Horseman's Camp at Versailles State Park accommodates equestrians with trailer parking and access to over 20 miles of bridle trails. Located 45 miles from North Bend, this dedicated section of the campground features electric hookups with 30 and 50-amp service, water connections, and shower facilities. The campground connects directly to the park's extensive trail system, allowing riders to explore wooded terrain without trailering horses between rides. Sites are significantly more spread out than standard camping areas, providing ample space for horse trailers and camping equipment. The park maintains sanitary dump stations for RVs and offers sewer hookups at select sites.
Hueston Woods State Park Campground provides another option for horse enthusiasts approximately 30 miles from North Bend. The horse campground section remains separate from general camping areas while still offering access to modern amenities. Trails wind through old-growth forests with streams crossing several routes, though water levels vary seasonally. Daily trail rides connect campers to scenic overlooks and the 200-acre Acton Lake. The campground's layout accommodates large horse trailers with pull-through sites and adequate turning radius at the dump station. Reservation requirements include specifying equestrian camping when booking, as these specialized sites fill quickly during peak season. Sites in both parks remain open year-round, though trail conditions deteriorate after heavy rainfall.
"Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks. 1.7 mile paved walking trail is great for walking, running and biking. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by."
"The location is located on the lake with access to put in a kayak or canoe. The bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls."
$27 - $100 / night
"The park is about 3000 acres with a beautiful sailing / fishing lake. There is a beautiful lodge and golf course, archery range, and plenty of hiking paths and equestrian paths."
"This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "
$39 - $52 / night
"One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers. "
"This is your standard Ohio State Park campground. It has the usual parking, water, restrooms, camp store, and activities. East Fork is rather nice as it has the lake and long trails. "
$33 - $35 / night
"The park offers great hiking trails, mountain bike trails, seasonal nature center, seasonal swimming pool, horse trails and 230 acre lake."
"Older Indiana State Park just West of Indiana / Ohio state line South of IH-74. Roads tight and only 1 dump station for 70+ sites (most site are water electric only)"
"Overnighted here with my horses on my way south for the winter, but will definitely be coming back and spending more time. Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding."
"Amazing place for the price and proximity to the city!! Just wish there was more hiking trails"
$20 - $35 / night
"There are lots of wonderful trails. Historic downtown Madison is beautiful river town with beautiful architecture throughout. Access to the Ohio River as well if you’re interested in boating."
"Most of the sites border wooded areas, so they are in the open. Great access to the hiking trails, and the nice lodge for those who may want to check-in to a room or enjoy the indoor pool."
$16 - $26 / night
"I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out! "
"Short hike to the lake. Great beach area and shower facilities. Pet friendly, horse trails, camp store. Liberty is a short drive and has all essentials plus J’s Dairy Inn 🤤"
$29 - $160 / night
"Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."
"Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park. It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. "
$15 - $28 / night
"This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports."
"There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take"
$29 / night
GuideAutumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry. Had to wait for rvs in front of me to register.
LegendThis is part of the Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metro Parks) and it is at the Twin Creek metro park. This is an old boy scout camp (Camp Hook) back in the day.
During these COVID-19 times we wanted a place to park that wasn't the traditional Ohio State Parks camp site. We didn't want to share a common bathroom/bath house or playground area. We picked this as the Twin Creek camp site only has 3 camp sites within the park. Even then they are out of side from each other. You can somewhat hear the other two camp sites (rarely). This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports. We had two great park volunteers/security stop by to make sure we had everything we need.
The nice thing about the Dayton metro parks is that each night in the front county camp sites they include a bundle of fire wood. This is not the small sad bundle that you often buy at gas stations or other markets. This is a huge bundle. It is dry and cut in an easy to use manner. It is also kept in a little box so it is dry even if you do have weather while camping. If you wish to add an additional bundle of firewood the price is very reasonable at $10.00. I do this every time I camp there to support their campsites/metro parks. I have yet to use up their firewood in the box when I camp for a whole weekend. It is also nice that we don't have to put it in our cars so less clean up after camping. It also helps with the whole burn local fire wood so you are not transporting bugs. Or you don't have to cross your fingers and hope someone close by sells firewood.
The nice thing about their site is the additional tables made it easy for us to socially distance. When I camp at local state parks and we only have one table it can be tricky to keep coolers, food, and people separated. We also were able to have kids do craft at one of the tables while we were preparing meals. This camp site is listed as a 10 person camp site. There is no water on site so make sure you bring all the water that you will need.
We also were able to hike the easy trails around the camp site. No need to put the kids in the car unless we wanted to. Which we still did:)
We drove into town and discovered a covered bridge that I had missed on an earlier camping trip. (Germantown). This town also has the Florentine which is one of the oldest inns in Ohio. It was closed while we were in town but it is well worth a stop. The town also has a community pool as well that you can buy a day pool pass.
