14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Equestrian Campground in Shawnee State Park features two bridle trails for riders to explore the "Little Smokies of Ohio" landscape. The campground includes primitive camping areas designed specifically for horse owners, with space for trailers and equipment. Sites accommodate both tent camping and smaller campers, though water and electric hookups are not available at the equestrian camping area. The main campground area requires a short drive from the equestrian section but offers shower facilities and additional amenities. Most sites are set in wooded areas providing natural shade for horses during summer months.
The trail system connects directly to the horse camping area with routes ranging from moderate to challenging terrain through the Appalachian foothills. Water access is available at several points along the trails, and the campground offers water spigots for filling portable troughs. Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground provides an alternative option with electric hookups and toilet facilities while still offering trail access. Riders should be prepared for significant elevation changes on most routes as the park features considerable hills throughout the trail network. The primitive nature of the equestrian sites means horse owners should pack all necessary supplies, as the nearest feed stores are located some distance away in neighboring towns. The 70 miles of bridle trails provide ample riding opportunities for multi-day camping trips.
"This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge."
"We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."
from $25 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."
"Plenty of shade and a huge hill behind our site. Bathrooms were clean. A lot of unsupervised children running around, in the stream and riding bikes."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."
"We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."
from $55 - $85 / night
Check Availability"The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."
"Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."
"Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."
from $35 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."
"It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."
from $35 - $150 / night
Check Availability"The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park Campground Review:
We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."
from $33 - $200 / night
Check Availability"The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done."
from $50 - $67 / night
Check Availability
GuideThe equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.
GuideSimple and safe... Fifteen reservable sites via online or phone. Equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers seem to use this park often. Although no utilities... there is a shelter, restroom and trash recepticle. Campfires are permissible. Hiking trails head off from this park that cover many miles. A steep hike up Sugar Loaf will wake you up in the morning.
TravelerThe Iron Ridge Campground sites are relatively close together; however, the Iron Ridge campground boasts a handful of sites that sit below the road, and, thus, offer more privacy. I didn't camp at Oak Hill, but I have explored it a few times. Even during the week, that campground was packed with campers. If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge. The fishing isn't bad at Vesuvius, but the shore access can be crowded, which has resulted in a limited number of keeper fish. The Lakeshore Trail is well-marked and generally nice, but, at times, a bit unkempt in the summer. The lake views are somewhat limited by brush and trail/lakeside growth, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get a good view of the lake. We also hiked the Whiskey Run Trail, which was short and hilly, but conveniently located right off the campground. The Whiskey Run also offers just enough lake access to let your dogs swim or to put a pole in the water. It also passes an impressive rock shelter. The very short (but rewarding) Rockhouse Trail is a right on top of the major lake action (near the boat ramps and beach area). The benefit is a nice rock house at the end, as well as interpretive signage that sheds light on Ohio's iron industry and history.
RangerThis is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge. The campground is a bit tight, especially when lots of cars are in visiting the campers, very peaceful though as the night goes on. The road to the lake could use a little TLC. Trails are marked nicely, as well as how to get to the equestrian site, Day use area, pool, lodge, and restaurant. Restaurant was very good buffet and menu items available. Lodge was clean and well kept. Very relaxing state park.
TravelerWe try and use horse camps when traveling in larger groups since they have more space and are not always used. Since we didn’t have horses I can’t speak entirely on the how well the horse amenities are but the place was clean, restroom facilities were stocked with TP. There was slight cell service for Verizon & AT&T, enough for maybe text but not very consistent.
GuidePark was nice, clean and has friendly staff. We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees. Showers are small but they work and there are only 3 stalls of toilets and 3 showers ( I believe) in the women’s side- unsure of men’s. Plenty to do, including a playground, pool, miniature golf, bike riding, horse back riding, hiking, etc. All sites have a picnic table and a grate over the fire pit. Water wells are easily accessible and they have washers and dryers as well. Check-in location was a bit confusing but eventually figured it out.
GuideMy daughter and I stayed here last year in late September. We rented a cabin (#4) for a weekend. While not luxurious, the cabin was clean, beds comfortable, AC worked great, functional kitchen and bigger bathroom than I expected. The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful. Parts of the CCC trail were overgrown with briars and narrow. The campground looks nice, we plan on bringing our camper next time. Not much nearby, but Waverly has some good eats. Seems popular with horse riders.
RangerSuch an incredible park the family loved exploring the trails, waterfalls, rock formations, and water. Check the schedule for ranger programs. The kids really wanted to go horseback riding but evidently it’s BYOH...bring your own horse LOL. The campgrounds had lovely views and lots of trees. We’d definitely return.
GuideStayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery. The campground has all the amenities you would need for a nice stay, with clean bathrooms, boat ramp, small camp store, and some trails. Access to the surrounding National Forest involves leaving the campground but, otherwise it’s a nice wooded lake side campground in the middle of nowhere. Plenty of campsites to for electric or non electric camping.
Equestrian camping near Friendship, Ohio offers access to extensive trail networks through the hilly terrain of southern Ohio. The region sits in the Appalachian foothills with elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet above sea level. Trail conditions vary seasonally with spring often bringing muddy sections while fall provides firmer footing and colorful forest canopies.
Lake activities: Pike Lake State Park features a small lake for fishing and paddling. "The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful," writes Leon H.
Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Resort Park offers underground adventures within driving distance. "The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something," notes Chris B.
Disc golf: Several parks have courses for disc golf enthusiasts. "Shawnee State Park has some features that are nicer than what is found in many state campgrounds. The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights," shares Jay T. from Shawnee State Park Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many parks offer secluded camping spots. "Twin Knobs campground has some secluded sites back in the woods, so you don't feel like you are camping in a parking lot in a few places," writes Karen P. from Twin Knobs Recreation Area.
Easy trail access: Several campgrounds connect directly to hiking paths. "We were close to the water and trails. All of the teens that were with us had a ball (hiking, biking, basketball, and fishing). Sites are all clean and level and the bathrooms are clean," notes another Karen P. review.
Natural features: The terrain creates unique camping experiences. "Iron Ridge campground sites are relatively close together; however, the Iron Ridge campground boasts a handful of sites that sit below the road, and, thus, offer more privacy," explains Brew W. from Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area.
Water and electricity limitations: Many sites have limited hookups. "Most sites are only 30 amp electric, no sewer or water hookup, which can be typical of state parks. There is absolutely no cell service in the Campground," cautions Carrie S. about Shawnee State Park.
Cell service gaps: Connectivity is limited throughout the region. "This time of year (October) this campground is walk up only. Internet service is spotty there—our Verizon hotspot worked ok, but the Sprint was super slow," reports Bounding Around.
Weather considerations: Rain can impact site conditions. "We reserved for the weekend. When we drove up to the campground we did not like the feel so we left. There is no space between sites. I was turned off when I saw a Lazyboy by a camper," shares Betsy D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Friendship, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Friendship, OH is Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Friendship, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Friendship, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
