8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Horse camping options are limited near Johnstown, Ohio, with no campgrounds in the immediate area offering dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities. Mohican State Park Campground, located approximately 48 miles northeast of Johnstown, provides camping options for horseback riders though without specific horse corrals. The park features extensive bridle trails connected to the camping area, with campsites that accommodate both horses and riders. Sites include electric hookups, water access, and sufficient space for horse trailers. Bathroom facilities with showers and toilets are maintained throughout the campground. The surrounding woodland setting provides natural shade for horses during summer months.
Mohican Wilderness, situated 45 miles northeast of Johnstown near Glenmont, connects to the broader Mohican trail system popular with horseback riders. Trails wind through varied terrain with multiple access points near camping areas. Dillon State Park and Pleasant Hill Lake Park also offer bridle trails within reasonable driving distance, though without dedicated horse camping facilities. Riders typically need to secure horses at their campsites using portable corrals or highlines. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring often bringing muddy sections while fall offers optimal riding weather with cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Most parks require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when equestrian campsites fill quickly.
"Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent. Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities. "
"There are tons of trails to check out all throughout the park. Kayaking on the northern side of the lake would be recommended. It gets too busy with larger boats in the main area of the lake."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $70 / night
"This state park spans over 2,000 acres and is just north of the cute Ohio town of Delaware. "
"Delaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing to us is how few people seem to know it exists!"
Available this weekend
from $35 - $40 / night
"There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."
"If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $70 / night
"Miles of well groomed horse trails available with creek crossings, steep hills and beautiful pine tree."
"As part of a nearly 200-mile bikepacking ride, this was our last stop! We spent 2 nights in their "Class B" area down in the Mohican River Valley and loved it."
Available this weekend
from $23 - $220 / night
from $60 / night
"I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."
"I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $160 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $35 / night
"They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more."
"We come back to MW each year and try to get the same sites (323-322) as they are very private with access to the water while still being super close to the store and walkable to the bathrooms:showers."
from $25 - $44 / night
"Didn’t see much of the park on Friday, but Saturday we went exploring and saw the marina, beach, horse camp area, and walked some of the bridle trails."
"Positives: Lots are spacious
- Lots of activities: WhoaZone, boating, fishing, horseback riding, near Mohican Adventures for rafting, hiking
- Quiet and with friendly staff and seasonal campers
- Large"
from $27 / night
"Not your typical going hiking kinda campground (there are trails but they are not “major”) you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm. Ohio countryside at its best."
"Lots of hiking trails and a few sites boasting the filming locations for scenes from the movie Shawshank Redemption."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $180 / night
ScoutWe camped here for the first time this year and ended up booking 2 more trips here. We just finished our last trip. We love this campsite. No other place has sites this big and give you this much space. Awesome place to camp
ScoutRight close to Columbus this campground is a staple for locals trying to just get away for the weekend. There is an amphitheater, a camper’s beach, nature center, and more all within the campground. Alum creek state park is a larger facility surrounding the campground with a public beach, walking paths, mountain bike trails, archery range, hunting areas, boat marina and more. The public beach is rather gravelly but has nice shower houses and grills available. We are attending during fall fest where they put on many activities for the campers and it is a lot of fun. You have to reserve 6 months in advance to be able to get in on fall fest unless there is a last minute cancellation. Our site is relatively flat parking, we didn’t need to level the rig. It did rain the morning we got here and the area around the fire pit was a bit muddy. The view out the back of this camp site is nice and wooded, you’re not looking at your neighbors out the back window. The sides you can definitely see each other but it’s still wooded and secluded enough between the sites here.
RangerGreat campground. My favorite is each loop has their own shower house! Nice playgrounds for kids. Nice private sites. Lots of woods and trails. Good lake for boating fishing and kayaking. Park is very clean and well maintained. They have a kids fishing pond! It’s also great for biking.
