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Best Equestrian Camping near West Portsmouth, OH

128 Reviews

Equestrian Campground in Shawnee State Park offers primitive camping specifically for horse owners, providing direct access to 70 miles of bridle trails throughout the expansive forest. Located in West Portsmouth, this campground maintains minimal amenities with no electric hookups, water connections, or toilets. Vehicles can access the site directly, and both tent and RV camping are permitted. Riders typically bring their own containment systems as no horse corrals are available on-site. The surrounding trail system traverses the rugged terrain of what locals call "The Little Smokies of Ohio," with substantial elevation changes throughout the forest.

Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground provides another equestrian option near West Portsmouth with basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables at each site. The campground features toilet facilities and showers for campers after long trail rides. Reservations are required, and the campground accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin options for those preferring solid shelter. Horse owners find the campground particularly convenient for accessing nearby bridle trails in Shawnee State Forest. The site's location provides strategic access to the forest's extensive trail system while offering more amenities than the primitive state park equestrian camping area. Some sections of the bridle trails connect to the 60-mile backpacking loop, allowing riders to experience the park's diverse terrain and wildlife habitats.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near West Portsmouth, Ohio (12)

    1. Shawnee State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Friendship, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 858-6652

    $24 / night

    "Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South.

    Beautiful countryside, fortunately I was on Rt 125 when I lost all clue where the park entrance was."

    "Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites.   Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path. "

    2. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $20 - $120 / night

    "This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge."

    "We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."

    3. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 473-7324

    $19 - $44 / night

    "Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."

    "Plenty of shade and a huge hill behind our site. Bathrooms were clean.

    A lot of unsupervised children running around, in the stream and riding bikes."

    4. Ashland Huntington West KOA

    17 Reviews
    Grayson, KY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 929-5504

    "Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."

    "We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."

    5. Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

    8 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $20 / night

    "The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."

    "Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."

    6. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $35 - $52 / night

    "If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."

    "Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."

    7. Equestrian Campground — Shawnee State Park

    Be the first to review!
    Otway, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 858-4561

    8. Pike Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Latham, OH
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 493-2212

    "The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."

    "Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park

    Campground Review:

    We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."

    9. Ben's Happy Trails - Horse Stable & Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Otway, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 372-2702

    10. Paddle Creek Horse Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Pedro, OH
    26 miles
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near West Portsmouth, OH

2 Photos of 12 West Portsmouth Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near West Portsmouth, OH

128 Reviews of 12 West Portsmouth Campgrounds

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2017

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Preparation is key

    Shawnee State Park was totally without any phone signal. Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South.

    Beautiful countryside, fortunately I was on Rt 125 when I lost all clue where the park entrance was. Then I saw the Shawnee Range and kept on driving. Definitely get a map because the whole park offers a lot of out door opportunities.

    Backpack trail, 23 and 40 miles loops with 7 camping areas, register and enjoy. Equestrians get 70 miles and primitive camping.

    The camping area is small ( a good thing ) the restrooms are clean and basic. Showerhouse and laundry. The attendant was super helpful and knowledgeable.

  • Jay T.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Attractive campground with variety of sites and amenities

    Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites.   Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path.  We stayed in 12.  If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're  for tent campers only.  The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights.  The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient.  All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.

  • Michael L.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Great Seal State Park Campground

    Foothills of Appalachia

    Simple and safe... Fifteen reservable sites via online or phone. Equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers seem to use this park often. Although no utilities... there is a shelter, restroom and trash recepticle. Campfires are permissible. Hiking trails head off from this park that cover many miles. A steep hike up Sugar Loaf will wake you up in the morning.

  • Brew W.
    Aug. 15, 2017

    Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

    Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, Wayne National Forest, Ironton District, Iron Ridge Campground (Pedro, OH)

    The Iron Ridge Campground sites are relatively close together; however, the Iron Ridge campground boasts a handful of sites that sit below the road, and, thus, offer more privacy. I didn't camp at Oak Hill, but I have explored it a few times. Even during the week, that campground was packed with campers. If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge. The fishing isn't bad at Vesuvius, but the shore access can be crowded, which has resulted in a limited number of keeper fish. The Lakeshore Trail is well-marked and generally nice, but, at times, a bit unkempt in the summer. The lake views are somewhat limited by brush and trail/lakeside growth, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get a good view of the lake. We also hiked the Whiskey Run Trail, which was short and hilly, but conveniently located right off the campground. The Whiskey Run also offers just enough lake access to let your dogs swim or to put a pole in the water. It also passes an impressive rock shelter. The very short (but rewarding) Rockhouse Trail is a right on top of the major lake action (near the boat ramps and beach area). The benefit is a nice rock house at the end, as well as interpretive signage that sheds light on Ohio's iron industry and history.

  • Lisa S.
    Apr. 7, 2019

    Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    Breathtaking and Peaceful

    This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge. The campground is a bit tight, especially when lots of cars are in visiting the campers, very peaceful though as the night goes on. The road to the lake could use a little TLC. Trails are marked nicely, as well as how to get to the equestrian site, Day use area, pool, lodge, and restaurant. Restaurant was very good buffet and menu items available. Lodge was clean and well kept. Very relaxing state park.

  • Jana H.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    Enjoyed our stay

    Park was nice, clean and has friendly staff. We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees. Showers are small but they work and there are only 3 stalls of toilets and 3 showers ( I believe) in the women’s side- unsure of men’s. Plenty to do, including a playground, pool, miniature golf, bike riding, horse back riding, hiking, etc. All sites have a picnic table and a grate over the fire pit. Water wells are easily accessible and they have washers and dryers as well. Check-in location was a bit confusing but eventually figured it out.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Pike Lake State Park Campground

    Cabin camping fun

    My daughter and I stayed here last year in late September. We rented a cabin (#4) for a weekend. While not luxurious, the cabin was clean, beds comfortable, AC worked great, functional kitchen and bigger bathroom than I expected. The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful. Parts of the CCC trail were overgrown with briars and narrow. The campground looks nice, we plan on bringing our camper next time. Not much nearby, but Waverly has some good eats. Seems popular with horse riders.

  • C
    Jul. 25, 2020

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Great little camp gound

    Most of the campsites have great privacy, despite being fairly close together. The beach is very nice! There are plenty of trails for the hikers, and 2 lakes if you're the boating/swimming type. Lots of elevation for Ohio.

  • K
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    Carter Caves State Park

    Such an incredible park the family loved exploring the trails, waterfalls, rock formations, and water. Check the schedule for ranger programs. The kids really wanted to go horseback riding but evidently it’s BYOH...bring your own horse LOL. The campgrounds had lovely views and lots of trees. We’d definitely return.

Guide to West Portsmouth

Horse camping in Ohio offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with facilities tailored for both riders and their horses.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Activities for horse camping enthusiasts

  • The Shawnee State Park Campground features extensive trails suitable for horseback riding, allowing campers to explore the scenic beauty of the park.
  • Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area offers nearby trails that are great for horseback riding, along with opportunities for fishing and hiking.
  • Campers at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius can enjoy a variety of hiking trails that are accessible for horseback riding, providing a chance to experience the area's natural beauty.

Tips for equestrian camping near West Portsmouth, Ohio

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near West Portsmouth, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near West Portsmouth, OH is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near West Portsmouth, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near West Portsmouth, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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