10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horsemen's Camp at Whitewater Memorial State Park offers direct access to dedicated bridle trails across 200 acres of southwestern Indiana woodland. Located in Liberty, the equestrian campground features electric hookups with both 30-amp and 50-amp service, water hookups, and sanitary dump facilities for RVs. The well-maintained site accommodates both tent and trailer camping with space for horse trailers at each campsite. Trail riders appreciate the campground's convenient location just minutes from extensive riding paths that connect to the larger Whitewater State Park trail system. Vault toilets remain clean even during peak riding season, and propane fill service is available on-site for extended stays.
Located approximately 45 miles northwest of Monroe, the equestrian trails provide varied terrain for riders of all skill levels, with access points directly from the camping area. The interconnected network allows for rides ranging from short loops to full-day excursions through wooded hillsides and open meadows. Horse owners must bring their own water troughs and feed storage containers as these are not provided at individual campsites. Reservations are required for all equestrian sites, especially during spring and fall when trail conditions are optimal. The campground's proximity to Whitewater Lake offers horses cooling opportunities after long rides, though drinking water must come from designated potable sources. Group equestrian camping arrangements can accommodate riding clubs and family gatherings with advance notice.
"Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks. 1.7 mile paved walking trail is great for walking, running and biking. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by."
"The location is located on the lake with access to put in a kayak or canoe. The bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls."
"The park is about 3000 acres with a beautiful sailing / fishing lake. There is a beautiful lodge and golf course, archery range, and plenty of hiking paths and equestrian paths."
"This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "
from $27 - $100 / night
Check Availability"This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports."
"There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take"
from $15 - $28 / night
Check Availability"One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers. "
"They have horseback riding trails , bring your own horses , witch they have accomidations for or rent from near by stables ."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."
"Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park. It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. "
from $29 - $160 / night
Check Availability"I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out! "
"Short hike to the lake. Great beach area and shower facilities. Pet friendly, horse trails, camp store. Liberty is a short drive and has all essentials plus J’s Dairy Inn 🤤"
from $20 - $33 / night
Check Availability"This park has such a variety of things to do. there’s a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties and such."
from $23 - $200 / night
Check Availability"A well manicured campground just outside Dayton, easy to get to, back in pavement site with 30A electric, picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of potable water spigots around, just not at the site."
"I did not spend enough time here to give a thorough review, but what I will say is that this site is nice if you need a campsite for a couple nights while passing through Ohio."
from $29 - $160 / night
Check Availability"Overnighted here with my horses on my way south for the winter, but will definitely be coming back and spending more time. Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding."
"Amazing place for the price and proximity to the city!! Just wish there was more hiking trails"
from $17 - $29 / night
Check Availability
GuideAutumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry. Had to wait for rvs in front of me to register.
LegendThis is part of the Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metro Parks) and it is at the Twin Creek metro park. This is an old boy scout camp (Camp Hook) back in the day.
During these COVID-19 times we wanted a place to park that wasn't the traditional Ohio State Parks camp site. We didn't want to share a common bathroom/bath house or playground area. We picked this as the Twin Creek camp site only has 3 camp sites within the park. Even then they are out of side from each other. You can somewhat hear the other two camp sites (rarely). This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports. We had two great park volunteers/security stop by to make sure we had everything we need.
The nice thing about the Dayton metro parks is that each night in the front county camp sites they include a bundle of fire wood. This is not the small sad bundle that you often buy at gas stations or other markets. This is a huge bundle. It is dry and cut in an easy to use manner. It is also kept in a little box so it is dry even if you do have weather while camping. If you wish to add an additional bundle of firewood the price is very reasonable at $10.00. I do this every time I camp there to support their campsites/metro parks. I have yet to use up their firewood in the box when I camp for a whole weekend. It is also nice that we don't have to put it in our cars so less clean up after camping. It also helps with the whole burn local fire wood so you are not transporting bugs. Or you don't have to cross your fingers and hope someone close by sells firewood.
