Kinderhook Horse Trail serves as a primary access point for equestrian camping near Marietta, Ohio. Located in the southeastern portion of Wayne National Forest, this region features humid deciduous forest with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,000 feet. The trail system connects to multiple riding loops with varying maintenance levels and difficulty, making it suitable for different experience levels during spring through fall seasons.
What to do
Moonville Tunnel exploration: Take a short side trip from Zaleski State Forest to see this historic railroad tunnel. "We spent one afternoon hiking over to the Moonville Tunnel and it was one of the coolest parts of our four day trek," notes James W.
Paddle on quiet waters: Rent kayaks or canoes at Strouds Run State Park, located near Athens. "Strouds is a beautiful park for trail running, during all seasons, I love it! Also great spot for kayaking!" shares Anna S.
Fishing at creek crossings: Wade in smaller streams while horseback riding or hiking near Kinderhook. "There is a creek running through the main primitive campsites below the dam, with minnows and crawfish for the kids to catch," reports Ryan W. from nearby Blue Rock State Park.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. "We drove in and saw turkeys and 'turkets':) and two 6 point bucks," explains Shelly S., describing the fauna near Salt Fork State Park.
What campers like
Moderate hiking trails: Lake Hope State Park offers trails suitable for various skill levels. "The terrain is undulating but very doable. The campsites are pretty open," notes Dave V., highlighting the accessibility of trails in the area.
Quiet weekday camping: Many nearby campgrounds are surprisingly empty on weekdays. "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," mentions a visitor describing the low midweek usage.
Water access: Several sites provide direct water access for horses. "The lake and the beach are very nice! Sometimes the water isn't very clean. Often times the beach is littered with goose droppings," explains Lucille W. about nearby Strouds Run.
Historic iron furnace remnants: Many equestrian trails pass near old iron production facilities. "As history buffs will know that Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day," explains a camper about nearby historic sites.
What you should know
Limited phone service: Cell coverage can vary dramatically between carriers and exact locations. "Perfect AT&T and Sprint cell service," reports Dare to Everywhere about Kinderhook Trailhead, though this may not apply to all areas of the forest.
Seasonal insect activity: Ticks are prevalent in warmer months. "Trails had lots of poison ivy & ticks present," warns Renée C. about Zaleski's trails, a condition common throughout the region's forests.
High bacteria in swimming areas: Water quality fluctuates seasonally at some nearby lakes. "The beach area had multiple notices about high bacteria content and warnings for swimming at your own risk," notes Nicole F. about a nearby swimming area.
Weekend crowding: Expect more visitors during peak times. "We stayed during the week... I am usually camping during the week... but its a ghost town," explains one visitor, contrasting with busier weekend conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Burr Oak State Park offers good introductory trails. "More recently, I have taken my kids for several treks on the lower loop," shares Leon H., indicating the area's suitability for young hikers.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Arrange morning nature walks to maximize animal sightings. "We have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp," notes Leon H. about family camping at Zaleski.
Stream exploration: Small waterways near horse trails provide natural play areas. "In the primitive tent sites, there are coke bottles and styrofoam plates in the burn pit," cautions Jason M. about checking water areas for trash before allowing children to play.
Educational programs: Check with camp offices for naturalist schedules. "The activities with the naturalist (Cayden) were fun and engaging," mentions Ryan W. from a nearby state park, describing programs typically available during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV sites: Mountwood Park Family Campground offers RV camping not far from Marietta. "Most of the sites seemed small so it might be best for smaller setups. Also I did not see any pull through sites," advises Seána B., providing practical insight for RV campers.
Leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region require significant leveling. "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4 inch off ground to get close to level," reports Daniel from Lake Hope State Park.
Early arrival recommended: The limited equestrian-specific sites fill quickly on weekends. "Only complaint would be the non equestrians staying in the equestrian area," notes Janessa S., highlighting competition for designated horse camping areas.
Water and dump access: Verify availability before arrival as facilities vary. "The campground was pretty much empty. There are a few permanents there but we had it all to ourselves," reports Bryan R., describing the typical occupancy at Mountwood Park.
