2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Van Buren State Park Campground features dedicated horse camping areas with newly installed pens that allow horses to be kept untethered rather than tied up. The campground provides electric hookups at most sites and maintains clean facilities throughout the grounds. Located approximately 20 minutes from Lima, this quiet park offers both standard camping and specialized equestrian areas. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping setups while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere even during busy periods. Pit toilets are available and regularly maintained, though the park does not offer shower facilities. Horse owners should note that reservations must be made by phone or online, as walk-in camping is not permitted.
The extensive trail system at Van Buren State Park provides excellent riding opportunities for equestrians. Trails wind through diverse terrain and connect to various sections of the park, making it ideal for both short rides and longer excursions. The horse camp area is designed specifically for equestrian needs with ample space for horse trailers and equipment. Water access points are available throughout the grounds, though potable water can be difficult to obtain in some areas. The campground remains accessible year-round, with some visitors even enjoying winter activities like cross-country skiing on the trails. The dump station is located in a separate section of the park, requiring a short drive from the main camping area. The relatively flat, shaded campsites provide comfortable accommodations for both horses and their owners.
"Since Van Buren State park is an easy 20 minutes away from home for me, i visit there often. it is clean and quiet, they dont get too busy and loud."
"It’s a small campground with one side as equestrian and the other side not. All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. There were only drop toilets and no showers."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"I may be biased, with it being close to home, but they have a lot for the kids to do. Beach, volleyball net, playground. Plenty of water locations. For me the bathrooms are unusable."
"This park is know for the lake that is kayak and canoe friendly since it doesn’t allow any kind of boat with a motor. It also features a beach , 2 playgrounds and several hiking trails."
from $25 - $55 / night
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ScoutSince Van Buren State park is an easy 20 minutes away from home for me, i visit there often. it is clean and quiet, they dont get too busy and loud. the horse camp is nice with some new pens to keep your horse instead of them having to be tied up. They keep the restrooms clean, but no flush toilets, which dont bother me. My only complaint about Van Buren State park is that there are no shower facilities.
LegendWe stayed one night on our way to IN. We’ve never been here before and wanted to check it off our list. It’s a small campground with one side as equestrian and the other side not. All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. There were only drop toilets and no showers. They were clean but I don’t think I’d want to do more than a weekend there. It had a nice playground for kids and plenty of trails to hike or go horseback riding. They also had a dog park and small wildflower garden. The check in cabin had ice and wood for sale but no store. Our site was really nice. The pads were recently paved and had a huge bumper at the end. The fire ring was nice and the site had plenty of space for tents.
TravelerWe stayed during the week for one night. Campground was clean and quiet, had electric hookups at most sites. Host was very friendly. They also have a camp area for horses. Only criticism is you have to drive to another area of the park for an RV dump.
TravelerCampground is small but well maintained. Hiking is great. Probably better for people with horses. Electric did not work at all sites. Pit toilets did not seem sufficient for all camp sites.
RangerVan Buren State Park is very easy to access from I-75. It has tons of trails and a pond. There are a few places to car camp or RV camp nearby. I love getting out of town and visiting Van Buren State Park, and I have lots of good memories. It gets 4 stars because I now live in Montana and Montana camping outshines Ohio, but I can't bash on Van Buren State Park at all.
GuideThis park has a beautiful lake and nice (although short) hiking trails. The problem is that there is no running water- no showers and smelly pit toilets. There is one spigot for drinking water.
Beware that the campsites are mostly in one big grassy field with no shade. I'd pick a site along the perimeter or along the lake.
This park is overrun with feral cats (or it was when I was there). Some people might think that is cute. I consider feral cats to be wild animals that carry disease. What's really bad about them is that they've been fed so they are comfortable around people. We spent the whole weekend trying to fend them off- every time our backs were turned, they jumped up on our picnic table. They ate our food, which we had to throw away. When we sat by the fire, they rubbed up against our legs, which is disgusting, considering they carry Bartonella, which is transmitted through their fleas and ticks (Bartonella is a co-infection of Lyme, or you can get it on its own. I know- I've had it since middle school. Feral cats probably carry Lyme too, as they are mammals). I can't express how stressful it was, trying to keep these wild cats away from us the entire weekend. I don't know why the park can't get them under control.
Sure, cat people will be offended by my statement, but would you want raccoons or skunks up on your table, eating out of your pots and pans? Would you want raccoons rubbing up against you while you are trying to relax? These cats are also wild animals, yet way too tame for comfort. Ugh,I shudder remembering it.
ScoutIt’s my favorite campground so far. I may be biased, with it being close to home, but they have a lot for the kids to do. Beach, volleyball net, playground. Plenty of water locations. For me the bathrooms are unusable. Often a lot of bees swarming the bathrooms on top of the smell. I like that they have activities throughout the day for kids on the weekends. Also have a nice camp store/marina with canoe and kayak rentals at a reasonable price.
