12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horsemen's Camp at Whitewater Memorial State Park provides dedicated equestrian facilities with electric hookups, water access, and picnic tables at each site. The campground accommodates horse trailers with ample parking space and offers direct access to horse trails that connect to the main park area. Sites are reservable and include fire rings for evening campfires. The campground maintains clean toilet facilities and offers shower access for riders after a day on the trails. East Fork State Park also features a designated horse loop with spacious sites suitable for horse trailers and camping vehicles.
Trail riders at these parks benefit from well-maintained bridle paths that wind through diverse terrain. East Fork State Park contains 34 miles of combined horse, hiking, and biking trails circling the lake, providing extensive riding opportunities. Whitewater Memorial's horse trails connect directly from the Horsemen's Camp to wider trail networks. Horse owners appreciate the spread-out sites at Whitewater, which provide ample space for horses and equipment. The primitive horse camping recently added at Versailles State Park offers another option, with several miles of horse trails opened through coordination between the Indiana Trail Riders Association, DNR, and volunteers. Plans for a forty-five site electric and water Horseman's camp are in development at Versailles, to be completed in phases.
"Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks. 1.7 mile paved walking trail is great for walking, running and biking. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by."
"The location is located on the lake with access to put in a kayak or canoe. The bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls."
"The park is about 3000 acres with a beautiful sailing / fishing lake. There is a beautiful lodge and golf course, archery range, and plenty of hiking paths and equestrian paths."
"This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "
from $27 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The park offers great hiking trails, mountain bike trails, seasonal nature center, seasonal swimming pool, horse trails and 230 acre lake."
"Older Indiana State Park just West of Indiana / Ohio state line South of IH-74. Roads tight and only 1 dump station for 70+ sites (most site are water electric only)"
from $33 - $35 / night
Check Availability"I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out! "
"Short hike to the lake. Great beach area and shower facilities. Pet friendly, horse trails, camp store. Liberty is a short drive and has all essentials plus J’s Dairy Inn 🤤"
from $20 - $33 / night
Check Availability"One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers. "
"They have horseback riding trails , bring your own horses , witch they have accomidations for or rent from near by stables ."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"There are lots of wonderful trails. Historic downtown Madison is beautiful river town with beautiful architecture throughout. Access to the Ohio River as well if you’re interested in boating."
"Most of the sites border wooded areas, so they are in the open. Great access to the hiking trails, and the nice lodge for those who may want to check-in to a room or enjoy the indoor pool."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Overnighted here with my horses on my way south for the winter, but will definitely be coming back and spending more time. Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding."
"Amazing place for the price and proximity to the city!! Just wish there was more hiking trails"
"This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports."
"There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take"
from $15 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."
"Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park. It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. "
from $29 - $160 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $17 - $29 / night
Check Availability
GuideAutumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry. Had to wait for rvs in front of me to register.
LegendThis is part of the Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metro Parks) and it is at the Twin Creek metro park. This is an old boy scout camp (Camp Hook) back in the day.
During these COVID-19 times we wanted a place to park that wasn't the traditional Ohio State Parks camp site. We didn't want to share a common bathroom/bath house or playground area. We picked this as the Twin Creek camp site only has 3 camp sites within the park. Even then they are out of side from each other. You can somewhat hear the other two camp sites (rarely). This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports. We had two great park volunteers/security stop by to make sure we had everything we need.
The nice thing about the Dayton metro parks is that each night in the front county camp sites they include a bundle of fire wood. This is not the small sad bundle that you often buy at gas stations or other markets. This is a huge bundle. It is dry and cut in an easy to use manner. It is also kept in a little box so it is dry even if you do have weather while camping. If you wish to add an additional bundle of firewood the price is very reasonable at $10.00. I do this every time I camp there to support their campsites/metro parks. I have yet to use up their firewood in the box when I camp for a whole weekend. It is also nice that we don't have to put it in our cars so less clean up after camping. It also helps with the whole burn local fire wood so you are not transporting bugs. Or you don't have to cross your fingers and hope someone close by sells firewood.
The nice thing about their site is the additional tables made it easy for us to socially distance. When I camp at local state parks and we only have one table it can be tricky to keep coolers, food, and people separated. We also were able to have kids do craft at one of the tables while we were preparing meals. This camp site is listed as a 10 person camp site. There is no water on site so make sure you bring all the water that you will need.