Rangerwe come back to MW a few times each year as the access to the river and quiet nature of the campground is great. The playground is nice, the store is clean and well stocked.
RangerThis campground is huge. Great for biking. Nice lake for fishing, boating and kayaking. There is a campers beach in campground. Many sites have water access. Small fishing pond. Very nice camp store. Big, wooded sites.
GuideSecond time here. Quiet, except for the birds chirping.
Only 3 other campsites in use on an August weekend.
Water and pit toilet.
Enough At&t cell service to connect, but it's not great.
RangerGood family camping ground. Most sites are wooded, kids fishing pond. Good playground. Nice shower rooms. Free putt putt and good camp store.
RangerWe return to Mohican wilderness a few times each year and love the sites we choose right on the river.
Most sites here are wide open field sites and would not suite our style of camping.
Bathrooms are typically clean.
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.
Equestrian camping options expand beyond Mohican State Park near Johnstown, Ohio. The region features a mix of forest and lake terrain with elevations ranging from 960 to 1,200 feet. Most horse trails open from April through October, though spring conditions often include muddy patches requiring careful navigation.
Trail riding at Pleasant Hill Lake Park: The campground maintains several miles of bridle trails winding through wooded areas. "This is the second park we have stayed at that is part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and so far I am impressed. Large landscape sites that are full hookup with large concrete pads. Each with its own picnic table and fire pit. They also have a boat dock for the campers to use," notes Andrea F.
Fishing and wildlife viewing: Delaware State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots along with wildlife habitats. "Great pheasant hunting," reports Michael P., highlighting the park's diverse outdoor activities beyond horseback riding.
Visit nearby working farms: Malabar Farm State Park Campground provides unique agricultural experiences. "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!)" writes Shelly S.
River access for cooling off: Mohican Wilderness features spacious sites along the river where riders can rest after trail excursions. "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," says Andrea F.
Privacy between sites: "The sites are spacious and with the option to park your trailer where you want (grass sites). They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more," reports Shannon P. about Mohican Wilderness.
Natural camping atmosphere: Blue Rock State Park Campground features a creek-side setting popular with horse owners. "A cool feature is a few of the sites have pavilion type covered patios that you can pitch your tent in to help stay dry during inclimate weather," explains Shelly S.
Seasonal water availability: In winter months, potable water stations may be limited at many campgrounds. At Mohican State Park, "there is potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open. The water at the full hook up sites are turned off," reports Andrea F.
Varied terrain for different riding levels: The region features trails from beginner to advanced. "Lots of hiking trails and a few sites boasting the filming locations for scenes from the movie Shawshank Redemption," notes Andrea F. about Malabar Farm.
Limited cell service: Many horse campgrounds have spotty connectivity. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," cautions Andrea F. about Mohican State Park, so download maps before arrival.
Educational opportunities: Alum Creek State Park Campground offers programs suitable for young riders. "Plenty to do for everyone. A great dog park with lake entrance for the pups. There is also some mountain bike trails," says Jill B.
Multiple recreation options: When not riding, kids can enjoy other activities. "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)," shares Jenny C.
Child-friendly facilities: Look for sites with play areas near bridle trails. "Delaware has been our favorite. The site we were on was set back in the woods. My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site," explains Ashley R.
Full hookup availability: Hocking Hills State Park Campground has improved its facilities for RVers with horses. "We enjoyed a full hookup site. The spots aren't very spacious but there's lots of trees nearby and an easy walk to get to Old Mans Cave," shares Elana C.
Site selection considerations: Choose RV sites that accommodate horse trailers. "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them. Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," advises Katelyn P. about Alum Creek.
Seasonal planning: "Reservations only, most sites are level and spacious. There is a general store on site with firewood, propane, food items, gifts, camping gear, (hitch pins even, I lost mine)," notes Meghan H. about Hocking Hills, highlighting the importance of securing spots early for horse camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Johnstown, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Johnstown, OH is Alum Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 82 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Johnstown, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Johnstown, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