TravelerVery nice, clean, people and staff very friendly. You must reserve a spot by phone or online only, no walk ins. I made my reservation while standing at the visitor cabin
LegendThis park is know for the lake that is kayak and canoe friendly since it doesn’t allow any kind of boat with a motor. It also features a beach , 2 playgrounds and several hiking trails. Just be careful if you hike with dogs since some trails intersect with a nature preserve which doesn’t allow pets.
The campground itself has 20 electric sites , 56 primitive sites and 4 camper cabins. All the electric sites are pull through and all sites have a fire pit but only the electric sites come with picnic tables.
Due to off season and COVID the camp store is closed and there is no camper host or park office staff around.
We did notice lots of downed trees on the poorly marked hiking trails. Some trails just started but no maps were around and no trails were blazed. It was hard to tell where we were headed or how long a trail was. I tried using the new Detour app and it wasn’t very accurate for this park.
We did have good Verizon cell coverage.
Van Buren State Park Campground offers specialized facilities for horse enthusiasts looking for equestrian camping near Lima, Ohio. The campground features dedicated areas with newly installed horse pens that allow horses to remain untethered rather than tied up. Located approximately 20 minutes from Lima, this quiet park provides electric hookups at most sites while maintaining clean facilities throughout the grounds. The extensive trail system winds through diverse terrain, making it ideal for riders seeking both short excursions and longer trail adventures.
Explore quiet trails: Kiser Lake State Park provides numerous hiking options with varying terrain. "We really enjoy Kiser Lake, although there is only one spot for camping that we prefer. It is the only spot that it doesn't feel like you are right on top of your neighbors and actually has some tree coverage. As far as hiking goes, it's on the limited side, but we had a great time kayaking there," notes Mandi B.
Winter recreation: Cold weather doesn't stop outdoor activities near Lima. Van Buren State Park Campground remains accessible during winter months. "I came cross country skiing here in early January and it was absolutely amazing. It is cold but the terrain is simple for first time skiers," says Kevin T.
Non-motorized boating: Several lakes in the region cater to paddlers seeking peaceful waters. "This park is know for the lake that is kayak and canoe friendly since it doesn't allow any kind of boat with a motor. It also features a beach, 2 playgrounds and several hiking trails," explains Andrea F. about Kiser Lake State Park Campground.
Peaceful atmosphere: Equestrian camping areas near Lima tend to be less crowded. "We stayed during the week for one night. Campground was clean and quiet, had electric hookups at most sites. Host was very friendly. They also have a camp area for horses," reports Nicole G.
Waterfront views: Many sites offer scenic lake views that enhance the camping experience. "We camped on lot 57 and the view of the lake was awesome! The new bathhouse is open year round," shares Brad H. about his stay at Kiser Lake.
Well-maintained grounds: Campgrounds in the region prioritize cleanliness and upkeep. "Small campground with one side as equestrian and the other side not. All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. The pads were recently paved and had a huge bumper at the end. The fire ring was nice and the site had plenty of space for tents," notes Shannon G. about Van Buren State Park.
Limited facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds near Lima offer basic amenities. "There were only drop toilets and no showers. They were clean but I don't think I'd want to do more than a weekend there," advises Shannon G. about Van Buren State Park.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential for equestrian camping sites. "Campground is small but well maintained. Hiking is great. Probably better for people with horses. Electric did not work at all sites. Pit toilets did not seem sufficient for all camp sites," Alysha W. comments.
Seasonal considerations: Fall camping requires awareness of natural conditions. "Don't get a site in the back under the walnut trees in the fall. They drop all day & night long," warns John L. about his experience at Kiser Lake State Park.
Playground access: Select sites near recreational facilities for convenient child entertainment. "It had a nice playground for kids and plenty of trails to hike or go horseback riding. They also had a dog park and small wildflower garden," Shannon G. mentions about Van Buren.
Weekend activities: Many parks offer scheduled events for younger visitors. "I like that they have activities throughout the day for kids on the weekends. Also have a nice camp store/marina with canoe and kayak rentals at a reasonable price," shares Andrew L. about Kiser Lake.
Site selection strategy: Choose middle spots for families with children. "Some of the sites are small so you have to be careful which you site you reserve if you're a tent camper. The outside of the circle is your best bet and there's a few scattered in the middle. If you can get a good middle spot it's nice if you have kids since there's a playground, swings, basketball, and tether court," advises Brendan V. about Van Buren State Park Campground.
Hookup limitations: Most equestrian campgrounds near Lima offer partial hookups only. "The campground has no full hookups but does have electric. RV sites have a view of the lake. Sites are clean and paved. For $29 nightly it's a good campground," notes Aaliya B. about Kiser Lake State Park.
Dump station locations: Plan for separate dumping facilities away from camping areas. "Only criticism is you have to drive to another area of the park for an RV dump," explains Nicole G. about Van Buren State Park.
Level sites: Most equestrian camping areas feature flat terrain suitable for RVs. "I love this place. Its a smaller campground with only two loops of sites, but its flat, shaded, and comfortable. No showers, but clean and sturdy pit toilets with centralized well water," states Joseph N.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lima, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lima, OH is Van Buren State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
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