Horseback riders traveling to eastern Ohio can find several equestrian-focused camping options within Wayne National Forest and surrounding areas. New Matamoras sits along the Ohio River at approximately 630 feet elevation, where humid summers and moderate winters create varied trail conditions for riders. Several camping areas specifically accommodate horse trailers with spacious parking and access to designated bridle paths.
What to do
Trail exploration: Paw Paw Trail offers smoother riding conditions compared to other local trails. According to Annika E., "The Paw Paw trail was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill." Unlike the neighboring Kinderhook trail which requires more maintenance during summer months.
Water activities: Paddling at Blue Rock State Park Campground offers a small but scenic experience. As Nicole F. shares, "We rented a Kayak to go exploring (super fun as we had not done that before! and decently priced) but the area you have to Kayak in is so small!! The lake is not really a lake but more of a pond."
Wildlife viewing: Arrive early morning or evening for best animal sightings. Shelly S. reports from Salt Fork State Park Campground, "Just driving in saw turkeys and 'turkets' and two 6 point bucks. You can hike, swim, boat, bike and horseback ride."
Creek exploration: Kids can find small aquatic wildlife in the streams running through several campgrounds. Ryan W. notes, "There is a creek running through the main primitive campsites below the dam, with minnows and crawfish for the kids to catch."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Several equestrian campgrounds maintain well-kept restroom facilities. At Kinderhook Trailhead, Tyler O. reports, "The vault toilet here is very clean and even had a lockable door. There is also drinkable water from a city water hand pump."
Solitude: Lower visitation during weekdays provides peaceful camping experiences. According to Janessa S., the Blue Rock State Park equestrian campground offers a "Very quiet campground with little to no other riders around."
Accessible water: Hand pumps at some sites provide convenient drinking water. Tyler O. found that at Kinderhook Horse Trail, "There is also drinkable water from a city water hand pump. Very quiet at night, except for a handful of cars that might drive through or spend the night."
Proximity to supplies: Some horse campgrounds near New Matamoras, Ohio offer convenient access to necessities. Tyler O. notes, "Gas stations, fast food, and dollar general are all within 10 mins. Verizon signal - 1/2 bars ATT signal - 2/3 bars."
What you should know
Vehicle traffic: Some trailhead camping areas experience unexpected nighttime visitors. Jack H. cautions about Kinderhook Horse Trail: "I've had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left. I would not recommend this site if you are traveling solo."
Limited camping space: Most horse-oriented camping areas provide only basic accommodations. Joe B. explains, "Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained."
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer most comfortable temperatures for riding, while summer brings high humidity and insect activity. Annika E. reports, "A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead."
Trail conditions vary: Maintenance schedules affect trail quality throughout the season. Annika noted, "The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide."
Tips for camping with families
Explore creek wildlife: Children can enjoy stream exploration at campgrounds with water access. Ryan W. from Mountwood Park Family Campground shares that "There is a creek running through the main primitive campsites below the dam, with minnows and crawfish for the kids to catch, plenty of shade."
Look for pavilion sites: Some campgrounds offer covered areas for protection during rain. Shelly S. notes about Blue Rock, "A cool feature is a few of the sites have pavilion type covered patios that you can pitch your tent in to help stay dry during inclimate weather."
Check water quality: Swimming areas may have seasonal water quality advisories. Nicole F. reports, "The beach area had multiple notices about high bacteria content and warnings for swimming at your own risk."
Pack tick prevention: Wooded trails frequently have ticks regardless of season. Staci R. warns, "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Many equestrian campgrounds prioritize trailer parking over RV amenities. At Walkabout Creek Horsemans Camp, facilities focus on horse accommodations rather than RV hookups.
Site positioning: RV sites in local campgrounds often lack shade coverage. Shelly S. observes, "The sites are close together. Though there are a few sites that are more off to themselves, they are still wide open with sparse tree cover."
Equestrian-specific amenities: For riders wanting full hookups while traveling with horses, consider alternatives. Amanda U. reports about Kinderhook Trailhead, "This is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet, a few trash cans, a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers."
Site selection: For electric hookups, Jay B. recommends Salt Fork State Park: "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."
Traveler
