3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
West Branch State Park Campground offers a dedicated equestrian camping section near Canfield, Ohio. Horse campers share this area with primitive tent campers in the back section of the campground, providing a more secluded experience away from the main camping loops. The primitive equestrian camping area allows riders direct access to approximately 20 miles of bridle trails that are also open to snowmobiles during winter months. Concerns have been raised about the safety of mixing tent campers with horse campers, as children running around horses can create hazardous situations. The park features two camp hosts specifically in the equestrian area who help educate visitors about horse safety and proper campground etiquette.
The bridle trails at West Branch connect to a larger trail network throughout the 5,000-acre park that stretches along Kirwan Reservoir. Unlike the main campground area, the equestrian section does not offer electrical hookups, water connections, or full-service amenities. Some horse owners have expressed frustration that primitive tent campers are permitted in the horse camping area while equestrians cannot access the main campground with full hookups for their horse trailers. Trail riders seeking overnight accommodations should make reservations well in advance, especially during summer months when the entire campground experiences heavy use. The park's location provides convenient access for equestrians from Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown looking for day-use or overnight trail riding opportunities.
"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"
Available this weekend
from $29 - $40 / night
"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."
"They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park."
Available this weekend
from $23 - $80 / night
"Portals/parks/PDFs/parks/Maps/Beaver_Creek/beavercreekcampmap.pdf)
- 6 electric sites
- 44 non-electric sites
- Dump station
- No showers; no flush toilets
- Pets are permitted on all sites
Equestrian"
"I live near by to this state park and have spent much time exploring the entirety of it."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 - $50 / night
"It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit."
"In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking"
"Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."
"This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $29 / night
"Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."
"The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit. The best part - it's free!"
"Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too."
"Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks. Four stars because it is not a vast wilderness adjacent experience."
from $10 - $20 / night
"Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."
"This campsite was close to an archery tournament for me. It is a huge campsite that is remote and peaceful. I will try to get this place again next year."
from $50 / night
ScoutI struggled making a reservation online, you need an account and it wouldn’t let me make one but i was able to call in and reserve a spot same day. I’m traveling to the east coast and just needed a place to pitch a tent for the night. worked perfect.
ScoutThere’s no electricity and no where in walking distance and the internet isn’t great, and at night u hear raccoons in the trash cans. If you come here bring a portable phone charger. There’s really nothing here, and the bathrooms are disgusting
GuideWe were passing through on a weeknight in mid September. Many open sites. Sites are paved and many are sloped. Most are shaded. Our site #41 was fairly level with electricity. Close to huge bathhouse with flush toilets, showers and laundry. High above the lake with views through the trees. Appeared there were many long term campers but just as good for our short overnight stay. Online registration. $45 for electric only site.
GuideMosquito Lake gets a bad rap because of its name. We had such a great time launching our kayak from our campsite! I’ve attached a highlighted map marked with the sights on or very close to the water to launch a kayak. Additional kayak launch sites available around the park if you can’t get one of these. It’s great campground if you have kids or a dog. Plenty of great playgrounds and a dog park/dog beach. The camp host was very nice and welcoming. The wash house has laundry and showers. Everything was clean.
GuideHad a nice stay at the Camp Site A tent site, which they label as their ADA Accessible site.
Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too.
Pros:
Cons:
FAQ:
GuideI've heard there are campgrounds that discriminate against car camping, first time experiencing it. There are many sites where people have a LARGE camper, a car, and multiple tents spread out over a large area. We have 2 SUV's with tents that attach to the backs. We followed all the rules and are taking up about HALF of our site. We were told that is not allowed. When asked for reasoning and comparing to what we've seen around the park, we get no clear answer that makes sense. We are here with a group that rented about 20 sites. After spending 4 hours setting everything up, she says one may have to leave; she's waiting to hear from her boss. I will definitely never return here!
ScoutWhen we arrived, we checked in at the camp office. The ladies there were very kind. The roads through the campground are wide enough for two-way traffic and nicely paved.
This is a beautiful, heavily treed campground. Even on Memorial Day weekend with lots of people, the park was very peaceful. The sounds of birds permeate the air round the clock. Chipmunks run amok. They’re just so cute.
We booked site 56 for our 39’ fifth wheel. As soon as we pulled up, we knew there was no way we’d fit even though the reservation site said it would accommodate a 40’ rig. The camp hosts happened to be passing by as we were surveying the site. They were very helpful redirecting us to a nearby site that would be more suitable. FYI, sites 55 and 56 have deep culverts on either side. One wrong turn and you’re going to have a problem. The majority of sites along our road were just wide enough to keep the tires out of the dirt, but not wide enough for the stairs to land on asphalt. If you have a motorhome or other wide-bodied rig, like an Alliance Paradigm, I would recommend choosing one of the sites on the loop around the playground. Those are better suited for newer big rigs.
