The equestrian campground at West Branch State Park features a separate area designed for horses and their owners. Located about 20 miles east of Fairlawn, this dedicated equestrian camping section accommodates riders with trailer-friendly sites. During weekdays and off-season periods, horse enthusiasts find fewer non-equestrian campers sharing the area, creating a more horse-focused environment.
What to do
Trail riding: West Branch State Park offers several miles of bridle trails suitable for riders of varying experience levels. One visitor notes, "Lots of camping sites along the lake. Concert every Saturday during the summer. Great lake to take the kayaks on."
Horseback adventures: Mohican Wilderness provides horse-friendly camping with river access. As one camper describes, "They offer 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."
Dog-friendly outings: For equestrians traveling with canine companions, Mosquito Lake State Park Campground offers facilities for both horses and dogs. A camper reports, "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."
What campers like
Private campsites: Equestrian campers appreciate sites with adequate space for horses and equipment. At West Branch State Park Campground, campers note, "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access."
Clean facilities: Horse campgrounds with well-maintained amenities receive positive reviews. One visitor to Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground mentioned, "We arrived Friday late afternoon and set up in the rain. 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."
River access: Campsites with water access allow for diverse activities beyond horseback riding. A camper at Mohican Wilderness stated, "We tent camped at one of the primitive riverfront sites. Site 810 in the Narrows. Our site was a little muddy and a little smaller than other sites but overall we were very happy with the campground."
What you should know
Terrain considerations: Horse campgrounds near Fairlawn vary in terrain. At Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground, a visitor noted, "Large landscape sites that are full hookup with large concrete pads. Each with its own picnic table and fire pit. They also have a boat dock for the campers to use."
Seasonal variations: Campground conditions change throughout the year. As one camper at Mosquito Lake observed, "Stayed here several times in the summer of 2020 bc it was only an hour and a half from home and usually had sites available on or near the lake. The algae was kind of thick, which made fishing impossible."
Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A visitor mentioned, "We called last minute and it was on a 1st come, we hit the road quick. Great Lake close to rafting on Mohican river."
Tips for camping with families
Multi-activity options: Mohican State Park Campground provides diverse recreation beyond horseback riding. A visitor shared, "There are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites. There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails."
Kid-friendly facilities: Some equestrian campgrounds offer child-oriented amenities. One camper reported, "Nice heated pool. and many activities in the area. Hiking, canoeing, biking, etc."
Safety considerations: Families should understand proper behavior around horses. A parent noted, "Newer showers were nice. They are doing some improvements around the campgrounds. They offer quite a few wooded and shaded campsites."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers at horse campgrounds should prepare for uneven terrain. A camper at West Branch State Park shared, "On first impression we were not impressed with this park. 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. Also our site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke."
Hook-up availability: Canton-East Sparta KOA provides full-service sites near equestrian areas. According to one visitor, "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."
Space requirements: Horse trailers need ample parking space. At Ashland Fairgrounds, a visitor noted, "Ashland fairgrounds has $20 tent sites or $35 full hookups. You may need an extension cord. All back in sites. Bathrooms are open and close by. No showers."