5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Mohican State Park Campground offers horse-friendly camping with miles of well-groomed bridle trails featuring creek crossings, steep hills, and pine trees. The primitive horse camp accommodates equestrians with designated areas to tie horses at the entrance with high lines. Dogs are welcome to accompany riders on the trails. The campground provides both Class A camping with modern amenities and Class B primitive sites. The park maintains 10 free park-and-pack primitive campsites located about a mile hike in, with 6 specifically situated along the horse trails on a first-come, first-served basis.
The bridle trail system connects riders throughout the Mohican State Forest area, allowing for extended riding opportunities beyond the immediate campground. Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground also features horse camping facilities in a dedicated horse camp area. Riders access numerous trails directly from both campgrounds, with well-maintained paths suitable for various skill levels. The trails remain open year-round, though seasonal conditions affect accessibility. Many equestrians appreciate the spacious sites that accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers. Water access points along the trails provide natural drinking opportunities for horses during rides. The primitive nature of the horse camping areas creates a more secluded experience compared to the main campgrounds, which can become crowded during summer months.
"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."
from $27 - $220 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $23 - $180 / night
Check Availability
GuideMiles of well groomed horse trails available with creek crossings, steep hills and beautiful pine tree. There’s a primitive horse camp as well, and places to tie horses at the entrance with high lines. Dogs are welcome to.
LegendAs 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.
The oddly named “Class A” camping area offers everything from full-hook up camping slots for campers large and small, as well as just electric sites and 10 “walk-in” primitive sites, and cabins -- all of which are reservable. This area has all the bells and whistles of a modern campground with an environmental learning center, a nice outdoor pool, clean showers and bathrooms, an extensive playground and hiking and mountain biking trails right out the front door.
The “Class B” area offers 25 primitive sites on a first-come, first-served basis. It is almost 6 miles by road from the “A” services, but only a 2-mile flatish hike along the river trail. At these sites, there are only pit toilets and a water pump. Each site has a picnic table and a small fire ring. There is also a large group camping area just a few miles away from the primitive “Class B” area.
Tubing and canoeing are available within the park, but there are also several canoe outfitters in the area which provide rental / pick up services. The sheer number of these businesses makes me think that summer time can be crowded!!
Beautiful shaded trails meander all throughout the park and they boast some of the most challenging mountain biking in the mid-west, so read your trail maps. Hiking, equestrian and winter snowmobile trails also offer some great opportunities to get out and stretch your legs throughout the year. There is also a safe and convenient, bike lane / bike path into nearby Loudonville, which has a small grocery story and the usual fast-food restaurants.
Note: The only reason why this park didn't get a 5 star was due to their customer service. It was absolutely lousy, confusing, and the young folks working behind the counter acted as if they didn't want to be there and/or hadn't been trained. We almost left, but since we had cycled 42 miles to get there that day, we chose to stay and enjoyed our time in their Class B sites.
GuideNear the bridal trails you'll find Park and Pack site #4. It's a great spot if your legs are tired after a long day of hiking or if you did too many hills that day. Or if you're a beginner camper, or family that want to try something new, it's easy to walk into and out of. You'll find campsite #4 near the horse pavilion and a large wood barn where it looks that wood is provided. The trail itself is flat, wide and conditions depend on recent rainfall and horse use. It was mostly dry with some muddy areas to navigate around. You'll need to transport it back to camp somehow by pack or a cart/wheelbarrow... It has creative man made benches from logs/branches, a great view for sunset. Per paper maps it looks like it's among the other campsites but actually it's on its own and the opposite side of the multiple bridal trailhead.
TravelerMohican offers great accommodations and clean facilities. It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun. Trailheads are located right of the grounds and the surrounding area is full of great things to do. If swimming is your thing the pool is clean and well maintained and situated between two ridgelines so you float and stare around at wooded hillsides. Great after a day of hiking or crushing the mountain biking trails. Grab a walk-in site or one by the river. No problems with hammocks in sites we chose but not all sites have enough mature trees.
