Equestrian camping near Jeromesville, Ohio attracts riders looking for varied terrain across the region's 1,110-foot elevation landscape. The area features a mix of deciduous forests and open meadows with trails that range from easy to challenging with grades up to 15% in some sections. Most horse-friendly campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from April through October, though several offer limited winter availability when weather permits.
What to do
Trail riding on multi-use paths: Mohican State Park Campground connects to several trail systems with varying difficulty levels for riders of all experience levels. "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," shares Andrea F.
Water activities after rides: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground offers lake access for campers wanting to cool off after trail rides. "The lake is an all sport lake so there is fishing, tubing, jet skis and kayaking. The marina has boat rentals available. And since it is in the Mohican area, there is more hiking and activities in the state forest," notes Michelle H.
Primitive pack-in camping: For riders seeking more solitude, primitive sites require around a 1-mile ride in from parking areas. "There are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites. There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails, first come first serve, no reservations," explains John H.
What campers like
Spacious sites for trailers: Mohican Wilderness provides ample room for horse trailers and camping equipment. "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. Quiet neighbors and friendly staff plus everything is mowed and well maintained," reports Andrea F.
Clean facilities: Maintaining hygiene while camping with horses is important to riders. "The shower houses are clean as well as the grounds. The lake was high this weekend and the beach was a bit under water, but still fun. Easy access in and out of the campgrounds as well as the sites," mentions Tina D. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Evening atmosphere: After a day of riding, many equestrians enjoy the natural evening light shows. "They also have little shops that allows visitors to watch loom and black smith demonstrations and the little ones can participate in candle and leather making. If you are able to survive without technology and take a little step back into a simpler life style, this is the campground for you!" shares Shannon P. about Mohican Wilderness.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most equestrian facilities close during winter months. "The campground was packed but you couldn't tell because the sites were all so spacious! Half the sites are right on the river which gives a good view and great place to fish and kayak(too cold on this trip)," notes Julia A. about Mohican Wilderness, which operates May through October.
Site selection considerations: Malabar Farm State Park Campground offers primitive camping with some challenging terrain. "Only 15 sites and most are very sloped but we had site 3 and it was okay. Lots of hiking trails and a few sites boasting the filming locations for scenes from the movie Shawshank Redemption," advises Andrea F.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies widely across the region. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," reports Andrea F. about Mohican State Park, which can affect trail navigation apps and emergency communications for riders.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Farms near camping areas provide learning experiences for children. "Louis Bromfield was a conservationist and among many other things (including winning a Pulitzer) he was in the forefront of organic and self-sustaining gardening. This place is amazing! (and would be an excellent home schoolers camping trip!)," recommends Shelly S. about Malabar Farm.
Kid-friendly amenities: Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday offers additional activities for children beyond riding. "This is our favorite KOA! I have 4 kids and return at least 1x per year. Great family owned KOA. Horseback riding on site," shares Lisa D.
Water recreation options: Families appreciate having alternative activities when not riding. "Big campground. Boat docking is available. I just love love the beach lake. Great entertainment too. New shower houses by the beach. Great staff. Very friendly and helpful," notes Karrie Kat W. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Tips from RVers
Site placement: When visiting with an RV and horses, positioning matters at Mohican State Park. "A short distance from the main campground, the B class campground features first come availability, 'walk up' spots. Quotes, because each site has a parking spot and is easily accessed by car. No level ground to be found, but far fewer neighbors than the A class, main campground," advises Jared H.
Hookup access: Ashland Fairgrounds provides basic overnight options for those traveling with horses. "Ashland fairgrounds has $20 tent sites or $35 full hookups. You may need an extension cord. All back in sites. Bathrooms are open and close by. No showers. Very clean and quiet," reports Charles K.
Seasonal RV considerations: Many horse-friendly campgrounds have limited winter access. "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," mentions Andrea F. about Mohican State Park.