Equestrian camping options extend beyond Whitewater Memorial State Park in the Blue Ash region. This area of southwestern Ohio features rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Both Ohio and neighboring Indiana offer dedicated horse camping facilities within 90 minutes of Blue Ash, with many sites available year-round despite the region's average 42 inches of annual rainfall.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: At Winton Woods Campground, campers can launch directly from the campground. "The campground is set in Winton Woods Lake which has a harbor with boathouse, snack bar, boat rentals and playgrounds. There are miles of paved and rustic hiking trails," notes Nancy W. The lake provides good fishing opportunities, as James J. reports: "Bring your kayaks and fishing poles!!"
Mountain biking trails: Dayton Metro Parks offers challenging trails for cyclists. "This was a lovely backpacking trail that is both challenging while not being too hard for new backpackers," mentions Kenpocentaur K. The Twin Valley Trail combines existing trail networks to create "a longer, more integrated trail system totaling more than 25 miles."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities beyond the equestrian camping areas. Hueston Woods State Park Campground provides multiple swimming options. "The pool is nice, and the kids love the slides and diving board. They also have a fenced in area for small children with a baby pool and sprinkler," shares Jessie W.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at campgrounds in the region. At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, "Close to Cincinnati but each site is wooded and on lake front, lots to do!" according to Anna N. This spacing allows for a better camping experience.
Clean facilities: Maintaining cleanliness remains a priority at most campgrounds near Blue Ash. "Bath house is new very clean closest to sites 10 12 11 9 and 7 they have a large covered area for events also in the Flatwood area most of the sites are on the lake front," reports Jeffrey D. about A.J. Jolly Park.
Convenience to Cincinnati: Many campers value proximity to urban amenities while enjoying nature. "Very nice campground inside the urban loop in Cincinnati. Close to everything, yet quiet and secluded camping experience," writes Kenneth D. about Winton Woods Campground. This access makes weekend trips practical for Blue Ash residents.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities operate on limited schedules. At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, the boat rental operations and certain amenities have seasonal availability. "The park also had a lending library and walking stick lending program. I thought these were simple but memorable features for this park," writes Kenpocentaur K.
Reservation requirements: Most horse camping sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "We registered/paid online but the entire weekend there were no staff to be found. Someone came by Friday night when we pulled in to tell us we could check in at the booth at the entrance of the park but all weekend there was no one working," reports Kelli B. about East Fork State Park Campground.
Varying site features: Site conditions can differ significantly within the same campground. "Campground is nice, packed in like sardines in places. Facilities leave a lot to be desired. Not cleaned regularly. No lights at all in them. Dumpster overflowing," notes Lisa C. about Versailles State Park, indicating quality can vary.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: East Fork State Park Campground offers multiple play areas. "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)," shares Lee D.
Halloween events: Several parks offer special seasonal activities for children. "We love the Halloween festivities! It is so fun to see all the costumes and the decorations all over the campground. We plan to make it an annual tradition!" writes Jessie W. about Versailles State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Parks often provide nature education suitable for children. "Interesting trails here from Prairie land and to a forest with former amusement park remains. Lots to see to motivate short legs to keep hiking," notes Kenpocentaur K. about Possum Creek Camp Site in the Dayton Metro Parks system.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: When booking horse campgrounds near Blue Ash, Ohio, consider site dimensions carefully. "A lot of the sites are large and have enough space for everything you need!" reports Maddy B. about Hueston Woods. However, site leveling can be challenging at some locations.
Hookup positions: Electric connections may require planning. "Water hook ups are on the opposite side of electrical on several sites," warns Jeffrey about A.J. Jolly Park. Bringing extension cords and longer water hoses helps manage these situations.
Driving considerations: Some campground roads present challenges for larger horse trailers. "It has a nice 'campground' feel set in a large pine trees and wide sites but has 50-amp full hook-up sites," shares Nancy W. about Winton Woods, noting that "sites in the front section (1F – 25F and 1R – 12R) are big rig-friendly with paved roads wide enough to easily maneuver."
