East Fork State Park Campground is located 25 miles east of Sardinia, Ohio, and features 400+ campsites with varying tree coverage and amenities. The area maintains a humid continental climate with moderate rainfall throughout camping season. Horse camping near Sardinia offers direct access to extensive trail networks through diverse terrain ranging from flat grasslands to rolling hills with elevations between 800-1,100 feet.
What to do
Trail riding access points: At Shawnee State Park Campground, riders have direct access to bridle trails that connect with larger networks. "Great trails, nice lake, plenty of shade and creeks. Not much access to a good town for supplies so bring what you need," notes Jarrod M., highlighting the need to come prepared.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds feature disc golf courses for alternative recreation. At East Fork State Park Campground, Caleb S. describes it as "Not a bad little park for mountain biking, hiking, etc." while another camper mentions the "huge state park with over 400 sites" provides multiple recreation options.
Fishing opportunities: Pike Lake offers productive fishing in a smaller, more intimate setting. According to Buck B., it's a "very secluded and quiet" spot with "not many spots, but makes it nicer, minimal noise... nice little lake to fish or kayak."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Pike Lake State Park Campground offers more secluded camping options. Shannon G. describes her experience: "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."
Spacious campsites: Cowan Lake State Park Campground provides generous site dimensions. Brandon P. appreciates that sites are "spread out, plenty of room between sites," while Kim H. notes "The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included."
Nature programming: Educational opportunities enhance the equestrian camping experience. One camper at Shawnee mentions, "The nature center offered movies in the evening for guest," while another notes the park has "lending library and walking stick lending program."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the Sardinia region have limited connectivity. At Shawnee State Park, a reviewer warns it is "totally without any phone signal," noting you'll need to go to "the lodge at the top of the hill" for a weak signal.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facility quality differs significantly between horse campgrounds. At Winton Woods Campground, "bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls," while Pike Lake campers note "four flush toilets and 1 pit toilet" servicing nearly 80 sites.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. Kelli B. shares her experience: "We registered/paid online but the entire weekend there were no staff to be found... We tried multiple times on Saturday but never found anyone, so we never technically checked in."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: A.J. Jolly Park & Campground offers family-friendly amenities. Jeffrey D. mentions "The main playground is extremely nice. About 1/3 Mile walk. They do have a small playground in the RV section."
Cabin options: For families not ready for tent camping with horses, several parks offer cabin alternatives. Renée C. shares about Cowan Lake: "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."
Water activities: Several parks combine equestrian facilities with water recreation. At East Fork, Andrea F. reports, "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."
Tips from RVers
Pad specifications: RV sites at equestrian campgrounds vary significantly in quality and size. At A.J. Jolly, one camper cautions: "Pads are about 12x12 concrete so that's a plus but the location of the pads if you want to use your RV awning means your wheels in whatever your using are going to be nearly off the level area or in the grass."
Electric hookup variations: Power options differ between campgrounds. Johnothan R. from Cowan Lake notes: "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."
Site selection strategy: Choose specific sites for best results. At Pike Lake, Shannon G. advises: "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...maybe plan on sleeping in your vehicle?"