The nice thing about their site is the additional tables made it easy for us to socially distance. When I camp at local state parks and we only have one table it can be tricky to keep coolers, food, and people separated. We also were able to have kids do craft at one of the tables while we were preparing meals. This camp site is listed as a 10 person camp site. There is no water on site so make sure you bring all the water that you will need.
We also were able to hike the easy trails around the camp site. No need to put the kids in the car unless we wanted to. Which we still did:)
We drove into town and discovered a covered bridge that I had missed on an earlier camping trip. (Germantown). This town also has the Florentine which is one of the oldest inns in Ohio. It was closed while we were in town but it is well worth a stop. The town also has a community pool as well that you can buy a day pool pass.
The campsite does have two spots that would be neat for a wedding. You can reserve an amphitheater.
The campsites during peak season are $20 during week days and $28 for weekends. I still find this to be one of the best values for camping in Ohio. Especially, when you consider the level of privacy that you have on these sites. The vault toilets are one of the best as they are always clean. We have hand sanitizer and toilet paper. We didn't have to share our vault toilet with any other family units.
All of these small touches really made COVID-19 camping with kids much easier. We look forward to being back at this camp site in the fall.
Here is the website to make a reservation https://www.metroparks.org/rentals-permits/reserve-a-campsite/?id=786190&api=facilities&type=camp
GuideExpensive for what it has to offer. At 48.00 bucks a night yes they do have WIFI in the RV section. They do have concrete pads. It’s a shame they are worthless they are to small to park the average RV on an are on the wrong side of most rigs unless you pull in 1/2 the sites the electric is on the wrong side. The sites are gravel and not level the rest rooms are new and nice. The horse stalks are very nice. If you have a large horse trailer type camper your screwed the sites are small so that only leaves you with the RV sites that are a few 100 feet away from the stables If you want to walk threw the drainage ditch add about 300 ft if you don’t want to walk threw the muck. It’s a shame when they paved the entry road they didn’t spend a little more. “Grant money “ or tax money an do it properly. The main play ground is extremely nice. About 1/3 Mile walk. They do have a small playground in the rv section. For horses again they have a nice setup for big RVs it Sux they have a dump station. Situated in between the entry road to the Fkatwood rv section and equestrian area The main lake is nice you can rent kayaks canoes. Or use your own boat. The boat ramp is nice the other end of the lake at the flat wood rv section. Is t really a lake it’s a back water shallow mud hole depending on the time of the year. Mosquitoes the size of jet fighters. Will rather eat you alive or carry you off. “Lol sorry could t resist “ it gets bad the park is clean and well maintained Except for the camp sites
LegendCowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park. It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. This is good if you want to meet with friends somewhat in between. It isn't too close to the highway so you don't hear the road noise as it is a few miles away but it is an easy drive to the park.
They have been revamping the Nature Center to make it more accessible to folks as they have recently added a ramp. The Nature Center actually has two buildings side by side used for different purposes. Then behind the Nature Center they have a location where several birds are located in cages. Then next to where the birds are kept you will notice a new paw print trail that is a short but informative hike.
The commissary has great pizza and ice cream. We also bought our firewood and ice from them as well. We didn't need to leave the park. We had a few trails to pick from and picked two of the shorter ones for members in our group.
The cabins have been revamped as well. They are all close to each other so if you wanted to have a family reunion or a get together this would be a great spot to do so. At the end of the main road it will lead you to the lake. You can use the dock to put your boat out (kayak and certain motor boats). Folks are fishing at the lake or simply enjoying the beauty of the lake.
The beach is simple but that is part of the charm. It is clean and we were able to swim on the hot days that we had while camping.
GuideCampgrounds we’re designed for pop up campers limited sites for RVs an Travel Trailers electric was dependable water at most sites plenty of tent sites. They have some equestrian sites and one or two trails For what it is a the location it’s not a bad place. We have camped there. Many many times. Really a good campground for new campers. Close to what ever you may have forgotten or need
GuideHueston Wood, a real gem. The park is about 3000 acres with a beautiful sailing / fishing lake. There is a beautiful lodge and golf course, archery range, and plenty of hiking paths and equestrian paths.
