Best Equestrian Camping near Lithopolis, OH

Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground offers camping facilities for equestrians in the Laurelville area, approximately 30 miles southeast of Lithopolis, Ohio. The campground features 44 campsites that accommodate both horse owners and hikers, with water and electric hookups available at each site. Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, toilets, and shower facilities. Horse trailers can be parked directly at campsites, which are designed with sufficient space for both camping equipment and equine companions. The campground maintains trash disposal services and allows pets alongside horses. Campground roads remain suitable for larger rigs and horse trailers, with sites specifically configured to accommodate the needs of equestrian campers.

The Zaleski State Forest Horse Camp provides a more primitive horse camping experience near McArthur, about 40 miles south of Lithopolis. This free camping area offers basic facilities including drinking water and vault toilets, but no electric hookups or shower facilities. The forest features extensive bridle trails that connect to the broader Zaleski State Forest trail system, allowing for multi-day riding adventures through diverse woodland terrain. Horse owners should bring their own containment systems as permanent corrals are not provided. The campground accommodates tent camping with horses, making it ideal for trail riders seeking a more rustic experience. Campsites remain accessible on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. Water access for horses is available, though riders should check seasonal availability during drier months or winter conditions.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Lithopolis, Ohio (13)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    29 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / night

    "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

    "If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."

    2. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    80 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 548-4039

    "Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent.  Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities.  "

    "There are tons of trails to check out all throughout the park. Kayaking on the northern side of the lake would be recommended. It gets too busy with larger boats in the main area of the lake."

    3. Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center

    5 Reviews
    Columbus, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 646-3976

    $60 / night

    4. Delaware State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Radnor, OH
    43 miles
    Website

    "This state park spans over 2,000 acres and is just north of the cute Ohio town of Delaware. "

    "Delaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing to us is how few people seem to know it exists!"

    5. Lake Hope State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5253

    "Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but..."

    "At lake hope you can enjoy camping in many ways rather if it’s by tent (the way I prefer) or by camper. It’s a very nice place to have some family fun. Very nice beach and swimming area."

    6. Dillon State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nashport, OH
    40 miles
    Website

    "I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."

    "I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."

    7. Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground

    4 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 416-1066

    $40 - $70 / night

    "The old horse stalls have been torn down and 28 new covered stalls have been built! They are amazing and plenty if room for larger horses. "

    "Stacked Stones has a very nice location and the camp hosts/owners are wonderful. They truly make you feel like family."

    8. Burr Oak State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 767-3683

    "Wayne National Forest shares the area with Burr Oak State Park near Glouster, Oh.

    Wayne National Forest is split into three areas in southeastern Ohio."

    "The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away."

    9. Pine Creek Cabins & Camping Resort

    2 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 478-2520

    $15 - $999 / night

    "This cabin also comes with two horse stalls. Bridle trail access right from campground."

    10. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."

    "Much of Ohio is flat corn land, so Zaleski is a special place in Ohio. The trail swings close to some homes, which is less remote than out west where I live now, but overall it's nice."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Lithopolis, OH

2 Photos of 13 Lithopolis Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Lithopolis, OH

382 Reviews of 13 Lithopolis Campgrounds


  • Vicki H.
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Would be 5 star except for this

    Alum Creek is just beautiful, nice sites, most of them are at least partially shaded, lots of woods, hiking trails, the lake, it is what I think of when I think of State Park campground camping in Ohio. There are a couple problems. 1. Only ONE little dump station. This is a big campground, so if you're leaving Sunday, you better get up at the crack of dawn to get to the station, otherwise be prepared to wait in a long long line of RV's. We by-passed the long line and stopped at a different State Park campground on the way home and paid 10.00 to use their dump station. 2. They never answer their phone at the campground office. I mean NEVER. If you have a question you will just have to deal with the reserveamerica people who really know nothing other than what they read on the campground website. So basically you know as much as they do. It's maddening. We will go back, but it's a 2 hour drive so it won't be anytime soon.

  • Mary S.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Alum Creek State Park

    This is a huge campground! I tent camped by myself--felt very safe.  Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent.  Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities.  Wish this park had a laundry facility--another Ohio park I recently stayed at had a fairly new shower facility that included a laundry facility!  Did not appreciate the waste management company emptying the dumpsters at 4:00 AM!!!  There is a huge, lakeside beach that was just packed with people (no social distancing) and there was trash everywhere--not enough dumpsters.  Near to shopping (Polaris), if you are interested.  Will try to get a lakeside site next time.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2020

