Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground provides equestrian-focused camping 30 miles east of Williamsburg, Ohio. The surrounding region features several additional options for outdoor recreation spanning three counties. Campers can access over 42 miles of combined trail systems across multiple parks within a 45-minute drive of Williamsburg, with terrain varying from flat lake paths to challenging wooded hillsides.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: The area boasts extensive hiking opportunities beyond the bridle trails. East Fork State Park offers "a variety of bike trails, bridle trails and hiking trails. There is also a beach and marina for campers away from the main beach and marina for those just visiting the park for the day," according to Andrea F. from East Fork State Park.
Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple water recreation options exist at several nearby lakes. "The boat ramp and parking lot is easy to use and has a good layout. They do have some tent sites close to the boat ramp area and you can see the lake from those tent sites," notes Kenpocentaur K. from Cowan Lake State Park who particularly enjoyed a "Friday the 13th moon" night paddle.
Disc golf courses: Several parks in the region maintain disc golf courses, though conditions vary seasonally. "There is a small 18 hole Disc Golf course close by. It is a easy course great for beginners," reports Dan G., making this an excellent option for casual players or those new to the sport.
What campers like
Well-maintained bathhouse facilities: Most campgrounds in the region prioritize bathroom cleanliness. At A.J. Jolly Park, "the Bathhouse is super nice and clean. The sites I'm at are on a hillside so think theatrical style site," writes Bobby C., who enjoyed the lake views from different elevation campsites.
Diverse camping terrain: The region offers varied camping environments from lakeside to wooded settings. At Pike Lake State Park, one camper shares, "We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it. We had a lot of shade and didn't feel like we were on top of our neighbors," according to Shannon G..
Solitude options: Several smaller parks provide more private camping experiences. "This is a vantastic campground with a variety of things to do there. It sits on a lake with a kayak launch site right in the campground. I like the fact that there is a walking/bike path throughout the park," notes Suzy M. from Winton Woods Park.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Despite proximity to urban areas, connectivity varies widely. "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," explains Lee D. from East Fork State Park.
Variable site sizes and layouts: Many campgrounds have inconsistent site dimensions. Shannon G. notes at Pike Lake State Park that "not all the sites were as spacious as ours so be careful which one you choose. In fact, there was one so small, I'm not sure where a tent would go."
Weather impacts: The clay soil in some areas creates drainage issues during heavy rain. Kristin L. observed at one campground: "It rained the first day we were there and people were literally bailing their sites out with buckets. The places that weren't flooded were very muddy."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. "Site 57 - this site backs up to the ravine and is nice and large. It has a lot of shade and grass. We were able to run a line between trees for a dog run. Great neighbors on both sides but right across the site is the playground," describes Shannon G. about Pike Lake.
Nature programs: Several parks offer educational activities. "The nature center offered movies in the evening for guests," notes Andrea F., mentioning that East Fork State Park provides regular programming suitable for various ages.
Cabin alternatives: For families new to camping or during unpredictable weather, cabins provide comfort. "The cabins are not in the best of shape. Finding mouse traps and some maintenance within the cabin that should have been done was concerning with a toddler. Nice cul-de-sac areas for groups with areas for kids to play," shares Renée C. from Cowan Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research specific site characteristics before booking. "Electric site only, full service all full. A bit rough getting RV setup, but pad is fairly level, so easily setup to use slides. Site 60, 46 feet max length, ours 39," explains Johnothan R. from Cowan Lake State Park.
Utility access considerations: Understand hookup limitations at equestrian campgrounds. Jeffrey D. notes that at one horse-friendly park "the sites are small so that only leaves you with the RV sites that are a few 100 feet away from the stables."
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings beautiful foliage but increased competition for sites. Mitch and Kristi N. report, "we visited when the leaves were changing and it was absolutely gorgeous. hiking was great. campground is small, some sites too small for our 20' trailer and truck."