LegendI found Malabar Farm in Lucas, OH on my way home from Mom’s house. Never heard of it before and I have been this way for over 20 years now. 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!) 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. Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground. There’s also a small rentable cabin open year round. Definitely worth a visit and very family oriented events. ( your teenager will roll their eyes at you but probably secretly enjoy the visit)
ScoutThis is a family friendly campground with lots to do. They offer on river and off river sites. Open grassy or wooded 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. They also have little shops that allows visitors to watch loom and black smith demonstrations and the little ones can participate in candle and leather making. If you are able to survive without technology and take a little step back into a simpler life style, this is the campground for you!
LegendThis trip was memorable for so many reasons but the Chestnuts really make this park stand out. The park has several Chestnut trees which is usually a rare find these days. Later on, I found a sign explaining why the park had so many Chestnut trees. They are working to bring them back. We used our grubstick to roast them over the open fire. Many of us fondly think of the Christmas song but how often have you roasted your own Chestnuts while camping?
The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site. Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace. More space and great neighbors.
The camp store at this park had a lot of great things such as corn hole outside, a mining activity for the family, trikes you could rent, and most importantly ice cream.
The camp store is right across from the pool. The pool is currently closed but not many state parks in Ohio have a pool right in the camp ground area. This is a rare treat. The pool had the traditional pool, kiddo pool, and small splash pad. You could also see where they had installed a curb cut for those in wheel chairs or needing ramps. No pool lift that I could see to help someone lower in and out of the pool. This may be put away for the season so call to find out. They also had a ramp installed that led up to the pool. One side the old steps and the other side a new ADA ramp.
The fire wood was in a white bag and that made it easy to move and kept the car clean which I appreciated. They also had bait so if you wanted to walk behind the pool and continue to the river it wouldn't be far to go fishing.
The shower house by us did not have an ADA bathroom and I didn't get a chance to look for the ADA shower.
Behind the campsites (our section) you could grab a short trail to the river. This was a lovely surprise as I followed a foot path. We opted not to do the overlook hike to the gorge as we had fellow campers with us that couldn't do a long hike for safety reasons. It as a nice surprise to learn that one could also drive to the overlook if they need to and all parties could enjoy the view together. Two different ways to get to the same place which means if you need to split up your campers based on physical skills then you could do so and then eat at the shelter together.
The camp ground has been FULL several times this season so make sure you make your reservations. This park also has a way for you to put on and take out of the river. You will see folks walking around with their inner tubes as they will float down the small section.
We also drove 10 miles away to the Mohican Lodge to treat ourselves to some food and an OSU Football game at the bar downstairs. The bar has a great back patio and view of the lake. It too has a variety of games in the back patio. They were awesome and turned on the closed caption feature for us. Those of us that wanted to watched the game and others were able to play various games at the lodge (Ping pong, pool, read a book by the fire, go see the owls on site, and more).
The pool at the lodge is being redone at the moment. I may try to upload that information later. So look for it to be new and improved. The pool also has a sauna for those that need some help to warm up/relax tight muscles. Usually, you can get a day pass for the lodge pool even when you are staying at the camp sites. This is a small fee but well worth it.
While we were at the lodge an outside non-profit group was there with 2 owls. We hope to drive up to Mansfield sometime to explore their property (90 acres) with birds they have rescued or are helping. https://www.ohiobirdsanctuary.com/ they come to the lodge usually on Sat evening at 7 PM.
For those who are a fan of Shawshank Redemption the movie you are an easy day trip away from the Mansfield Reformatory. https://www.mrps.org/explore/tours
ScoutThere are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites. There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails, first come first serve, no reservations. love them!
LegendTook me some miles but I figured it out. Highly suggest a map from the info center or other office. Nice , snug camping that's well maintained and connected to the trail system once you figure it out...This is a beautiful, hilly, scenic area, loved it. Horse, Bike and foot traffic.
Equestrian camping near LaGrange, Ohio offers direct access to over 30 miles of forest trails through hardwood-pine landscapes at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region's clay-based soil drains slowly after rain, making trail conditions variable throughout spring and fall. Most horseback trails connect multiple campgrounds through a network system that crosses numerous small streams.