TIP…the line at the dump station is long on the holiday weekends. Plan accordingly.
GuideFirst time here. They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park. Wood is dry and cheap right outside the park entrance. Bass fishing is top notch on the lake. I would definitely come back here again and again.
ScoutWe live really close so we stay at mosquito for our first stay every year. This year we were disappointed. They had no staff there to check us in, the signs says closed Monday through Wednesday. Bathrooms were supposed to be open because we stayed April 16th, but only some of them were. (Even though online states April 1st they reopen). Some sites are more wet than others. We stayed at site 54 this time. The pad was very narrow and it was wet around it (it has been raining a lot). The person before us must have purchased a $12 bale of hay that they were selling up front because there was hay everywhere. Wish they would just put gravel down.
Otherwise, it's quiet. We love the nature play area for the kids. We love the playgrounds.
When they are open, the bathrooms are very clean. The shower house is dated but clean. Far walk from every site basically as they put it on the main road between both loops.
West Branch State Park near Canfield, Ohio offers equestrian camping sites within a 5,000-acre park surrounding Kirwan Reservoir. The park maintains approximately 20 miles of bridle trails that connect to a larger trail network throughout the property. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with some sections becoming muddy after rainfall and others offering firm footing along wooded paths and open meadows.
Kayaking and fishing: West Branch State Park Campground provides lakeside sites where campers can easily access the water. "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," notes Katelyn P. about the waterfront camping options.
Archery practice: The park features dedicated archery ranges for visitors to practice their skills. "We come here at least once, sometimes twice per year - we travel about 2 hours to get there. A mix of shaded and open/grassy sites. Most are great for tenting. Some sites have access to the lake for kayaking/swimming/fishing. We like to bring our bows and use the archery range," shares Karen D.
Explore nearby trails: Beaver Creek State Park Campground offers additional outdoor recreation options within driving distance. "The creek that runs through the area is beautiful and there were many people fishing along the way. Kayaking is also very popular among the creek, but the water was too low this time," explains Shay D.
Clean facilities: Many horse campgrounds near Canfield maintain modern restrooms and shower facilities. "The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean. There is even a book exchange shelf at the shower house in case of rainy days," says Alisa G. about West Branch State Park.
Private campsites: Mosquito Lake State Park Campground offers spacious sites that provide separation from neighbors. "The sites are huge. The dog park is amazing. Theres so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing. We love it," reports Courtney C.
Equestrian amenities: Horse-friendly campgrounds provide specialized facilities for riders. "Most of the sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Verizon works well here," notes Joe I., highlighting the practical amenities available at equestrian camping areas.
Sloped sites: Many campgrounds in the Canfield area have uneven terrain that requires preparation. "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," warns Andrea F. about certain sites at West Branch State Park.
Limited amenities: Jefferson Lake State Park Campground offers a more rustic camping experience with fewer services. "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites. Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord," explains Eddie.
Seasonal considerations: Water levels can affect recreation opportunities throughout the year. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers. Washers and dryers are also at the shower house," mentions Alisa G., highlighting amenities that make longer stays comfortable regardless of weather conditions.
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational areas for children. "Newer showers were nice. They offer quite a few wooded and shaded campsites. They offer activities up by the marina with some concession stands, but bring your bike or second vehicle marinas a trek," suggests Samantha J. from Mosquito Lake State Park.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of historical features in the region. "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)," recommends Shay D.
Weekend activities: Look for scheduled events that appeal to younger campers. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend. There is a newer dog park near the intersection of Rock Spring and Esworthy roads," shares Alisa G. about family-friendly programming.
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before booking at equestrian campgrounds near Canfield, Ohio. "Check in is very easy as you pass the camp store on your way in. All campsites have a fire ring and picnic table. West Branch has private, spacious, shady sites," advises Alisa G.
Water fill concerns: Hidden Hollow Campground at Fernwood State Forest offers free camping but with limited amenities. "Self-register with cards located at pit latrine building. 14 days every 30. No problem getting 40' skoolie in and parked in mostly level spots. Camp fire rings and picnic tables at most sites. Hand pump available, grey water pits and trash cans available," explains Donald F.
Hookup limitations: Understand the electrical setup before arrival at horse camping areas. "We're at site 160. No electricity, no hook ups, but a HUGE lakefront site. We're in a self contained RV so it's not a problem for us. Beach is right next door too! Great trails, clean facilities, no complaints," shares Rino S. about his experience at West Branch State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Canfield, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Canfield, OH is West Branch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 69 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Canfield, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Canfield, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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