The central Ohio location makes this park accessible for weekend trail riding trips from multiple metropolitan areas. For equestrians seeking dedicated horse facilities, Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground offers specific accommodations designed for horses, including access to electric hookups and shower facilities. Both locations maintain picnic tables and fire rings at campsites. Reservation recommendations include reviewing site dimensions before booking to ensure adequate space for both camping equipment and horse trailers. Full-service camping season runs April through October with limited services available during winter months. Daily cleanup and ranger presence ensure maintained facilities throughout the camping areas.
"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"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"
"Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."
"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. "
from $29 - $160 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports."
"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"
from $15 - $28 / 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
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GuideAutumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry. Had to wait for rvs in front of me to register.
LegendThis is part of the Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metro Parks) and it is at the Twin Creek metro park. This is an old boy scout camp (Camp Hook) back in the day.
During these COVID-19 times we wanted a place to park that wasn't the traditional Ohio State Parks camp site. We didn't want to share a common bathroom/bath house or playground area. We picked this as the Twin Creek camp site only has 3 camp sites within the park. Even then they are out of side from each other. You can somewhat hear the other two camp sites (rarely). This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports. We had two great park volunteers/security stop by to make sure we had everything we need.
The nice thing about the Dayton metro parks is that each night in the front county camp sites they include a bundle of fire wood. This is not the small sad bundle that you often buy at gas stations or other markets. This is a huge bundle. It is dry and cut in an easy to use manner. It is also kept in a little box so it is dry even if you do have weather while camping. If you wish to add an additional bundle of firewood the price is very reasonable at $10.00. I do this every time I camp there to support their campsites/metro parks. I have yet to use up their firewood in the box when I camp for a whole weekend. It is also nice that we don't have to put it in our cars so less clean up after camping. It also helps with the whole burn local fire wood so you are not transporting bugs. Or you don't have to cross your fingers and hope someone close by sells firewood.
The nice thing about their site is the additional tables made it easy for us to socially distance. When I camp at local state parks and we only have one table it can be tricky to keep coolers, food, and people separated. We also were able to have kids do craft at one of the tables while we were preparing meals. This camp site is listed as a 10 person camp site. There is no water on site so make sure you bring all the water that you will need.
We also were able to hike the easy trails around the camp site. No need to put the kids in the car unless we wanted to. Which we still did:)
We drove into town and discovered a covered bridge that I had missed on an earlier camping trip. (Germantown). This town also has the Florentine which is one of the oldest inns in Ohio. It was closed while we were in town but it is well worth a stop. The town also has a community pool as well that you can buy a day pool pass.
The campsite does have two spots that would be neat for a wedding. You can reserve an amphitheater.
The campsites during peak season are $20 during week days and $28 for weekends. I still find this to be one of the best values for camping in Ohio. Especially, when you consider the level of privacy that you have on these sites. The vault toilets are one of the best as they are always clean. We have hand sanitizer and toilet paper. We didn't have to share our vault toilet with any other family units.
All of these small touches really made COVID-19 camping with kids much easier. We look forward to being back at this camp site in the fall.
Here is the website to make a reservation https://www.metroparks.org/rentals-permits/reserve-a-campsite/?id=786190&api=facilities&type=camp
GuideExpensive 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
LegendCowan 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.
GuideCampgrounds 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
LegendGeneral: 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.
TravelerI'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! Also, these sites are super close to the bathrooms on the beach, which were very clean during our stay. I was incredibly impressed, because the beach gets pretty busy during the day. The beach itself was clean (for a lakeside beach- there are geese, it's Ohio) and the lake was gorgeous! I will say, the only MILD annoyance is that some of the other campers would drive to the parking lot in front of our campsite and park there into the evening hours to fish or head down to the docks. I'm an early riser, so the headlights and car doors slamming were mildly annoying after about 10p. Not enough to make me choose a different campsite, but worth noting. We rented a tandem kayak and explored the lake, and the equipment was all in good condition. The Commisary is pretty limited but they do have a small kitchen and ice cream, as well as the basics like firewood and ice, as well as the boat rentals. Overall, one of my favorite lakeside campgrounds!
LegendThis 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. Just be prepared if you go on hikes to get turned around. The park is huge so not everything is in the campground area. If you drive around to the other side and do some of the trails over there be aware that two trails use blue blazes. They could use more blazes on the trails in general but watch out for the two blue blazes in the same area as it got us turned around.