We also were able to hike the easy trails around the camp site. No need to put the kids in the car unless we wanted to. Which we still did:)
We drove into town and discovered a covered bridge that I had missed on an earlier camping trip. (Germantown). This town also has the Florentine which is one of the oldest inns in Ohio. It was closed while we were in town but it is well worth a stop. The town also has a community pool as well that you can buy a day pool pass.
The campsite does have two spots that would be neat for a wedding. You can reserve an amphitheater.
The campsites during peak season are $20 during week days and $28 for weekends. I still find this to be one of the best values for camping in Ohio. Especially, when you consider the level of privacy that you have on these sites. The vault toilets are one of the best as they are always clean. We have hand sanitizer and toilet paper. We didn't have to share our vault toilet with any other family units.
All of these small touches really made COVID-19 camping with kids much easier. We look forward to being back at this camp site in the fall.
Here is the website to make a reservation https://www.metroparks.org/rentals-permits/reserve-a-campsite/?id=786190&api=facilities&type=camp
GuideExpensive for what it has to offer. At 48.00 bucks a night yes they do have WIFI in the RV section. They do have concrete pads. It’s a shame they are worthless they are to small to park the average RV on an are on the wrong side of most rigs unless you pull in 1/2 the sites the electric is on the wrong side. The sites are gravel and not level the rest rooms are new and nice. The horse stalks are very nice. If you have a large horse trailer type camper your screwed the sites are small so that only leaves you with the RV sites that are a few 100 feet away from the stables If you want to walk threw the drainage ditch add about 300 ft if you don’t want to walk threw the muck. It’s a shame when they paved the entry road they didn’t spend a little more. “Grant money “ or tax money an do it properly. The main play ground is extremely nice. About 1/3 Mile walk. They do have a small playground in the rv section. For horses again they have a nice setup for big RVs it Sux they have a dump station. Situated in between the entry road to the Fkatwood rv section and equestrian area The main lake is nice you can rent kayaks canoes. Or use your own boat. The boat ramp is nice the other end of the lake at the flat wood rv section. Is t really a lake it’s a back water shallow mud hole depending on the time of the year. Mosquitoes the size of jet fighters. Will rather eat you alive or carry you off. “Lol sorry could t resist “ it gets bad the park is clean and well maintained Except for the camp sites
LegendCowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park. It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. This is good if you want to meet with friends somewhat in between. It isn't too close to the highway so you don't hear the road noise as it is a few miles away but it is an easy drive to the park.
They have been revamping the Nature Center to make it more accessible to folks as they have recently added a ramp. The Nature Center actually has two buildings side by side used for different purposes. Then behind the Nature Center they have a location where several birds are located in cages. Then next to where the birds are kept you will notice a new paw print trail that is a short but informative hike.
The commissary has great pizza and ice cream. We also bought our firewood and ice from them as well. We didn't need to leave the park. We had a few trails to pick from and picked two of the shorter ones for members in our group.
The cabins have been revamped as well. They are all close to each other so if you wanted to have a family reunion or a get together this would be a great spot to do so. At the end of the main road it will lead you to the lake. You can use the dock to put your boat out (kayak and certain motor boats). Folks are fishing at the lake or simply enjoying the beauty of the lake.
The beach is simple but that is part of the charm. It is clean and we were able to swim on the hot days that we had while camping.
GuideCampgrounds we’re designed for pop up campers limited sites for RVs an Travel Trailers electric was dependable water at most sites plenty of tent sites. They have some equestrian sites and one or two trails For what it is a the location it’s not a bad place. We have camped there. Many many times. Really a good campground for new campers. Close to what ever you may have forgotten or need
GuideHueston Wood, a real gem. The park is about 3000 acres with a beautiful sailing / fishing lake. There is a beautiful lodge and golf course, archery range, and plenty of hiking paths and equestrian paths.
The biggest issue for us was the description of the site at C36 was nothing like the description. We approached the staff in the office and they expressed no concern in helping us. One camping family left due to the office staff's attitude.
Ok, now for the positive! We met one of the volunteers, Gary, who was able to find us a site to hold our 34 foot motorhome. He made our July 4th weekend, couldn't have been more accomodating.
Sites have 30A electric and there is plenty of potable water available around the campground, just not at the site. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. At the A and B loop there was plenty of space around the site to spread out.
