Equestrian camping near Felicity, Ohio offers access to wooded terrain with elevation changes from 800 to 1,100 feet throughout the region. The area features a continental climate with four distinct seasons and average summer temperatures ranging from 65-85°F, creating suitable conditions for horse camping from late spring through early fall. Trail systems typically remain open April through November, weather permitting.
What to do
Kayaking on local lakes: East Fork State Park provides lake access with multiple boat launch locations across 2,160 acres of water. "Nice site! Big lake," notes one camper about the park's water features.
Disc golf nearby: Winton Woods Campground features a short 18-hole disc golf course located near the camping area. "A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by. It is a easy course great for beginners," according to Dan G.
Fishing opportunities: A.J. Jolly Park & Campground provides shoreline fishing with multiple access points. "Fishing is t to bad. The park has a golf course," mentions one review, highlighting the multiple recreation options available at this location.
Mountain biking: Beginners can explore trails at East Fork State Park, which offers terrain suitable for novice riders. As Caleb S. notes, it's a "Not a bad little park for mountain biking, hiking, etc."
What campers like
Well-maintained horse trails: Ben's Happy Trails - Horse Stable & Campground features dedicated equestrian facilities designed specifically for horse owners. The property provides essential amenities for equestrians in a location convenient to multiple trail systems.
Spacious campsite layouts: Cowan Lake State Park Campground offers larger sites suitable for horse trailers and camping equipment. "The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included," writes Kim H. about the site conditions.
Family-friendly atmosphere: East Fork State Park Campground maintains a welcoming environment for families with various amenities. "The park was very clean and maintained. Trails were well marked and the camp hosts were very friendly," according to Andrea F., who appreciated the well-kept facilities.
Nature programs: Winton Woods Campground provides educational opportunities through their nature center. One visitor noted that "The nature center offered movies in the evening for guest," showing the park's commitment to educational programming.
What you should know
Varied site conditions: At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, some equestrian sites require planning for proper setup. "The equestrian sites are 500 ft away they are big enough for 30 ft trailers site 5 is ok but it's pad is about 6 ft off the road between the sites," explains Jeffrey D., highlighting the importance of site selection.
Seasonal considerations: During summer months, some waterways may experience algae growth. Check with park offices before planning water activities, particularly at smaller lakes and ponds.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially on weekends from May through October. Some locations fill 2-3 months ahead during peak season.
Trail conditions: Trail difficulty varies significantly between parks. Some locations offer mostly flat terrain while others feature more challenging elevation changes and water crossings that may require experienced horses.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cowan Lake State Park Campground provides play areas within walking distance of campsites. "There is a playground in walking distance too. Great crappie fishing in early May just steep cliffs to get down to the water," notes Renée C.
Bike-friendly roads: Many campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for children's bikes. "Ground is pretty level so bringing a bike for kids to ride on is nice," shares one visitor about the terrain.
Educational opportunities: Look for parks with interpretive programs and nature centers. "I loved the informational boxes and tags that they had on the trees or plants. This is helpful if you have little ones with you," explains a camper at Cowan Lake.
Safety considerations: Some locations have steep shorelines or limited swimming areas. Always check with camp offices about designated swimming locations and water safety rules.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Winton Woods Campground, full-hookup sites provide different advantages based on location. "Full-hookups have little to no shade. Sites are pretty close together and small, but standard for a county Park. The electric sites are nice. Reasonable amount of shade in most," explains Mike H.
Pad configuration: Some equestrian campgrounds have unusual pad layouts requiring careful positioning. "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 goi g to be nearly off the level area or in the grass," notes Jeffrey about A.J. Jolly Park.
Utility placement: Check hookup locations before arrival as some sites have unusual configurations. "Water hook ups are on the opposite side of electrical on several sites," reports one camper, highlighting the importance of bringing extension cords and longer hoses.
Level site availability: East Fork State Park Campground provides paved, level sites. "Camp sites are all blacktop, level, and clean. Nice bath houses, and playgrounds," reports Jarrod M., noting the well-maintained facilities.
