5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Salt Fork State Park Campground near Lore City accommodates equestrians with dedicated facilities in its horse camping area. The campground features wash racks for horses, appreciated by riders who need to clean their animals after trail rides. Equestrian campsites include fire rings and picnic tables, with most sites offering electrical hookups. The campground tends to be busy during peak seasons, with some visitors noting the consistent cleanliness of the bathroom facilities. Walkabout Creek Horsemans Camp and Campground in Chandlersville provides another option for horse owners, offering drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Both locations permit pets, allowing campers to bring dogs alongside their horses.
The equestrian trails at Salt Fork extend for miles through varied terrain, providing extensive riding opportunities directly from the campground. Horse trails are well-marked and maintained, making navigation straightforward for riders unfamiliar with the area. Blue Rock State Park Campground also offers equestrian camping with access to multi-use trails, though some visitors have noted non-equestrians occasionally staying in the designated horse camping areas. Kinderhook Horse Trail in Wayne National Forest provides primitive camping options with vault toilets and a manual water pump for horses. The trails in this area vary in condition, with some routes like the Paw Paw trail described as smooth, dry and wide, while others may be overgrown depending on the season. Most equestrian campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the off-season, with reservations recommended during summer months.
"We go at least once a year for the Ohio Bigfoot Conference which draws people from all over the country."
"**Salt Fork State Park of Ohio is for individual, couples or group camping. Salt Fork lake is natural spring fed water supply that fills this lake."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $35 / night
"Blue Rock State Park is outside Zanesville, Oh off I70. Rt 60 takes you South and then you have a choice of routes in. Good Ohio farmland scenery."
"Lovely park near Zanesville. The park is beautiful, lots of wildlife, and the trails were great."
Available next weekend
from $19 - $55 / night
"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."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $170 / night
"Great great campground plenty to Joe we took the horses had a blast"
"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."
Available next weekend
from $21 - $55 / night
"Very quiet campground with little to no other riders around. Only complaint would be the non equestrians staying in the equestrian area"
from $17 - $50 / night
"Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."
"The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit. The best part - it's free!"
"Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump."
"Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table."
"Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."
"This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning."
Available next weekend
from $19 - $29 / night
"Stayed: 9/6/2020 - FREE Site: Left fire pit facing toilet
This campground is the equestrian Kinderhook Trailhead within Wayne National Forest."
"This is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet,a few trash cans,a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers. There are some trails you can walk or ride on."
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
ScoutThere’s no electricity and no where in walking distance and the internet isn’t great, and at night u hear raccoons in the trash cans. If you come here bring a portable phone charger. There’s really nothing here, and the bathrooms are disgusting
GuideWe found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
RangerSites are small - especially the ones with power. Bathrooms are dirty and very worn out. Only 1 of 3 of the mens showers were working. Lots of spiders in the bathrooms and the stall doors don't latch effectively. Camp store (and access to ice) was closed for 'remodel'.
RangerNot our favorite. Very small campground. Good hiking trails. Decent beach. Very hilly. Shower house was kinda gross.
TravelerThe site is full hook-up. 30/50 amp. This site is partial tree covered and at the end of the loop. Shower house very short walk across the road. Trash dumpster across the street. This is a short site 23 foot max for RV. Has a double pad with concrete Picknick table area. Best spot on C loop.
TravelerThere are two small camping spots with picnic tables. The vault toilet here is very clean and even had a lockable door. There is also drinkable water from a city water hand pump. Very quiet at night, except for a handful of cars that might drive through or spend the night. I spent two weeks here and had zero issues with people being loud or causing a ruckus. As far as fire wood, you can walk around and pick up all the downed wood you’d like, but I’d recommend bringing some wood with you if it’s rained in the last few days. Plenty of space to park. Gas stations, fast food, and dollar general are all within 10 mins. Verizon signal - 1/2 bars ATT signal - 2/3 bars
TravelerThis is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet,a few trash cans,a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers. There are some trails you can walk or ride on. The locals were all very friendly. You can stay for 14 days and it's free.
ScoutMy partner and I have been here for 3 days , were staying for a week. So far everyone has been friendly or keeps to themselves. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the deer are plentiful and beautiful
Equestrian camping near Lore City, Ohio offers access to extensive trail networks in southeastern Ohio's rolling Appalachian foothills. The region contains portions of Wayne National Forest and several state parks with varied terrain at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. Trail conditions can change dramatically with seasonal rainfall, creating muddy sections in spring and drier paths during summer and fall months.
Trail riding on Paw Paw trail: The Kinderhook Horse Trail system includes trails of varying difficulty with the Paw Paw trail standing out for its quality. "The Paw Paw trail was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill," notes Annika E. about this Kinderhook Horse Trail route.
Explore lake activities: Burr Oak State Park offers water activities for when you're not riding. "We went fishing and saw lots of butterflies. We cooked our meals on the fire, even though it was really hot," shares Nicole C. about her experience at Burr Oak State Park Campground.
Visit historic structures: Some trails lead to historic sites worth exploring. "Trails that lead along shore line to old stone house built in early days of Ohio. Caves to be explored that are easy to access," describes JH T. from Salt Fork State Park.
Quiet atmosphere during off-peak seasons: Jefferson Lake State Park offers a peaceful experience for horse campers. "This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly every morning," reports Kimberly from Jefferson Lake State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The parks offer chances to observe local wildlife during rides. "Just driving in saw turkeys and 'turkets':) and two 6 point bucks. You can hike, swim, boat, bike and horseback ride," shares Shelly S. about Salt Fork State Park.
Drinking water access for horses: Some facilities provide water for horses on-site. "Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road. Does have a small hand pump water spigot," notes Joe B. about the basic but functional setup at Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Variable trail conditions: Trail quality varies by season and maintenance schedules. "The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide," reports Annika E., highlighting the difference between trails even within the same system.
Camping space limitations: Some equestrian sites have limited space. "Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group," warns Joe B. about Kinderhook Horse Trail facilities.
Non-equestrians using horse areas: Be prepared for shared use at some campgrounds. "Very quiet campground with little to no other riders around. Only complaint would be the non equestrians staying in the equestrian area," notes Janessa S. about Blue Rock State Park Campground horse camping section.
Insect activity: Be prepared for bugs, especially in wooded areas. "A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead," warns Annika E. about conditions at Kinderhook.
Look for sites with playground access: Some equestrian campgrounds include family-friendly amenities. "Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court. Dump station and 18 miles of multi use trails," notes Theresa Tittle R. from Jefferson Lake State Park Campground.
Consider primitive tent sites: Salt Fork offers non-electric camping options. "Stayed here in the 'primitive' camp. You are basically staying with your neighbors in small cleared areas where you can see everything everyone else is doing," cautions Annie V., highlighting the proximity to other campers at Salt Fork.
Try covered sites for weather protection: Some parks offer sheltered camping spots. "A cool feature is a few of the sites have pavilion type covered patios that you can pitch your tent in to help stay dry during inclimate weather," shares Shelly S. about Blue Rock State Park Campground.
Select level sites carefully: RV sites vary in levelness across parks. "You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped. Our site was huge and right next to the water spigot," advises Kimberly about Jefferson Lake State Park.
Plan for limited hookups: Many equestrian campgrounds have restricted utility access. "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets and the campground overall was well maintained. Fire pits have a nice grate to flip over and cook on," notes Kellie A. about camping at Jefferson Lake State Park Campground.
Bring water hose extensions: Water sources may be distant from parking areas. "Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord. All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded," warns Eddie about Jefferson Lake's setup for RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lore City, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lore City, OH is Salt Fork State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lore City, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Lore City, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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