This is great when you want to get away from the city but you don't want a long drive.
ScoutThey have horseback riding trails , bring your own horses , witch they have accomidations for or rent from near by stables . Basketball courts , bike rental, Bridle Path , Cornhole , drinking water ,dumpsters. Hiking , kayak rentals , nature center , mini golf ,mountain bike trailhead parking , pickle ball , ping pong , playground ,recycling , shelter house , shower houses ,soccer , volleyball ,wifi , all play courts are ADA accessable , full hookups , electric only hookups , boat ramps both camping & public sandy beeches , Really Nice Eauestrian Camping , golf cart use 416 sites
East Fork State Park campsites accommodate varied camping needs with paved, level spots throughout multiple loops. Campers can select from full hookup sites in dedicated loops or standard electric sites in other areas. The campground connects directly to an extensive 34-mile trail system accessible for day hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Water access at the lake offers boating and fishing opportunities with seasonal rental options.
Hiking trails for all abilities: East Fork State Park Campground maintains numerous hiking paths that connect throughout the property. "This was our first time camping here and it was a large park. There was several miles of bike trails, bridle trails and hiking trails. 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," notes Andrea F.
Kayaking and boating: Explore the waterways at multiple parks in the region. "Close to Cincinnati but each site is wooded and on lake front, lots to do!" says Anna N. about A.J. Jolly Park & Campground. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals during summer months with launch points accessible from the campground.
Backpacking excursions: For more rugged camping near Concord, Ohio, the Twin Valley Trail system provides challenging terrain. "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 on the TVT challenge, beautiful hike through hilly terrain, and great spots of overlooks," says Karen K.
Spacious RV sites: Winton Woods Campground offers well-maintained camping areas with good site separation. "This is a great county park! It has a nice 'campground' feel set in a large pine trees and wide sites but has 50-amp full hook-up sites. The campground is set in Winton Woods County Park which is about 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati," explains Nancy W.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a highlight across multiple parks. "The bathhouses were clean, and the shower had nice hot water," notes Lee D. about East Fork State Park, while another reviewer mentions "Camp sites are all blacktop, level, and clean. Nice bath houses, and playgrounds."
Equestrian access: Horseback riders looking for equestrian camping near Concord will find dedicated options at A.J. Jolly Park. "Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding. The camp Ranger/host, Larry?, was incredibly helpful and kind," states Judy B. Horse-friendly camping facilities continue to expand in the region with several parks adding equine-specific amenities.
Site selection matters: Cowan Lake State Park Campground has varied site conditions that require careful selection. "There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others," reports Kim H. Many campgrounds in the region have recently removed trees due to disease control measures.
Reservation planning: Book early for peak season weekends, especially for equestrian camping facilities near Concord, Ohio. "We knew that our first night (a Saturday) was 100% full as we got the very last site," explains one camper at East Fork State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts site conditions throughout the year. At Pike Lake, "It rained quite a bit and many of the sites got flooded. The ground here doesn't drain well," warns Bob M. Fall camping offers colorful foliage while spring can bring muddy conditions at several area campgrounds.
Playground access: Pike Lake State Park Campground offers multiple play areas for children. "There are two playgrounds, one in the campground and one right across the way. There is a small pond/lake that has a beach you can kayak or canoe and fish (renting them is an option)," details Shannon G.
Organized activities: Several parks offer scheduled programming for kids during peak season. "The nature center offered movies in the evening for guest," mentions Andrea F. about East Fork State Park.
Site proximity considerations: Choose sites based on noise preferences when camping with children. "Site 57 - this site backs up to the ravine and is nice and large. It has a lot of shade and grass. We were able to run a line between trees for a dog run. Great neighbors on both sides but right across the site is the playground. It's a little noisy but if you have kids, it works," advises a Pike Lake camper.
Utility placement challenges: Many older campgrounds in the region have awkward utility configurations. At A.J. Jolly Park, "Pad are about 12 x12 concrete so that's a plus but the location of the pads if you want to use your RV awning means your wheels in what ever your using are going to be nearly off the level area or in the grass," explains Jeffrey D.
Full hookup availability: For RVers seeking complete connections, options are limited at most state parks. "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," notes a reviewer about East Fork's 400+ campsites.
Cell service variability: Connectivity changes significantly between parks. "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," mentions Lee D. about East Fork, while Shannon G. reports, "There is no cell phone service" at Pike Lake State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Concord, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Concord, OH 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 Concord, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Concord, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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