Mohican State Park offers horseback riding opportunities through diverse terrain approximately 30 miles from Gambier. The park features a mix of primitive camping options and standard sites that accommodate various camping preferences. Equestrians can access several trails connecting through the Mohican-Memorial State Forest, with varying levels of difficulty suitable for riders of all experience levels.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Blue Rock State Park has a small lake where visitors can fish for various species. "The fishing was good, and the activities with the naturalist (Cayden) were fun and engaging. The hiking was wonderful, the equestrian trails looked very nice, and the fire tower was a fun climb," notes Ryan W. from Blue Rock State Park Campground.
River activities: Mohican Wilderness offers water recreation along the river. "We go every year and do the 20 mile kayaking trip, such a nice little spot along the river & the best way to kick off summer!" says Lexi K. The campground provides direct river access for fishing, swimming, and paddling.
Hiking trails: Several parks feature hiking paths through wooded areas. At Delaware State Park Campground, "There are plenty of hiking/biking trails for you to get out and explore the park. Many of the trails link together so you can decide how long you want to hike," according to Nancy W. Trails range from short loops to more extensive routes.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Mohican Wilderness provides large sites with good separation. "We have camped here 3 times now and even though it's a large park the sites are huge so you still feel like you can kick back and relax," shares Andrea F. Many sites offer natural barriers like trees and vegetation for added privacy.
Clean facilities: Dillon State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "The people in the office are very nice, the pad is almost perfectly level, the grounds are well kept, and the buildings (while a bit long in the tooth) are well maintained," reports Ron A. The park offers both basic facilities and more modern amenities.
Waterfront camping: Numerous campers appreciate sites that border water features. "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 and would camp there again!" describes CampgroundKaren about their riverfront site at Mohican Wilderness.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Mohican State Park Campground, campers will find varying site types. "As far as tent camping goes, it does not get any easier than this. Everything is clean and well organized. Perfect for first time campers," Jenny K. explains. Some areas are more primitive while others offer more amenities.
Weather considerations: Camping near Gambier can involve variable conditions. "Camping in the off season is our favorite time of year. This particular park has potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open. The water at the full hook up sites are turned off," notes Andrea F. about Mohican State Park Campground.
Availability challenges: Some locations require planning ahead. "The prices here are reasonable, however most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites (ie lakefront) are always taken," Catherine mentions about Alum Creek State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide play areas for children. At Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground, "There are two basketball courts on either side of the park and a few playgrounds. Overall great camping," says Michelle H. These recreational spaces offer diversions for younger campers.
Swimming options: Water recreation keeps kids busy. "The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush. Beautiful walking trails. There's also a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity. There's a small beach within the campground, a bigger public beach a short drive away," Catherine explains about Alum Creek State Park.
Kid-friendly sites: When selecting equestrian camping near Gambier, Ohio, look for sites suitable for families. "This is our favorite park of 2019. The hiking trails are great with a covered bridge, overlook and waterfalls. The sites are nice and large with lots of trees throughout the park. Camp store is nice and well stocked, gem mining and mountain bike trails are located within the campground as well as a pool," Andrea F. shares about Mohican State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check campground descriptions for level sites. "This state park spans over 2,000 acres and is just north of the cute Ohio town of Delaware. The 'pod' layout of the campground made for large campsites (some sites are over 90 feet in length and well suited for large RV's) with good separation between sites," notes Nancy W. about Delaware State Park Campground.
Hookup considerations: Know which hookups are available at different campgrounds. "Large camping sites throughout the park offer enough space for both camping equipment and horse trailers, with several primitive areas available for a more rustic experience," according to descriptions of equestrian camping options.
Off-season advantages: Consider camping outside peak times. "Another Thanksgiving spent in our camper and it was so nice and relaxing. There were more campers than expected this weekend. I guess everyone likes to social distance in their campers too," Andrea F. mentions about Mohican State Park in November.
