2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
West Branch State Park Campground features a dedicated equestrian camping area with 29 primitive sites where horses and tent campers share space. The horse camping section sits in the back of the campground, providing direct access to 20 miles of bridle trails throughout the 5,000-acre park. Each site includes tie-ups for horses, though some campers report that tent campers occasionally book these sites without horses, creating potential safety concerns. The equestrian sites lack electricity and water hookups, contrasting with the full-hookup options available in the main campground. Multiple reviews note that camp hosts in the horse area work diligently to educate non-equestrian campers about horse safety.
The bridle trails at West Branch connect to a larger trail network that accommodates both horses and seasonal snowmobiles. Located approximately 15 miles from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the campground serves as a convenient base for exploring additional riding opportunities in the region. Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, another equestrian-friendly option near Lakemore, offers 18 miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding. The park maintains a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites in the same camping area. Beaver Creek State Park provides a separate equestrian camp on Sprucevale Road with 59 primitive sites, vault latrines, and tie-ups. Twelve of these sites can be reserved in advance, while the remaining operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
"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"
Available this weekend
from $29 - $55 / night
"Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $23 - $80 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 - $50 / night
"Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too."
"Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks. Four stars because it is not a vast wilderness adjacent experience."
from $10 - $20 / night
"Bathrooms are open and close by. No showers. Very clean and quiet. There were 4 others staying here. All were nice. If you arrive after hours grab an envelope and drop payment in an envelope."
from $20 - $35 / night
ScoutI struggled making a reservation online, you need an account and it wouldn’t let me make one but i was able to call in and reserve a spot same day. I’m traveling to the east coast and just needed a place to pitch a tent for the night. worked perfect.
GuideWe were passing through on a weeknight in mid September. Many open sites. Sites are paved and many are sloped. Most are shaded. Our site #41 was fairly level with electricity. Close to huge bathhouse with flush toilets, showers and laundry. High above the lake with views through the trees. Appeared there were many long term campers but just as good for our short overnight stay. Online registration. $45 for electric only site.
GuideMosquito Lake gets a bad rap because of its name. We had such a great time launching our kayak from our campsite! I’ve attached a highlighted map marked with the sights on or very close to the water to launch a kayak. Additional kayak launch sites available around the park if you can’t get one of these. It’s great campground if you have kids or a dog. Plenty of great playgrounds and a dog park/dog beach. The camp host was very nice and welcoming. The wash house has laundry and showers. Everything was clean.
GuideHad a nice stay at the Camp Site A tent site, which they label as their ADA Accessible site.
Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too.
Pros:
Cons:
FAQ:
GuideI've heard there are campgrounds that discriminate against car camping, first time experiencing it. There are many sites where people have a LARGE camper, a car, and multiple tents spread out over a large area. We have 2 SUV's with tents that attach to the backs. We followed all the rules and are taking up about HALF of our site. We were told that is not allowed. When asked for reasoning and comparing to what we've seen around the park, we get no clear answer that makes sense. We are here with a group that rented about 20 sites. After spending 4 hours setting everything up, she says one may have to leave; she's waiting to hear from her boss. I will definitely never return here!
ScoutWhen we arrived, we checked in at the camp office. The ladies there were very kind. The roads through the campground are wide enough for two-way traffic and nicely paved.
This is a beautiful, heavily treed campground. Even on Memorial Day weekend with lots of people, the park was very peaceful. The sounds of birds permeate the air round the clock. Chipmunks run amok. They’re just so cute.
We booked site 56 for our 39’ fifth wheel. As soon as we pulled up, we knew there was no way we’d fit even though the reservation site said it would accommodate a 40’ rig. The camp hosts happened to be passing by as we were surveying the site. They were very helpful redirecting us to a nearby site that would be more suitable. FYI, sites 55 and 56 have deep culverts on either side. One wrong turn and you’re going to have a problem. The majority of sites along our road were just wide enough to keep the tires out of the dirt, but not wide enough for the stairs to land on asphalt. If you have a motorhome or other wide-bodied rig, like an Alliance Paradigm, I would recommend choosing one of the sites on the loop around the playground. Those are better suited for newer big rigs.
