Equestrian camping near Kilbourne, Ohio offers varying options throughout the year with autumn temperatures typically ranging from 40-65°F, making it ideal for trail riding without summer heat. The region features moderate elevation changes with trails climbing up to 300 feet in some areas, creating challenging sections for horses on longer routes. Most horse-friendly camping areas experience periodic closures during hunting seasons.
What to do
Trail riding on bridle paths: Mohican State Park provides over 22 miles of bridle trails through varied terrain. A camper noted, "Lots of hiking trails and waterfalls. Free hike-in camping available here too" at Mohican State Park Campground.
Explore wooded terrain: Delaware State Park offers riding trails with natural obstacles and varied scenery. As one visitor mentions, "This is probably our favourite state park we have been to thus far. We went camping early October in tents. It was cold but it was so much fun. The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy" at Delaware State Park Campground.
Swimming with horses: Pleasant Hill Lake provides lake access where horses can cool off after trail rides. A camper shares, "Big campground. Boat docking is available. I just love love the beach lake. Great entertainment too" at Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground.
Seasonal trail events: Several parks host organized trail rides during spring and fall months. Pack appropriate seasonal gear as one camper warns about Delaware State Park, "We did not swim due to it being in the 60s and rainy during most of our stay."
What campers like
Spacious sites for trailers: Alum Creek offers sites that accommodate horse trailers with room for portable corral setups. A camper notes, "Space and privacy...the two things that bring me back to this campground year after year. We have never had a 'bad' campsite at the Alum Creek State Park Campground."
Water access for horses: Multiple locations feature streams or lake access points for horse watering. At Mohican Wilderness, a visitor mentions, "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" at Mohican Wilderness.
Seasonal differences: Fall offers the most comfortable temperatures for horse camping. One camper at Pleasant Hill shares, "We stayed there because we were planning a visit to the Prairie Peddler. It was almost completely empty so it was a nice weekend."
Separation between sites: Natural buffers create privacy between camping areas. As one camper describes Alum Creek: "The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush. Beautiful walking trails."
What you should know
Primitive facilities at some locations: Many equestrian-friendly sites offer basic amenities only. At Malabar Farm State Park Campground, facilities are described as "Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground."
Weekday availability: Horse camping spots are easier to secure Monday-Thursday. One camper at Delaware State Park noted, "The campground was really nice and quiet when we stayed there which was during the week and in the spring and not very crowded."
Trail conditions vary: Recent rainfall can create muddy sections on trails. An Alum Creek visitor warned, "First Campground site I went to had a large mud puddle full of hornets. I asked to move site and was accommodated. It was right after a heavy rain storm."
Reservation requirements: Most sites allow booking 6 months in advance. At Pleasant Hill, you'll find "They have recently put a lot of money in upgrading their campground. There are many seasonal sites but plenty of transient as well."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly trail sections: Several parks offer shorter, gentler trails for young riders. At Delaware State Park, "My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site. We did not swim due to it being in the 60s and rainy during most of our stay but we did go look at the beach it was very clean and appears well cared for."
Non-riding activities: Plan alternative activities for non-riders. Buck Creek provides options as one visitor shared: "We camped here in our camper in early July 2017. There are a lot of things to do in the area. We visited the Ohio Caverns. The tour is worth the money, the 'gem' mining was fun for our younger kids" at Buck Creek State Park Campground.
Horse safety measures: Bring portable fencing that meets park requirements. One camper at Pleasant Hill noted, "The bike/walking paths for kids/adults is a great addition for campers with young kids."
Best family sites: Request spots with natural boundaries to contain horses and children. A visitor at Delaware State Park observed, "They have sites that are all grass, sites with grass and woods and sites that are all woods. Whether you have an RV, tent, or looking to hammock camp, they can help you out."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most horse-friendly sites offer electric only. At Mohican State Park, one RVer mentioned, "No cell service with Verizon at this park."
Size restrictions: Standard RV sites have length restrictions, typically 40 feet maximum. For Pleasant Hill, a camper advised, "We have stayed mostly in area E and the new F side of the campground. The new F sites have concrete pads and plenty of space. Only lacking in mature trees to offer shade."
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian camping areas may have tight turns. A camper at Alum Creek noted, "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them. Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather."
Water access for cleaning: Water spigots may be limited near horse sites. At Buck Creek, "Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them. It was a bit of a drive back into the campground, probably 3 1/2 miles."
