5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
West Branch State Park Campground offers equestrian campsites in a designated horse camping area separate from the main campground. The horse camp accommodates both tent campers and those with horse trailers, though reviews indicate some concerns about the mixed-use arrangement. Horseback riders have access to approximately 20 miles of trails that are shared with snowmobiles during appropriate seasons. The equestrian area provides basic amenities for horses but lacks electrical hookups or water connections directly at the sites. The facility includes trash collection and toilet access. Some horse owners have noted that tent campers unfamiliar with horses occasionally create safety concerns when camping in the equestrian section.
The bridle trails at West Branch connect to the park's 5,000-acre landscape, offering varied terrain for trail riding. Horse campers should note that reservations are recommended, especially during summer months when the park sees heavy use. While the horse camping area offers fewer amenities than the main campground's full hookup sites, it provides the necessary space for horse trailers and appropriate distancing for animals. The park maintains clean facilities throughout, including bathrooms accessible to the horse camping section. Campers with horses should bring their own containment systems as no permanent corrals are available on site. The trails remain open throughout the year, though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility, particularly during wet weather or winter months.
"The bathrooms are clean and include a laundry and sinks outside to wash your dishes. Campground hosts and staff are friendly and helpful. Sites are roomy and clean. Lots of variety."
"There is no WiFi and barely one bar of cell service; your best internet access is at the nice public library 7 miles away in Ravenna Sand beach is an easy walk from all camp sites and boat trailers can"
from $30 - $52 / night
Check Availability"This park is one of my favorites in Ohio at this time. Most of the sites are some what private. There are many trails and even a fog park next to the lake."
"They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park."
from $27 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."
"Portals/parks/PDFs/parks/Maps/Beaver_Creek/beavercreekcampmap.pdf)
- 6 electric sites
- 44 non-electric sites
- Dump station
- No showers; no flush toilets
- Pets are permitted on all sites
Equestrian"
"I live near by to this state park and have spent much time exploring the entirety of it."
from $23 - $50 / night
Check Availability
TravelerYou need to make reservations well in advance for the “primo” sites. The bathrooms are clean and include a laundry and sinks outside to wash your dishes. Campground hosts and staff are friendly and helpful. Sites are roomy and clean. Lots of variety. If you’re into hiking, disc golf, kayaking, fishing, equestrian pursuits, etc, this is the park for you.
Traveler3 Immaculate bath houses all with laundry facilities, all sites have electric (no f-ing generators) and many have have water and sewer hook ups. There is no WiFi and barely one bar of cell service; your best internet access is at the nice public library 7 miles away in Ravenna Sand beach is an easy walk from all camp sites and boat trailers can be parked on your camp site Boat launch has a big trailer parking lot, too. There are hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails in the park and launching off paddle boards is ok at the boat launch or the nearby beach Friendly staff and camp hosts!
RangerThis park is one of my favorites in Ohio at this time. Most of the sites are some what private. There are many trails and even a fog park next to the lake.
GuideFirst time here. They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park. Wood is dry and cheap right outside the park entrance. Bass fishing is top notch on the lake. I would definitely come back here again and again.
LegendRanger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park
**Campground Review: **
This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences. We had no trouble pulling in at 3 pm on a Sunday after Labor Day with no reservations and snagging a very nice spot (Site 50 backs up to Kirwan Reservoir). There are two loops that are on Jay Lake where there is a beach; it was understandable that there weren’t any water view spots that had not been reserved here. A very quiet park that is well-maintained with lots of amenities. Even the rumbling of the nearby trains was on the quiet side! Nice playground with toy stocked sandpit, volleyball net, cheap laundry ($3 per load, wash and dry), dishwashing sinks, showers, and clean bathrooms. There was even a step stool for kids to be able to reach the sinks. A staffed store(9am-7pm on Sunday, 11am-7pm Monday– Thursday and 9 am– 8:30 pm on Saturday) with basic supplies and, of course, t-shirts and sweatshirts. Some of the sites have a slight grade so be cautious when selecting. Many trees that provide separation between sites. Several short hiking trails. A side note: I only saw one non-Ohio license plate besides ours in the entire park, almost like it is an Ohio secret (not anymore!)