TIP…the line at the dump station is long on the holiday weekends. Plan accordingly.
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.
ScoutWe live really close so we stay at mosquito for our first stay every year. This year we were disappointed. They had no staff there to check us in, the signs says closed Monday through Wednesday. Bathrooms were supposed to be open because we stayed April 16th, but only some of them were. (Even though online states April 1st they reopen). Some sites are more wet than others. We stayed at site 54 this time. The pad was very narrow and it was wet around it (it has been raining a lot). The person before us must have purchased a $12 bale of hay that they were selling up front because there was hay everywhere. Wish they would just put gravel down.
Otherwise, it's quiet. We love the nature play area for the kids. We love the playgrounds.
When they are open, the bathrooms are very clean. The shower house is dated but clean. Far walk from every site basically as they put it on the main road between both loops.
ScoutSimple site, gravel park pad, fire pit with swinging arm grill. Plenty of free firewood. Great place would stay again
Equestrian camping near Lakemore, Ohio offers diverse terrain options across several state parks within an hour's drive. The region sits within Ohio's glaciated Allegheny Plateau, featuring rolling hills with elevations between 900-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide more moderate camping conditions with occasional rainfall.
Trail riding access: At Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, riders can access 18 miles of multi-use trails directly from camp. "Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping... 18 miles of multi use trails!" notes reviewer Theresa.
Fishing opportunities: West Branch State Park provides excellent fishing access from waterfront campsites. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. There are many inlets to explore or fish," says Alisa G. The 5,000-acre park contains numerous coves and quiet areas for bank fishing.
Winter trail use: Trails at several equestrian campgrounds convert to snowmobile routes during winter months. "Direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park," mentions Tracy H. about Beaver Creek State Park Campground, where trails remain open year-round for various activities.
Large, level campsites: Mosquito Lake State Park Campground offers spacious sites for equestrian camping. "The sites are huge. The dog park is amazing. Theres so much to do here," writes Courtney C. The park maintains separate camping areas to accommodate horses.
Clean facilities: West Branch maintains well-kept amenities that riders appreciate after trail time. "The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean. There is even a book exchange shelf at the shower house in case of rainy days," reports Alisa G. Multiple reviewers mention the campground's attention to cleanliness.
Privacy between sites: West Branch State Park Campground offers good separation between camping areas. "West Branch has private, spacious, shady sites," notes one camper. Another mentions, "There are little hideaway trails everywhere, making for a fun adventure! The campgrounds were a bit crowded, but good grounds, tucked away from the noises of the busy world."
Water access limitations: Some equestrian campgrounds have restricted water supply. At Jefferson Lake, "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets... All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal," reports Eddie.
Site elevation concerns: Many campsites in the region have uneven terrain. At Jefferson Lake State Park, "Some sites are small and very sloped. Others have lots of room to spread out," according to Kellie A. Always check site details when booking for horse trailers.
Seasonal water conditions: Beaver Creek State Park Campground warns about limited water resources. "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!" advises one reviewer.
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks offer shorter loop trails suitable for young riders. "The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers," notes a visitor about West Branch. Families can alternate between riding and other activities.
Weekend activities: Mosquito Lake State Park Campground hosts regular events for families. "Will do movie nights on the weekends," mentions Karen D. Another camper adds, "There is an epic playground for kids. If your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters."
Nature exploration: Look for parks with educational opportunities. "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it," writes Shay D. about Beaver Creek, providing history lessons alongside riding experiences.
Site selection for trailers: When bringing horse trailers to Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday, check specific site dimensions. "Great family owned KOA. Horseback riding on site," says Lisa D. The campground accommodates both personal horses and offers trail rides.
Hookup considerations: Jefferson Lake has limited electrical options for equestrian sites. "Only 5 electric sites... Only 2 electric eq sites. Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord," notes Eddie. Bring extension cords and water containers for these limited-service areas.
Leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling for RVs and horse trailers. "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches," reports one camper about site conditions. Pack plenty of leveling blocks when camping with horses in this region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lakemore, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lakemore, OH is West Branch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 69 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lakemore, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Lakemore, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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