Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch provides equestrian experiences for camping families near Canal Fulton, Ohio. The campground offers horseback riding directly on site, making it accessible for visitors without needing to trailer horses to separate riding areas. Guided trail rides are available for all experience levels, allowing campers to enjoy horseback riding without bringing their own horses. The facility accommodates tent campers, RV users with full hookups, and cabin guests seeking proximity to equestrian activities. Clean facilities and friendly staff create a welcoming environment for horse enthusiasts. Trails wind through the property with guided rides appropriate for beginners and children, making this location particularly suited for families introducing young riders to horseback experiences.
Horse riders access the maintained trails at Bear Creek Ranch through scheduled rides rather than bringing personal horses. The ranch maintains a stable of well-trained horses for guided experiences rather than offering boarding facilities for campers' horses. Families with children particularly appreciate the beginner-friendly horseback experiences offered on site. The campground maintains clean facilities with full hookups for RVs including electric, water and sewer connections. Visitors seeking to camp with their own horses may need to consider alternative locations, as the KOA primarily offers riding experiences on their horses rather than accommodations for guest horses. The campground remains open year-round, allowing for seasonal trail riding experiences through varying terrain and landscapes.
$24 - $33 / night
"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"
"Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."
$22 / night
"Miles of well groomed horse trails available with creek crossings, steep hills and beautiful pine tree."
"As part of a nearly 200-mile bikepacking ride, this was our last stop! We spent 2 nights in their "Class B" area down in the Mohican River Valley and loved it."
$25 - $44 / night
"They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more."
"Trails to hike. Lots of summer activities scheduled for the year."
$27 / night
"Didn’t see much of the park on Friday, but Saturday we went exploring and saw the marina, beach, horse camp area, and walked some of the bridle trails."
"Positives: Lots are spacious
- Lots of activities: WhoaZone, boating, fishing, horseback riding, near Mohican Adventures for rafting, hiking
- Quiet and with friendly staff and seasonal campers
- Large"
$20 - $35 / night
"Bathrooms are open and close by. No showers. Very clean and quiet. There were 4 others staying here. All were nice. If you arrive after hours grab an envelope and drop payment in an envelope."
$18 / night
"Not your typical going hiking kinda campground (there are trails but they are not “major”) you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm. Ohio countryside at its best."
"Lots of hiking trails and a few sites boasting the filming locations for scenes from the movie Shawshank Redemption."
GuideMiles of well groomed horse trails available with creek crossings, steep hills and beautiful pine tree. There’s a primitive horse camp as well, and places to tie horses at the entrance with high lines. Dogs are welcome to.
TravelerYou need to make reservations well in advance for the “primo” sites. 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. If you’re into hiking, disc golf, kayaking, fishing, equestrian pursuits, etc, this is the park for you.
Traveler3 Immaculate bath houses all with laundry facilities, all sites have electric (no f-ing generators) and many have have water and sewer hook ups. 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 be parked on your camp site Boat launch has a big trailer parking lot, too. There are hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails in the park and launching off paddle boards is ok at the boat launch or the nearby beach Friendly staff and camp hosts!
LegendAs part of a nearly 200-mile bikepacking ride, this was our last stop! We spent 2 nights in their "Class B" area down in the Mohican River Valley and loved it.
The oddly named “Class A” camping area offers everything from full-hook up camping slots for campers large and small, as well as just electric sites and 10 “walk-in” primitive sites, and cabins -- all of which are reservable. This area has all the bells and whistles of a modern campground with an environmental learning center, a nice outdoor pool, clean showers and bathrooms, an extensive playground and hiking and mountain biking trails right out the front door.
The “Class B” area offers 25 primitive sites on a first-come, first-served basis. It is almost 6 miles by road from the “A” services, but only a 2-mile flatish hike along the river trail. At these sites, there are only pit toilets and a water pump. Each site has a picnic table and a small fire ring. There is also a large group camping area just a few miles away from the primitive “Class B” area.
Tubing and canoeing are available within the park, but there are also several canoe outfitters in the area which provide rental / pick up services. The sheer number of these businesses makes me think that summer time can be crowded!!
Beautiful shaded trails meander all throughout the park and they boast some of the most challenging mountain biking in the mid-west, so read your trail maps. Hiking, equestrian and winter snowmobile trails also offer some great opportunities to get out and stretch your legs throughout the year. There is also a safe and convenient, bike lane / bike path into nearby Loudonville, which has a small grocery story and the usual fast-food restaurants.
Note: The only reason why this park didn't get a 5 star was due to their customer service. It was absolutely lousy, confusing, and the young folks working behind the counter acted as if they didn't want to be there and/or hadn't been trained. We almost left, but since we had cycled 42 miles to get there that day, we chose to stay and enjoyed our time in their Class B sites.