    Deer Creek State Park Campground

    Small, but perfect site for us

    This was a last minute reservation and only available due to a cancellation. The campground was full for the weekend. The campground is pretty big with different types of sites. Some are smaller, close to neighbors while other have seclusion with trees. From past experience, if it rains, some of the sites do flood. We had great weather this weekend. The site we reserved had a hill right next to the passenger side/door side of your camper. If you had a big camper, it might be tight to open your slides and an awning. You most likely would not sit right outside your camper door. In fact, the fire ring is behind the site and up a small hill. We set up our ez-up in the back and out of the way, it worked for us. There was also a path that led you into the playground. Speaking of playgrounds, you will hear a lot of kids if the weather is nice. We were right across from the camp host (very nice lady) and very short walk to the bathhouse. The bathhouse had 4 flushable toilets and I think 3 showers. The showers did not have benches in the stall, only on the outside directly across. With a full campground, the bathrooms were kept very clean with the amount of people using it. We walked around and noticed a lot of bathhouses and another playground. We took a hike that led us to the lodge - it was an in and out and just under 5 miles. On our way back we stopped at the camp store which was well stocked with items you may need or not. There is a putt putt course, frisbee disc course, horse trails, dog park, nature center, golf course and more trails nearby. There are plenty of things to do if you like to keep busy or are trying to keep kids entertained. (The bees and stinkbugs were out and about while we were there.)

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 28, 2016

    Lake Hope State Park Campground

    Variety, solitude and immersed in history!

    Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but...

    Each time I have stayed at Lake Hope State Park, I have marveled at why there are only a few stray campers in a state park of 190 sites. Granted...I am usually camping during the week...but its a ghost town. Which is fine by me...solitude...peace and quiet.

    The main reason is pit latrines...well, that's my guess, anyways. LHSP still has hot showers. I guess because it doesn't have a pool, it doesn't have the crowds. Shoot! I'd stay home if I wanted a pool. Whatever the reason, you rarely, if ever, will have to contend with neighbors.

    Trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn. The terrain is undulating but very doable. The campsites are pretty open, so if you did have neighbors...you'd know it. We'd usually snatch up site 98 or 99...or both. No one would usually go that deep into the park. It was private...pit latrine nearby...flat and airy. Foot trails were nearby and the bike trail wasn't too far away.

    If you brought your boats...Lake Hope is a nice flatwater paddle. Get there early and watch the water lilies open. Hope furnace is just outside the campground and next to the first "put-in" for the lake. As history buffs will know that Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day. There is also a swimming beach on the opposite end of Lake Hope...if you just have to get wet.

    The haunted Moonville Tunnel is nearby and worth the short drive and hike. Unfortunately, it is becoming defaced by disrespectful taggers...still cool nonetheless.

    You are plopped down smack dab in the Zaleski State Forest...so pick a trail, any trail.

    A short drive away are amazing trails and formations...Old Man's Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle’s Hollow, Rockhouse and Ash Cave. Each one a must see! Give youself time to hike the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of southern Ohio. Not only will you be glad you did...you will want to return year and year!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2016

    Deer Creek State Park Campground

    Splish, splash

    Lots of room! Privacy, some sites have accommodations for several tents as well as full hook up for campers. Some are adjacent to the playground There are tons of things to do: Miniature golf Disc golf BMX trails Small dog park Golf course Horse camp

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Most Scenic camping area in Ohio

    This is one of the best state parks and in my opinion the most scenic. There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff. We have camped here in tents many times over the years. The state park campground is above par compared to others in the Ohio system. The naturalists are great and run many programs even in the off seasons. Fall is the best season, the foliage is awesome. Popular with Boy and Girl Scout groups. Campground has an outdoor pool.

  • Mary S.
    Sep. 23, 2018

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Nice campground with even better hiking and scenery

    Old Man's Cave Cave Campground in Hocking Hills State Park is a large campground. At many of the sites, you'll feel like you're in a large campground. If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground.

    Choosing a Site

    • Study the photo of the site map included here to get a sense of where you might want a site. You'll be able to see electric/non-electric and reservable/non-reservable sites. There's quite a mix of sites and the map has a legend that will guide you.

    • A reservation is a good idea.  You'll definitely need one on weekends during the summer/fall, or you should arrive by Thursday for a chance for a non-reservable site for the weekend. I've been here in July and mid-September, and the park was crowded. I just keep an eye on reservations on reserveamerica.com.

    • Electric sites: I recommend sites 152-163, 164-172, and 141-151 because you are away from the main roads (long straightaways). In my opinion, sites 161-163, 150-151 and 171-172 are the best because you're at the end of spurs off a main road.

    • Full hookup sites: Sites 66-70 at the end of the full hookup stretch (24-70) are good. 

    • Warning about full hookup sites: There's some kind of pumping station behind the sites on the left as you enter so it's noisy all the time. If I wanted a full hookup, I'd avoid sites from #24 up to at least #35 because you're going to have constant noise. It probably doesn't matter when you're inside because units with full hookups typically have closed windows and AC/heat.

    • Reservable non-electric sites 81-93: I like #92 and #93 and the first couple at the beginning.