The biggest issue for us was the description of the site at C36 was nothing like the description. We approached the staff in the office and they expressed no concern in helping us. One camping family left due to the office staff's attitude.
Ok, now for the positive! We met one of the volunteers, Gary, who was able to find us a site to hold our 34 foot motorhome. He made our July 4th weekend, couldn't have been more accomodating.
Sites have 30A electric and there is plenty of potable water available around the campground, just not at the site. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. At the A and B loop there was plenty of space around the site to spread out.
The dump station is fairly new and can accommodate 2 RV's. Though most site are grass, some have gravel, but the A loop sites are full hookup and concrete or paved (but not all flat). When setting reservation and with an RV over 20ft, shoot for A or B loop.
The grounds are just beautiful, hiking trails great but not all marked well. A place we will return.
ScoutTHIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO JUST GET AWAY FROM EVERYTHING AND RELAX. IT IS BEAUTIFUL TERRAIN TO RIDE ATV'S, HORSES, YOU CAN HIKE, FLY KITES, BRING THE KIDS POWER WHEELS OR BIKES YOU CAN EXPLORE THE CREEK OR JUST SIT IN THE SHADE OR NEXT TO THE FIRE AND TAKE IT ALL IN. ITS STILL ONLY 10-15 MINS FROM TOWN IF YOU FORGOT SOME SUPPLIES.
TravelerI've stayed here in the past and Cowan Lake does not disappoint. The B site campground is all non-electric tent camping, and far enough away from the larger RV pads that it's a quiet little campsite! Also, these sites are super close to the bathrooms on the beach, which were very clean during our stay. I was incredibly impressed, because the beach gets pretty busy during the day. The beach itself was clean (for a lakeside beach- there are geese, it's Ohio) and the lake was gorgeous! I will say, the only MILD annoyance is that some of the other campers would drive to the parking lot in front of our campsite and park there into the evening hours to fish or head down to the docks. I'm an early riser, so the headlights and car doors slamming were mildly annoying after about 10p. Not enough to make me choose a different campsite, but worth noting. We rented a tandem kayak and explored the lake, and the equipment was all in good condition. The Commisary is pretty limited but they do have a small kitchen and ice cream, as well as the basics like firewood and ice, as well as the boat rentals. Overall, one of my favorite lakeside campgrounds!
LegendGeneral: Huge state park with over 400 sites. All are pet-friendly and electric. About 20 are FHU. While tent camping is permitted, certain sites are not recommended for it as there would be no place to pitch a tent. One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers.
Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Some sites have more trees to provide privacy while others are closer together with little separation.
Bath/Shower House: Not all loops have their own bath house and the I loop where we stayed was one of them. We used the one in the H Loop. The bathhouses were clean, and the shower had nice hot water, however, it doesn’t seem like there were sufficient facilities for how large the campground was (H Loop had two showers, two toilets, and three sinks). Hooks or shelves would have been appreciated.
Activities/Amenities: Many activities can be enjoyed here including mini golf (small nine-hole course), soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, corn hole, boating, and bicycling. Playgrounds are in several loops (I saw them in C and G). Rentals are available but most are only in season (ended September 30). There is a nature center and several hiking or paved biking/walking trails. There is also a camper beach for boating and swimming.
When we reserved months earlier, we knew that our first night (a Saturday) was 100% full as we got the very last site. What we did not know is that there was a HUGE Halloween celebration complete with 30-40 decorated golf carts parading through the campground. The road was closed until 6:45 pm (we arrived around 7 pm) and cars lined both sides of the approximately two-mile road! If that's your thing, great but it wasn't necessarily ours!
I appreciate that this park encourages so much outdoor activity, but it is not very pedestrian-friendly. I walked the road from one end to the other and there was no shoulder and, in many spots, no place to safely step off into the grass. I’m guessing it is assumed you will either have a car or golf cart to get around.