GuideNear the bridal trails you'll find Park and Pack site #4. It's a great spot if your legs are tired after a long day of hiking or if you did too many hills that day. Or if you're a beginner camper, or family that want to try something new, it's easy to walk into and out of. You'll find campsite #4 near the horse pavilion and a large wood barn where it looks that wood is provided. The trail itself is flat, wide and conditions depend on recent rainfall and horse use. It was mostly dry with some muddy areas to navigate around. You'll need to transport it back to camp somehow by pack or a cart/wheelbarrow... It has creative man made benches from logs/branches, a great view for sunset. Per paper maps it looks like it's among the other campsites but actually it's on its own and the opposite side of the multiple bridal trailhead.
ScoutI loved to camp in the Horse camping area but this year they are allowing tent campers to camp there and it is just not safe. There are multiple tents, sometimes in between horse campers. There are children running around and since this in the back of the campground with no supervision, the campers are leaving garbage at the sites and in the fire pits.
There are two camp hosts in that area and they do the best they can to educate people on horses but most do not understand they were even booked in the horse camp nor do they understand that horses can spook.
The hosts are trying to clean up after these bad campers and reporting them but there does not seem to be anything they can do. They would never allow this kind of thing to happen in the main campground.
If the campers are allowed to camp in the horse camp then the horse campers should be allowed in the main camp. I sure would like a full hook up with electricity and water for my horse trailer.
Whats fair is fair. Why even designate a section just for Horse campers if you are going to allow primitive campers to camp there.
Last year there may have been one or two tents here and there through out the season but this year the tent campers outnumber the horse campers.
TravelerMohican offers great accommodations and clean facilities. It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun. Trailheads are located right of the grounds and the surrounding area is full of great things to do. If swimming is your thing the pool is clean and well maintained and situated between two ridgelines so you float and stare around at wooded hillsides. Great after a day of hiking or crushing the mountain biking trails. Grab a walk-in site or one by the river. No problems with hammocks in sites we chose but not all sites have enough mature trees.
LegendI found Malabar Farm in Lucas, OH on my way home from Mom’s house. Never heard of it before and I have been this way for over 20 years now. Louis Bromfield was a conservationist and among many other things (including winning a Pulitzer) he was in the forefront of organic and self-sustaining gardening. This place is amazing! ( and would be an excellent home schoolers camping trip!) Not your typical going hiking kinda campground (there are trails but they are not “major”) you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm. Ohio countryside at its best. Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground. There’s also a small rentable cabin open year round. Definitely worth a visit and very family oriented events. ( your teenager will roll their eyes at you but probably secretly enjoy the visit)
ScoutThis is a family friendly campground with lots to do. They offer on river and off river sites. Open grassy or wooded sites The sites are spacious and with the option to park your trailer where you want (grass sites). They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more. They also have little shops that allows visitors to watch loom and black smith demonstrations and the little ones can participate in candle and leather making. If you are able to survive without technology and take a little step back into a simpler life style, this is the campground for you!
Campgrounds with equestrian options near Canal Fulton, Ohio stretch across the region's rolling countryside. Several parks feature trails that connect to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail system, with elevations ranging from 950 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season for horseback enthusiasts.
Horseback riding on maintained trails: At Mohican Wilderness, riders can enjoy river views while on horseback. "We have been going to Mohican Wilderness since the Early 90's. Not a whole lot has changed since then. There is a new office and parking area that is top notch," notes William P., highlighting the enduring appeal of this rustic equestrian destination.
Lake activities beyond trail riding: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground offers water recreation options when you need a break from the saddle. "Big campground. Boat docking is available. I just love love the beach lake. Great entertainment too," shares Karrie Kat W., emphasizing the diverse activities available beyond horseback riding.
Hiking through varied terrain: The region features trails for both horses and hikers. "Lots of hiking trails and waterfalls. Free hike-in camping available here too," explains Nicole K. about Mohican State Park Campground, where visitors can explore on foot when not riding.
Spacious riverside campsites: The equestrian campgrounds near Canal Fulton often feature riverside options. "We have camped here 3 times now and even though it's a large park the sites are huge so you still feel like you can kick back and relax," Andrea F. says about Mohican Wilderness, noting how the ample space contributes to the relaxed atmosphere.
Clean facilities after trail rides: After a day of riding, clean facilities matter. "The shower houses are clean as well as the grounds. The lake was high this weekend and the beach was a bit under water, but still fun," Tina D. comments about Pleasant Hill Lake Park, highlighting facility maintenance that riders appreciate.
Private, shaded campsites: West Branch State Park Campground offers natural separation between sites. "West Branch has private, spacious, shady sites. We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean," explains Alisa G., describing the privacy that many campers value.
Limited cell service: Technology connections can be sparse in horse camping areas. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," Andrea F. notes about Mohican State Park Campground, reminding visitors to plan communications accordingly.
Site terrain challenges: Be prepared for uneven ground at some equestrian campgrounds. "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," shares Andrea F. about West Branch State Park, highlighting the importance of leveling equipment.
Seasonal popularity: Horse camping areas fill quickly during peak times. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises Alisa G. about West Branch State Park, emphasizing the need for advance planning, especially for prime locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Canal Fulton, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Canal Fulton, OH is West Branch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 67 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Canal Fulton, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Canal Fulton, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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