4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Salt Fork State Park Campground offers extensive equestrian facilities near New Concord, Ohio, with miles of dedicated horse trails through wooded terrain. The campground includes horse-friendly sites with ample trailer parking and wash racks for horses. Campers appreciate the clean facilities and spacious layout that accommodates both riders and their animals. The park maintains separate equestrian camping areas to ensure horses have appropriate space away from the main campground. Non-equestrians occasionally stay in the horse camping areas, which some riders find frustrating when planning their visits.
The horse trails at Salt Fork connect to over 20 miles of riding paths that wind through diverse terrain and scenic woodland areas. Kinderhook Horse Trail in Wayne National Forest provides an alternative equestrian camping experience with primitive facilities including vault toilets and picnic tables. The trailhead features flat tent spots and parking designed specifically for horse trailers. Water is available from a manual pump near the restroom area. Blue Rock State Park also accommodates equestrian campers with trails that are well-maintained but can become busy during peak seasons. Horse owners should note that most equestrian campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with limited winter access depending on weather conditions and trail maintenance schedules.
"We go at least once a year for the Ohio Bigfoot Conference which draws people from all over the country."
"**Salt Fork State Park of Ohio is for individual, couples or group camping. Salt Fork lake is natural spring fed water supply that fills this lake."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $35 / night
"I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."
"I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $170 / night
"Blue Rock State Park is outside Zanesville, Oh off I70. Rt 60 takes you South and then you have a choice of routes in. Good Ohio farmland scenery."
"Lovely park near Zanesville. The park is beautiful, lots of wildlife, and the trails were great."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $55 / night
"Great great campground plenty to Joe we took the horses had a blast"
"Very quiet campground with little to no other riders around. Only complaint would be the non equestrians staying in the equestrian area"
from $17 - $50 / night
"Wayne National Forest shares the area with Burr Oak State Park near Glouster, Oh. Wayne National Forest is split into three areas in southeastern Ohio."
"The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away."
Available this weekend
from $21 - $55 / night
"They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more."
"We come back to MW each year and try to get the same sites (323-322) as they are very private with access to the water while still being super close to the store and walkable to the bathrooms:showers."
from $25 - $44 / night
"The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake."
"Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park."
"Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
"Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump."
"Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table."
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
ScoutWe camped here for the first time this year and ended up booking 2 more trips here. We just finished our last trip. We love this campsite. No other place has sites this big and give you this much space. Awesome place to camp
GuideWe found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
Rangerwe come back to MW a few times each year as the access to the river and quiet nature of the campground is great. The playground is nice, the store is clean and well stocked.
RangerSites are small - especially the ones with power. Bathrooms are dirty and very worn out. Only 1 of 3 of the mens showers were working. Lots of spiders in the bathrooms and the stall doors don't latch effectively. Camp store (and access to ice) was closed for 'remodel'.
RangerNot our favorite. Very small campground. Good hiking trails. Decent beach. Very hilly. Shower house was kinda gross.
RangerWe return to Mohican wilderness a few times each year and love the sites we choose right on the river.
Most sites here are wide open field sites and would not suite our style of camping.
Bathrooms are typically clean.
GuideClean bathrooms. Nice park rangers. Open areas with fire pits.
TravelerThe site is full hook-up. 30/50 amp. This site is partial tree covered and at the end of the loop. Shower house very short walk across the road. Trash dumpster across the street. This is a short site 23 foot max for RV. Has a double pad with concrete Picknick table area. Best spot on C loop.
Salt Fork State Park is the largest state park in Ohio, spanning over 17,000 acres with its campgrounds located about 12 miles from New Concord. The park sits within the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau region, characterized by rolling hills and valleys with elevations ranging between 700-1,300 feet. Horse campgrounds near New Concord, Ohio typically operate from April through October, with most closing during winter months due to muddy conditions on trails.
