10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Two equestrian campgrounds serve riders near Hillsboro, Ohio. Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground provides camping accommodations alongside horse facilities in southern Ohio. The campground offers tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and cabin rentals for overnight stays. Picnic tables and fire rings are available at each site, with drinking water access points, shower facilities, and toilets located throughout the grounds. Sites remain relatively muddy after rainfall. Shawnee State Park offers a dedicated Equestrian Campground with primitive facilities specifically designed for horse campers. This rustic camping area permits both tents and RVs but provides no electric hookups, water connections, or modern amenities.
The bridle trails at Shawnee State Park connect directly to the equestrian campground, offering extensive riding opportunities through forest terrain. Located in the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest, riders access miles of designated horse trails with varying difficulty levels. Trail maps are available at the park office during regular business hours. Both campgrounds require advance reservations during peak riding seasons. Trailer parking is available adjacent to campsites with sufficient room for both living quarters trailers and standard horse trailers. Some trails become particularly challenging after heavy rainfall, with steep sections requiring experienced riders. Park rules require riders to clean up after their horses and use designated manure disposal areas when available.
"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 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"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"Some are smaller, close to neighbors while other have seclusion with trees. From past experience, if it rains, some of the sites do flood. We had great weather this weekend."
"Enjoy a few hours or the day hiking one of eight trails or all of them. If you have horses take them out on the two loops especially for them. Lodge, campground, cabins so many options."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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."
from $23 / night
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GuideA large campground spread out over multiple loops. Roads and campsites are paved. Our site #416 was spacious and secluded at the end of a dead end road. The bathhouse was a short hike away and in good condition.
RangerThis is a large campground with everything you need. Nice, clean, family friendly campground. Has many private sites backed up to trees. Shower houses has always been clean.
RangerOne of our favorites! So many nice sites! Great for biking, hiking, kids playground. Decent shower rooms. Little fishing going in campground.
RangerGood family camping ground. Most sites are wooded, kids fishing pond. Good playground. Nice shower rooms. Free putt putt and good camp store.
RangerHave been here twice this year. Great campground. Big camp store with restaurant. Putt putt. Most sites and great, some have slopes. Kid friendly. Good hiking trails
TravelerMy favorite state park in Ohio (so far). Very clean, lots of activities, nice size sites. Easy to get to from Columbus and lots of activities.
TravelerGreat quiet area. Can sit and listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling the leaves. Somehow we were lucky enough to book the only pull through site and it had full hookup on top of that. The woman that checked us in said it’s the most popular site they have because of this reasons. If you have little ones with you, they have a really nice nature center that’s open Friday and Saturday
ScoutThey have horseback riding trails , bring your own horses , witch they have accomidations for or rent from near by stables . Basketball courts , bike rental, Bridle Path , Cornhole , drinking water ,dumpsters. Hiking , kayak rentals , nature center , mini golf ,mountain bike trailhead parking , pickle ball , ping pong , playground ,recycling , shelter house , shower houses ,soccer , volleyball ,wifi , all play courts are ADA accessable , full hookups , electric only hookups , boat ramps both camping & public sandy beeches , Really Nice Eauestrian Camping , golf cart use 416 sites
GuideWe stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.
There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.
The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.
The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.
We'll return next summer.
Equestrian campgrounds near Hillsboro, Ohio sit within the foothills of Appalachia, an area characterized by rolling terrain and wooded valleys. Most horseback riding facilities in this region operate between April and October, with some trails becoming challenging after rainfall. Several parks offer horse-friendly accommodations ranging from primitive sites to cabins with standard amenities.
Explore connected trail systems: At Shawnee State Park Campground, riders can access extensive forest routes directly from the camping areas. "The backpack trail offers 23 and 40 miles loops with 7 camping areas, register and enjoy. Equestrians get 70 miles and primitive camping," notes Shelly S.
Fish in nearby lakes: Multiple small lakes provide fishing opportunities close to equestrian sites. At Pike Lake State Park, anglers can find success in early season. "Great crappie fishing in early May just steep cliffs to get down to the water. There is a marina nearby where you can rent a John boat for pretty cheap too," shares Renée C.
Visit historical landmarks: The region contains several historic sites within driving distance of campgrounds. Near Germantown, "we drove into town and discovered a covered bridge that I had missed on an earlier camping trip. This town also has the Florentine which is one of the oldest inns in Ohio," reports Kenpocentaur K.
Privacy between campsites: Pike Lake State Park Campground offers secluded spots with natural buffers. "We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it. We had a lot of shade and didn't feel like we were on top of our neighbors," writes Shannon G.
Natural surroundings: The forested settings create peaceful environments for both humans and horses. "Love this spot, very secluded and quiet.. not many spots, but makes it nicer, minimal noise.. nice little lake to fish or kayak," notes Buck B. about Pike Lake State Park.
Elevation changes for scenic views: The terrain provides naturally beautiful vistas. At Great Seal State Park Campground, "a steep hike up Sugar Loaf will wake you up in the morning," according to Michael L., who describes the park as being in the "foothills of Appalachia."
Varying site sizes: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, "the horse stalks are very nice. If you have a large horse trailer type camper your screwed the sites are small," reports Jeffrey D.
Limited facilities at some locations: Primitive equestrian sites often have minimal amenities. At Great Seal State Park, "although no utilities... there is a shelter, restroom and trash receptacle. Campfires are permissible," explains Michael L.
Drainage issues after rain: Some campgrounds experience significant water pooling. At Pike Lake, "it rained the first day we were there and people were literally bailing there sites out with buckets. The places that weren't flooded were very muddy," shares Kristin L.
Look for playgrounds: Several parks offer multiple play areas for children. "There are two playgrounds, one in the campground and one right across the way," notes Shannon G. about Pike Lake State Park.
Consider educational opportunities: Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) provides nature learning experiences near Hillsboro. "In addition to the lake, they also had a farm on the property that was enjoyable for the kids to see the animals. You can hear some of the animals but we enjoyed this aspect," writes Kenpocentaur K.
Plan for various skill levels: Trails in the region accommodate different riding abilities. "Interesting trails here from Prairie land and to a forest with former amusement park remains. Lots to see to motivate short legs to keep hiking," shares Kenpocentaur K.
Check site specifications carefully: Many equestrian sites have unusual configurations. At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, "there was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others," notes Kim H.
Plan for limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. "We were told that the site we'd been assigned was room enough for 52'. Our RV is only 34' so that would be more than enough. we got there and it was maybe 20-24" in length... There is absolutely no cell service in the Campground," warns Carrie S. about Shawnee State Park.
Bring leveling equipment: Many sites require significant adjustment. At East Fork State Park Campground, "all camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped," according to Lee D., though other parks may require more extensive leveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hillsboro, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hillsboro, OH is Cowan Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hillsboro, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Hillsboro, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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