2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
West Branch State Park Campground near Wayland, Ohio provides year-round accommodations for equestrians approximately 30 miles from Kirtland. The park offers multiple sites where horses can be accommodated, though no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the facility information. Sites are set on level cement pads with fire rings and picnic tables, providing space for both camping equipment and horse trailers. Most campsites feature good tree coverage for shade. The campground maintains clean bathroom facilities with hot showers, laundry amenities, and outdoor sinks for washing dishes. Horse owners can access the park's trail system, which includes bridle paths through wooded areas.
The trail system connects riders to various parts of the 2,650-acre park and surrounding landscape. While specific equestrian trail details are limited, the park does accommodate horseback riding with designated bridle trails. Riders should note that poison ivy has been reported in wooded areas surrounding some campsites, particularly near site 163. The campground provides electric hookups at all sites, eliminating generator noise that might disturb horses. The large, spacious sites offer adequate room for both camping equipment and horse accommodations. Located approximately 30 minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, West Branch serves as a convenient base for exploring additional riding opportunities in the region. Reservations can be made online, with non-electric sites priced around $31.50 per night.
"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
"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
"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
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.
GuideFirst 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.
West Branch State Park Campground offers year-round equestrian facilities 30 miles from Kirtland, Ohio across 2,650 acres of land. The park features a network of bridle trails through wooded terrain and connects to Kirwan Reservoir, providing diverse riding environments. Campsites accommodate horse trailers with level cement pads and adequate spacing between sites for equestrian needs.
Waterfront activities: Visitors to West Branch State Park Campground can launch kayaks directly from lakefront sites. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. There are many inlets to explore or fish," notes Alisa G. The reservoir offers smooth waters for paddling and fishing opportunities.
Trail exploration: The park includes several scenic hiking options beyond the bridle paths. "There are many scenic hiking trails at West Branch. Bridal trails are located on Esworthy Rd," according to regular camper Alisa G. The trail system is well-maintained and suitable for various skill levels.
Beach access: The campground includes swimming areas for cooling off after riding. "The camper beach was small but nice and clean. We also took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear," reports Andrea F. A larger beach is available on the opposite side of the lake for those wanting more space.
Privacy between sites: Mosquito Lake State Park Campground offers spacious sites for equestrian camping about 45 miles from Kirtland. "This park is one of my favorites in Ohio at this time. Most of the sites are somewhat private. There are many trails and even a dog park next to the lake," writes Jim L.
Clean facilities: The shower facilities at West Branch receive consistent praise. "Best bathrooms around! Showers great. Bathrooms great. Lots of 'lakefront' spots. Dog park is pretty great, too! Good spot to camp for Cuyahoga Falls National Park," notes Kim B. These amenities are particularly valuable after a day of riding.
Recreational options: Beyond equestrian activities, the parks offer additional recreation. "There is a small beach at the campground but a larger one on the other side of the lake. There is a boat launch at the campground. There are playgrounds for the children," explains Alisa G., highlighting the diverse activities available when not riding.
Site conditions: Some sites at West Branch State Park Campground present leveling challenges. "Our site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke. We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches," warns Andrea F. Equestrians should select sites carefully to ensure adequate space for trailers and level ground for horses.
Reservation requirements: Securing preferred sites requires advance planning. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly," advises Alisa G. This is especially important for equestrian campers who need specific accommodations for horses and trailers.
Water management: Water access points may have design limitations. "The water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full," notes Andrea F., which could affect water supplies for horse care during longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kirtland, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kirtland, 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 Kirtland, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Kirtland, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