Trail riding with creek views: Mohican Wilderness maintains river-adjacent riding paths where riders can access the Mohican River. "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," notes Andrea F. about Mohican Wilderness.
Winter riding opportunities: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground maintains limited winter trail access when conditions permit, though services are reduced. According to Joseph E., "We had a great time at Pleasant Hill. We stayed there because we were planning a visit to the Prairie Peddler. It was almost completely empty so it was a nice weekend but the sites if everything was full is very cramped."
Visit Malabar Farm: Tour this working conservation farm with hitching posts at primitive campsites and agricultural demonstrations. "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," explains Shelly S. about Malabar Farm State Park Campground.
Canoe alongside trail riding: Combine horseback riding with river activities on the same trip. "We go every year and do the 20 mile kayaking trip, such a nice little spot along the river & the best way to kick off summer!" shares Lexi K. about Mohican Wilderness.
Large sites with horse accommodations: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground offers spacious sites that work well for horse trailers. "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," reports Michelle H.
Free primitive pack-in sites: Several locations offer no-cost backcountry sites for those willing to hike in. "There are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites. There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails, first come first serve, no reservations," explains John H. about Mohican State Park Campground.
Multiple trail difficulty options: Riders find both novice and advanced trail sections throughout the system. "The hiking trails are great with a covered bridge, overlook and waterfalls. The sites are nice and large with lots of trees throughout the park," notes Andrea F. about Mohican State Park Campground.
Year-round accessibility: Some camping areas remain open through winter months with reduced services. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," adds Andrea F. about winter camping at Mohican State Park Campground.
Seasonal popularity impacts availability: Summer months see highest occupancy, particularly for riverside sites. William P. shares about Mohican Wilderness: "I have been going to Mohican Wilderness since the Early 90's. Not a whole lot has changed since then. There is a new office and parking area that is top notch. The campsites are huge and usually shaded."
Limited cell service: Most forest areas have poor or nonexistent mobile coverage. "It was great to be screen free for a couple days," mentions Heidi L. about Mohican Wilderness.
Trail closures after heavy rain: Clay soil becomes hazardous for horses after precipitation. Multiple campgrounds may close trails simultaneously during wet periods.
Winter water access: "Camping in the off season is our favorite time of year. This particular park has potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open. The water at the full hook up sites are turned off," notes Andrea F. about Mohican State Park Campground.
Horse-friendly activities for non-riders: Ashland Fairgrounds provides nearby overnight camping with easy fairground access. "Ashland fairgrounds has $20 tent sites or $35 full hookups. You may need an extension cord. All back in sites. Bathrooms are open and close by," explains Charles K.
Swimming options near riding trails: Several campgrounds offer water recreation alongside equestrian facilities. "The lake is an all sport lake so there is fishing, tubing, jet skis and kayaking. The marina has boat rentals available," explains Michelle H. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Family-focused educational components: "This is a family friendly campground with lots to do. They offer on river and off river sites. Open grassy or wooded sites The sites are spacious and with the option to park your trailer where you want (grass sites). They also have little shops that allows visitors to watch loom and black smith demonstrations," shares Shannon P. about Mohican Wilderness.
Limited hookup availability: Malabar Farm State Park Campground offers primitive camping only. "This campground is all non electric. We did run our generator during that day but kept it off at night so we didn't disturb other campers. Only 15 sites and most are very sloped but we had site 3 and it was okay," advises Andrea F.
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds prohibit generator use, particularly during evening hours. Check each location's specific rules.
Concrete pads at select locations: "We arrived Friday late afternoon and set up in the rain. 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. They also have playgrounds that are open and some food trucks in case you don't want to cook," shares Andrea F. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground.
Riverside RV camping: "We tent camped at one of the primitive riverfront sites. Site 810 in the Narrows. Our site was a little muddy and a little smaller than other sites but overall we were very happy with the campground," reports CampgroundKaren about Mohican Wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near LaGrange, OH is Mohican State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near LaGrange, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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