The dump station is fairly new and can accommodate 2 RV's. Though most site are grass, some have gravel, but the A loop sites are full hookup and concrete or paved (but not all flat). When setting reservation and with an RV over 20ft, shoot for A or B loop.
The grounds are just beautiful, hiking trails great but not all marked well. A place we will return.
ScoutTHIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO JUST GET AWAY FROM EVERYTHING AND RELAX. IT IS BEAUTIFUL TERRAIN TO RIDE ATV'S, HORSES, YOU CAN HIKE, FLY KITES, BRING THE KIDS POWER WHEELS OR BIKES YOU CAN EXPLORE THE CREEK OR JUST SIT IN THE SHADE OR NEXT TO THE FIRE AND TAKE IT ALL IN. ITS STILL ONLY 10-15 MINS FROM TOWN IF YOU FORGOT SOME SUPPLIES.
LegendGeneral: Huge state park with over 400 sites. All are pet-friendly and electric. About 20 are FHU. While tent camping is permitted, certain sites are not recommended for it as there would be no place to pitch a tent. One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers.
Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Some sites have more trees to provide privacy while others are closer together with little separation.
Bath/Shower House: Not all loops have their own bath house and the I loop where we stayed was one of them. We used the one in the H Loop. The bathhouses were clean, and the shower had nice hot water, however, it doesn’t seem like there were sufficient facilities for how large the campground was (H Loop had two showers, two toilets, and three sinks). Hooks or shelves would have been appreciated.
Activities/Amenities: Many activities can be enjoyed here including mini golf (small nine-hole course), soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, corn hole, boating, and bicycling. Playgrounds are in several loops (I saw them in C and G). Rentals are available but most are only in season (ended September 30). There is a nature center and several hiking or paved biking/walking trails. There is also a camper beach for boating and swimming.
When we reserved months earlier, we knew that our first night (a Saturday) was 100% full as we got the very last site. What we did not know is that there was a HUGE Halloween celebration complete with 30-40 decorated golf carts parading through the campground. The road was closed until 6:45 pm (we arrived around 7 pm) and cars lined both sides of the approximately two-mile road! If that's your thing, great but it wasn't necessarily ours!
I appreciate that this park encourages so much outdoor activity, but it is not very pedestrian-friendly. I walked the road from one end to the other and there was no shoulder and, in many spots, no place to safely step off into the grass. I’m guessing it is assumed you will either have a car or golf cart to get around.
One final note: for a park so close to a large city (Cincinnati), I was surprised the cell service was so lacking (on Verizon). We eked out one and occasionally two bars of 4G.
TravelerI've stayed here in the past and Cowan Lake does not disappoint. The B site campground is all non-electric tent camping, and far enough away from the larger RV pads that it's a quiet little campsite! Also, these sites are super close to the bathrooms on the beach, which were very clean during our stay. I was incredibly impressed, because the beach gets pretty busy during the day. The beach itself was clean (for a lakeside beach- there are geese, it's Ohio) and the lake was gorgeous! I will say, the only MILD annoyance is that some of the other campers would drive to the parking lot in front of our campsite and park there into the evening hours to fish or head down to the docks. I'm an early riser, so the headlights and car doors slamming were mildly annoying after about 10p. Not enough to make me choose a different campsite, but worth noting. We rented a tandem kayak and explored the lake, and the equipment was all in good condition. The Commisary is pretty limited but they do have a small kitchen and ice cream, as well as the basics like firewood and ice, as well as the boat rentals. Overall, one of my favorite lakeside campgrounds!
Equestrian camping near Harrison, Ohio offers trail riders several dedicated facilities with direct access to extensive trail systems. The surrounding region sits within the Ohio River Valley at approximately 500 feet elevation, characterized by rolling hills and deciduous forests. Winters can be cold with occasional snow, while summers tend to be humid with temperatures frequently reaching the mid-80s.
Lake activities at Winton Woods: The 156-acre Winton Woods Lake provides excellent kayaking and fishing opportunities. "Fishing at the campground can get crowded but other fishing spots are a short walking distance away. A Boat/Canoe/Kayak launch is within the campgrounds and other launch points close by in the park," notes Dan G. from Winton Woods Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Several parks feature dedicated mountain biking routes with varying difficulty levels. "Not a bad little park for mountain biking, hiking, etc.," says Caleb S. about East Fork State Park. These trails often connect to wider networks, allowing for rides ranging from quick loops to full-day excursions.