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**Product Review: **
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, I tested the large Morsel Spork from Outdoor Element. I have to admit that when I unpacked my box from Outdoor Elements, I was surprised at how LONG our morsel sporks were(we have other sporks that are much shorter so I was expecting these to be a similar size) but then I saw a photo of someone using it with their freeze-dried meal and it was an aha moment! No need to dirty another dish because this mighty spork can reach to the bottom of the pouch with no problem! These sporks are also sturdier than others we have used. The rubber scraper edge is a nice touch – would be great for getting the last delicious bits of meals from the freeze-dried meal pouches and I’m thinking also in glass or plastic containers. A very nice addition to our camping tools.
TravelerFamily Campground on Leslie Road [map]
Equestrian Camp on Sprucevale Road
Group Camp on Sprucevale Road
LegendHere's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming resivoir with boat rental...we highly recommend renting a pontoon for the day and hanging out in the resivoir for swimming and lounging! It's both relaxing and nice to get away from the beach crowd!
ScoutStayed in two different areas of West Branch State Park while visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Very impressed with large, clean bath houses, including fully private showers. Sites were very large and spread out, visit bing lots of nice privacy. Though we did not take advantage, the park also offered horse bridle trails, mountain biking and water activities on the lake. What a gem!
GuideBeautiful area for a get away in Ohio. The beach is never too packed. You can take kayaks out and venture off around the shores.
West Branch State Park offers designated equestrian campsites approximately 15 miles southwest of Kent, Ohio. The park spans 5,379 acres with a mix of wooded terrain and open meadows suitable for trail riding. Horse camping facilities maintain a separate area from standard camping, allowing riders to keep their animals nearby while accessing the network of bridle trails that wind through the park's varied landscape.
Trail riding access: West Branch State Park provides approximately 20 miles of bridle trails that traverse rolling hills and forest areas. "There are many scenic hiking trails. We also took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear," notes Andrea F. about West Branch State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can fish directly from waterfront campsites at several parks near Kent. "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," says Katelyn P. about West Branch's lakeside sites.
Dog-friendly activities: Several parks offer dedicated pet areas. "The dog park is amazing. Theres so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing," shares Courtney C. about Mosquito Lake State Park Campground, located 25 miles east of Kent.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds near Kent offer larger-than-average camping spots. "We chose this state park because it was close and had good reviews. Overall our experience was very good. Great atmosphere and nicely wooded lots. Decent size too," says Joe F. about Mosquito Lake State Park.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "First time at this park I can see why it's always booked up. It seems like the sites are good sized but some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level. Bathrooms were clean separate showers verizon works well here," reports Joe I. about West Branch.
Waterfront access: Direct lake access for boats and water activities ranks high among camper preferences. "We camp here at least once, sometimes twice per year - we travel about 2 hours to get there. A mix of shaded and open/grassy sites. Most are great for tenting. Some sites have access to the lake for kayaking/swimming/fishing," explains Karen D. about Beaver Creek State Park Campground.
Site topography: Many campsites in the area have uneven terrain that requires preparation. "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches," warns Andrea F. about West Branch State Park.
Reservation planning: Popular equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises Alisa G. about securing spots at popular parks.
Amenity variations: Facilities differ significantly between parks and camping sections. "Unfortunately our campsite was under water due the extensive rains recently this past week and spring overall. But the staff at the camp office gave us a list of all of the open sites that we could choose from so that we could still camp, Which was nice," shares Samantha J. about Mosquito Lake State Park.
Playground access: Several parks offer child-friendly play areas. "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy," recommends Matt H. about Beaver Creek State Park.
Horseback riding experiences: For families wanting equestrian activities without bringing their own horses, some private campgrounds offer guided rides. "Took the family there and loved it. It's clean and quiet. Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly," shares Bradley B. about Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch.
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events for younger campers. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," mentions Alisa G. about weekend programming at West Branch State Park.
Leveling requirements: Bring adequate leveling equipment for sites with significant slopes. "It seems like the sites are good sized but some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level," advises Joe I. about West Branch State Park.
Water access planning: Some parks have limited water facilities. "They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank. Make sure you fill up before you go!" warns Bounding Around about Beaver Creek State Park.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs and vehicle requirements. "We're at site 160. No electricity, no hook ups, but a HUGE lakefront site. We're in a self contained RV so it's not a problem for us. Beach is right next door too!" suggests Rino S. about selecting the right spot at West Branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kent, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kent, OH is West Branch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 66 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kent, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Kent, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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