One final note: for a park so close to a large city (Cincinnati), I was surprised the cell service was so lacking (on Verizon). We eked out one and occasionally two bars of 4G.
Equestrian camping near Monroe, Ohio offers riders access to a network of woodland trails connecting multiple state parks across the region. Located in southwestern Ohio where the terrain features a mix of rolling hills and forested valleys, these horseback riding campgrounds typically sit at elevations between 500-900 feet. Winter temperatures average 25-40°F while summer months range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity, creating variable trail conditions throughout the riding season.
Trail riding at Twin Creek: Multiple interconnected trails at Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) provide varied terrain for riders. "The Twin Valley Trail combines the existing network of trails in Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks. These trails connect to create a longer, more integrated trail system totaling more than 25 miles," notes one reviewer who appreciated the well-marked trails through ravines.
Lake activities after riding: At East Fork State Park Campground, campers can cool down horses and enjoy water recreation. "There is a beach and marina for campers away from the main beach and marina for those just visiting the park for the day," explains one visitor. The separate areas prevent overcrowding during peak summer riding months.
Overnight trail adventures: Experienced riders can pack for backcountry camping. As one rider describes: "There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take on the TVT challenge, beautiful hike through hilly terrain, and great spots of overlooks."
Spacious equestrian campsites: Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground offers ample room for horse trailers. "I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out!" shares one camper who appreciated the natural separation between sites.
Overnight stabling options: Some facilities provide permanent stalls. One equestrian noted at A.J. Jolly Park & Campground: "Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding. The camp Ranger/host, Larry?, was incredibly helpful and kind." This eliminates the need for portable corrals or high-lines.
Direct trail access: Multiple riders appreciate campgrounds with trail connections. "There was a starting access point at the horse campground for horseback riding trails that also led to the horse barn," noted one visitor about Whitewater Memorial. This feature allows riders to start their day without trailering to separate access points.
Water availability varies: Many equestrian camps have limited water sources. At Hueston Woods State Park Campground, "Horse owners must bring their own water troughs." During dryer months, some creeks may not provide reliable filterable water.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites book quickly during prime seasons. "Reservations are required for all equestrian sites, especially during spring and fall when trail conditions are optimal," explains a regular camper. Weekend dates often fill 3-4 months in advance.
Bathroom facilities: Equestrian areas typically have basic facilities. One rider noted at Whitewater Memorial: "Another flaw is that the bathrooms in the horse campground aren't modern and they're pit toilets. Even with the cooler weather, they still wreaked and were not pleasant to use." Bring sanitizer and personal supplies.
Combined activities for riders and non-riders: Cowan Lake State Park Campground offers options for mixed groups. "The park also had a lending library and walking stick lending program. I thought these were simple but memorable features for this park," writes one visitor who appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere.
Safety considerations: Keep children separate from horse areas. A visitor with children noted, "The camp store was well stocked and you could rent bikes from the store. These bikes were often all over the campground so be extra careful when driving in the park."
Plan for temperature swings: Spring and fall offer best riding conditions but require preparation. One camper advised, "It poured rain but despite that I had a great time hiking the trails and visiting the nature center!" Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast.
Electric options: Most equestrian sites offer both 30-amp and 50-amp service. At Buck Creek State Park Campground, "The sites are clean and level for the most part. I recommend taking one on the outside of the loop - near the trees." Corner sites typically offer more room for larger rigs.
Tow vehicle considerations: Access roads vary in quality. "Pad are about 12 x12 concrete so that's a plus but the location of the pads if you want to use your RV awning means your wheels in what ever your using are going to be nearly off the level area or in the grass," reports one RVer, highlighting the importance of careful positioning.
Water hookups: Campers note inconsistent placement of utilities. "Water hook ups are on the opposite side of electrical on several sites," warns one experienced RVer, suggesting extra-long hoses be packed for equestrian camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Monroe, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Monroe, OH is Winton Woods Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Monroe, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Monroe, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