Visit historic covered bridges: The region features several preserved covered bridges worth exploring. "A cool restoration covered bridge was a short hop from the campground," reports Dave V. about Hueston Woods State Park. These structures typically date back to the 19th century and make excellent photography stops.
Explore the Germantown MetroPark trails: The Twin Valley Trail system offers challenging terrain for hikers. "Germantown MetroPark provides visitors with well-kept trails over rolling hills through old forests, leading down to lush river valleys of the Twin Creek watershed system," shares Charles R. about Dayton Metro Parks.
Spacious equestrian sites: The dedicated horse camping areas offer ample room for trailers and equipment. "I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out!" says Brady R. about Whitewater Memorial State Park.
Modern bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds feature updated restrooms with showers. "The bathhouses were clean, and the shower had nice hot water," reports Lee D. about East Fork State Park. Most equestrian campgrounds maintain separate facilities specifically for the horse camping areas.
Full hookup options: For those preferring more amenities, several parks offer electric, water and sewer connections. "Camp sites are all blacktop, level, and clean. Nice bath houses, and playgrounds," shares Jarrod M. about East Fork State Park. These sites typically fill quickly during peak season.
Nature programming: Some parks offer educational activities through their nature centers. "The nature center offered movies in the evening for guest," notes Andrea F. about East Fork State Park, adding "The park was very clean and maintained. Trails were well marked and the camp hosts were very friendly."
Varying campsite privacy: Site layouts differ significantly between parks and loops. "Sites are either not very level or not very big," explains Kristene B. about Versailles State Park. Research individual sites before booking to find ones with adequate space and separation.
Seasonal popularity: Horse trails and facilities can become crowded during peak times. "I'd check the calendar first," advises Dan N. about Versailles State Park, noting they "happened to go during a big mountain bike event in July." Holiday weekends often feature special events that attract larger crowds.
Water access concerns: Not all equestrian camping areas have drinking water available year-round. "No water so be sure to bring your own," warns Kenpocentaur K. about Dayton Metro Parks. Always check facility details when planning longer stays with horses.
Weather impacts: Trail conditions can vary significantly after rainfall. "The heavy rains we'd been having had left the valley and banks very sloppy and muddy," reports Charles R. about Dayton Metro Parks. Call ahead during wet seasons to confirm trail accessibility.
Playgrounds near campsites: Several parks feature play areas convenient to camping loops. "There is a playground in walking distance too," says Renée C. about Cowan Lake State Park. These areas provide entertainment for younger children between trail rides.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The parks host diverse animal populations kids can observe. "Deer sighting were plentiful as were chattering tree rats...ahem, squirrels, sorry. Woodpeckers stayed busy overhead," reports Dave V. about Hueston Woods State Park.
Water recreation options: Many parks feature swimming areas separate from fishing spots. "The pool is nice, and the kids love the slides and diving board. They also have a fenced in area for small children with a baby pool and sprinkler," shares Jessie W. about Clifty Falls State Park.
Bicycle-friendly campgrounds: Kids can safely ride within many camping loops. "Ground is pretty level so bringing a bike for kids to ride on is nice," recommends Renée C. about Cowan Lake State Park. Some parks also offer bicycle rentals through their camp stores.
Site levelness varies: Check individual site details before booking. "Some sites are not level at all. So be sure to read up on the site you want before you book it," advises Burns G. about Versailles State Park. Most equestrian sites accommodate larger rigs but may require additional leveling equipment.
Limited dump stations: Plan accordingly for busy checkout periods. "There is only one dump station for the three campgrounds so there can be quite the line when trying to get out of there on a Sunday afternoon," warns Jessie W. about Clifty Falls State Park.
Utilities placement: Some sites have awkward hookup configurations. "Water hook ups are on the opposite side of electrical on several sites," notes Jeffrey about A.J. Jolly Park & Campground. Bring extension cords and longer water hoses when possible.
Varying cell coverage: Signal strength differs significantly between parks. "For a park so close to a large city (Cincinnati), I was surprised the cell service was so lacking (on Verizon). We eked out one and occasionally two bars of 4G," reports Lee D. about East Fork State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Harrison, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Harrison, OH is Winton Woods Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Harrison, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Harrison, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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