    • Non-reservable sites: #1-23 are electric and #76-78 are non-electric.

    Amenities

    • Picnic table and fire ring at sites

    • Swimming pool

    • Pay attention to the map if the location of showers and toilets is important to you. There are 3 showerhouses with showers, flush toilets and sinks. For some reason, the floor in the showerhouse near the pool was always wet and dirty even in September when the pool was closed. Other toilets throughout the campground are pit toilets.

    • Gray water disposal stations and potable water stations

    • Laundry facility near the shower house by the pool

    • Dump station

    Activities

    • Scenery and hiking are what make this park special...and crowded.

    • See photos that show a map and descriptions of 8 hiking areas. Some of these areas are outside the park, and you'll need to drive to the trailheads or take a shuttle ($5 fee). Ohio does a good job of consistently marking trails and posting information boards that show where you are and where you can go from your current location.

    Cell Phone Service: It's spotty. As you walk around, sometimes you have it and sometimes you don't!

    Cool Feature of Ohio Parks

    When you use reserveamerica.com, you can participate in a rewards program for Ohio state parks. We were able to apply points to stay free one night out of three.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2017

    Zaleski State Forest

    Work for it

    Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty.

    Primitive camping, check in before going and bring your good hiking boots. You will get a work out. There is water to enjoy also and a historical drive if you enjoy learning about the stuff our ancestors did for "fun" :)

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2017

    Delaware State Park Campground

    Nice Ohio State Park

    This state park spans over 2,000 acres and is just north of the cute Ohio town of Delaware. We stayed here for two nights while visiting friends in the area but wished we would have stayed to enjoy all that the park had to offer. The campground was really nice and quiet when we stayed there which was during the week and in the spring and not very crowded. We can imagine that this park is pretty full in the summer with all their amenities and close proximity to major Ohio cities. 

    The 'pod' layout of the campground made for large campsites (some sites are over 90 feet in length and well suited for large RV’s) with good separation between sites. There are 212 sites that have 50 amp electric. The campground also has yurts for rent (May through October) that are furnished with beds, table and chairs, a cooler, ceiling fan, outdoor charcoal grill and a picnic table with canopy. This is a great option for those wanting to stay in something more than a tent but don’t have an RV.

    There is no sewer or water at individual sites but there is a dump station and water fill station near the park entrance. Roads and campsites are paved with grassy patios that feature picnic tables and fire pits. The park does not provide wifi but our Verizon hotspot and 4G phone worked well. There are centrally located bath/shower houses with coin-operated laundry facilities.  

    The park is open year-round and great for outdoor activities; especially, those that are water-related. There are numerous boat launches, fully equipped marina, and swimming area. We launched our kayaks and had a great time paddling around the lake.  Be aware that there is no horsepower limits for boats on the lake and weekends are very popular for anglers in high-powered bass boats. The northern portion of the lake is a “no wake zone” which makes for a more pleasant paddling environment.  If you don’t have a boat, boat rentals are available at the marina. 

    For those wanting to hike there are plenty of hiking/biking trails for you to get out and explore the park.  Many of the trails link together so you can decide how long you want to hike. The Lakeview Trail was perfect for us as our dog loved jumping in the water during our hike. Other amenities in the park include a nature center, 18-hole disk golf, hunting, archery, volleyball, horse shoe pits, picnic areas, and an 800-foot designated swimming area.  At the camp store/office you can rent bikes as well as other sporting equipment.

    If you decide to venture out of the park you are only about 40 miles from downtown Columbus and less than 20 miles to the world-renowned Columbus Zoo (which is definitely worth a visit). The nearby town of Delaware is really nice with downtown shopping, restaurants, a historic theater and brewery (Stass Brewing Company has great Belgian-style beer with a fun atmosphere).  

    Would definitely camp here again if we were in the area.


Guide to Lithopolis

Ohio offers a variety of options for horse camping enthusiasts, with several campgrounds providing excellent amenities and access to trails.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites and facilities

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The Hocking Hills State Park Campground is known for its fantastic hiking trails and guided hikes, ideal for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Ohio.
  • Dillon State Park Campground provides ample opportunities for hiking and fishing, along with spacious sites that allow for a comfortable stay.
  • Alum Creek State Park Campground features a variety of recreational activities, including boating and disc golf, making it a well-rounded destination for equestrian campers.

Tips for equestrian camping near Lithopolis, Ohio

  • When visiting Palmerosa Horse Camp, be prepared for limited facilities; the shower house and toilets may need some attention.
  • At Great Seal State Park Campground, equestrians can enjoy miles of hiking trails, but be aware that there are no utilities available.
  • For a more rustic experience, consider Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, which offers a quieter setting with basic amenities and access to hiking trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lithopolis, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lithopolis, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lithopolis, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Lithopolis, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.