Trail Rides in Wayne National Forest: Kinderhook Horse Trail provides extensive riding opportunities through dense deciduous forest. "The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill," notes Annika E. about Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Boating on Multiple Lakes: Salt Fork's 2,952-acre lake offers comprehensive boating options. "Large lake allows for all types of boating. Has large campground only beach and plenty of hiking trails/destinations," writes Jay B. about Salt Fork State Park Campground.
Hunting Opportunities: The region offers seasonal hunting in designated areas. "Just driving in saw turkeys and 'turkets':) and two 6 point bucks. You can hike, swim, boat, bike and horseback ride," shares Shelly S. about hunting-friendly surroundings.
Natural Spring Water Collection: "Salt Fork lake is natural spring fed water supply that fills this lake. Bring containers to put natural pure water in for home or camping supply," recommends JH T.
Trail Accessibility: Most equestrian campgrounds feature direct access to trail systems. "Very quiet campground with little to no other riders around," mentions Janessa S. about Blue Rock State Park Campground — Blue Rock State Park.
Dog-Friendly Areas: Some parks feature dedicated dog recreation spaces. "Dog park!! and right on the lake!! Found this by mistake on our way out, and the dogs loved it. Access to lake, a beach, well fenced," reports Staci R. about Salt Fork State Park.
Fall Camping Season: Autumn brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage. "The change of season brings a very different atmosphere to the park and the people staying in it. The facilities are still well maintained... The Trailhead's located throughout the area give you a good workout on the hilly terrain and offer some awesome fall scenery," notes Shelly S.
Spacious Sites at Some Campgrounds: "We have camped here 3 times now and even though it's a large park the sites are huge so you still feel like you can kick back and relax. Quiet neighbors and friendly staff plus everything is mowed and well maintained," writes Andrea F. about Mohican Wilderness.
Water Access Varies: Not all equestrian campgrounds provide adequate water facilities. "Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet. No hook-ups of any kind," reports Joe B. about Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Non-Equestrians Using Horse Camps: Be aware that non-riders sometimes occupy designated horse sites. "Only complaint would be the non equestrians staying in the equestrian area," notes Janessa S. about Blue Rock State Park.
Seasonal Closures: "We camp here several times a year. Nice trails, good fishing, clean pool, boat rental - always fun no matter the season," explains Gretchen R., though many facilities reduce services during winter months.
Tick Precautions: "TICK WARNING!!!! After a morning hike down wooded Trail, we spent A LONG TIME pulling ticks from dogs...even though the temps were in the 30's overnight and everyone was treated with flea & tick protection," warns Staci R.
Look for Multiple Activities: Choose parks with diverse recreational options. "This is a family friendly campground with lots to do. They offer on river and off river sites... They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more," recommends Shannon P. about Mohican Wilderness.
Consider Site Layout: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. "Our site # 14 was very hilly but at least it had a tent pad at the bottom of the hill so it was flat where we were sleeping. At night we heard an owl and it was very peaceful," shares Nicole C. about Burr Oak State Park Campground.
Beach Access: "This park is huge! There are several areas to pay for camping as well as primitive camp. It's near the water and they offer several trails," reports Jacqueline F. about Salt Fork.
Historical Sites: "Trails that lead along shore line to old stone house built in early days of Ohio. Caves to be explored that are easy to access," mentions JH T., highlighting educational opportunities.
Site Selection Matters: "Sites are packed together like other parks and majority are large and level. We stayed in G loop (G33) and were more than satisfied with the site," advises Jay B. about Salt Fork State Park.
Limited Full Hookups: "There is a dump station near the entrance. There is also a small camp store at the entrance. Overall, a nice place to spend a weekend," notes Brian B. about Dillon State Park Campground.
Accessibility for Different RV Sizes: "This is an awsome state park. Personally, it is definitely a favorite and I think it is one of the best in the state," reports Jay B., though larger rigs should check specific site dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New Concord, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near New Concord, OH is Salt Fork State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near New Concord, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near New Concord, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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