The campsite does have two spots that would be neat for a wedding. You can reserve an amphitheater.
The campsites during peak season are $20 during week days and $28 for weekends. I still find this to be one of the best values for camping in Ohio. Especially, when you consider the level of privacy that you have on these sites. The vault toilets are one of the best as they are always clean. We have hand sanitizer and toilet paper. We didn't have to share our vault toilet with any other family units.
All of these small touches really made COVID-19 camping with kids much easier. We look forward to being back at this camp site in the fall.
Here is the website to make a reservation https://www.metroparks.org/rentals-permits/reserve-a-campsite/?id=786190&api=facilities&type=camp
GuideExpensive for what it has to offer. At 48.00 bucks a night yes they do have WIFI in the RV section. They do have concrete pads. It’s a shame they are worthless they are to small to park the average RV on an are on the wrong side of most rigs unless you pull in 1/2 the sites the electric is on the wrong side. The sites are gravel and not level the rest rooms are new and nice. The horse stalks are very nice. If you have a large horse trailer type camper your screwed the sites are small so that only leaves you with the RV sites that are a few 100 feet away from the stables If you want to walk threw the drainage ditch add about 300 ft if you don’t want to walk threw the muck. It’s a shame when they paved the entry road they didn’t spend a little more. “Grant money “ or tax money an do it properly. The main play ground is extremely nice. About 1/3 Mile walk. They do have a small playground in the rv section. For horses again they have a nice setup for big RVs it Sux they have a dump station. Situated in between the entry road to the Fkatwood rv section and equestrian area The main lake is nice you can rent kayaks canoes. Or use your own boat. The boat ramp is nice the other end of the lake at the flat wood rv section. Is t really a lake it’s a back water shallow mud hole depending on the time of the year. Mosquitoes the size of jet fighters. Will rather eat you alive or carry you off. “Lol sorry could t resist “ it gets bad the park is clean and well maintained Except for the camp sites
LegendCowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park. It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. This is good if you want to meet with friends somewhat in between. It isn't too close to the highway so you don't hear the road noise as it is a few miles away but it is an easy drive to the park.
They have been revamping the Nature Center to make it more accessible to folks as they have recently added a ramp. The Nature Center actually has two buildings side by side used for different purposes. Then behind the Nature Center they have a location where several birds are located in cages. Then next to where the birds are kept you will notice a new paw print trail that is a short but informative hike.
The commissary has great pizza and ice cream. We also bought our firewood and ice from them as well. We didn't need to leave the park. We had a few trails to pick from and picked two of the shorter ones for members in our group.
The cabins have been revamped as well. They are all close to each other so if you wanted to have a family reunion or a get together this would be a great spot to do so. At the end of the main road it will lead you to the lake. You can use the dock to put your boat out (kayak and certain motor boats). Folks are fishing at the lake or simply enjoying the beauty of the lake.
The beach is simple but that is part of the charm. It is clean and we were able to swim on the hot days that we had while camping.
GuideCampgrounds we’re designed for pop up campers limited sites for RVs an Travel Trailers electric was dependable water at most sites plenty of tent sites. They have some equestrian sites and one or two trails For what it is a the location it’s not a bad place. We have camped there. Many many times. Really a good campground for new campers. Close to what ever you may have forgotten or need
GuideHueston Wood, a real gem. The park is about 3000 acres with a beautiful sailing / fishing lake. There is a beautiful lodge and golf course, archery range, and plenty of hiking paths and equestrian paths.
The biggest issue for us was the description of the site at C36 was nothing like the description. We approached the staff in the office and they expressed no concern in helping us. One camping family left due to the office staff's attitude.
Ok, now for the positive! We met one of the volunteers, Gary, who was able to find us a site to hold our 34 foot motorhome. He made our July 4th weekend, couldn't have been more accomodating.
Sites have 30A electric and there is plenty of potable water available around the campground, just not at the site. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. At the A and B loop there was plenty of space around the site to spread out.
The dump station is fairly new and can accommodate 2 RV's. Though most site are grass, some have gravel, but the A loop sites are full hookup and concrete or paved (but not all flat). When setting reservation and with an RV over 20ft, shoot for A or B loop.
The grounds are just beautiful, hiking trails great but not all marked well. A place we will return.
LegendGeneral: Huge state park with over 400 sites. All are pet-friendly and electric. About 20 are FHU. While tent camping is permitted, certain sites are not recommended for it as there would be no place to pitch a tent. One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers.
Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Some sites have more trees to provide privacy while others are closer together with little separation.
Bath/Shower House: Not all loops have their own bath house and the I loop where we stayed was one of them. We used the one in the H Loop. The bathhouses were clean, and the shower had nice hot water, however, it doesn’t seem like there were sufficient facilities for how large the campground was (H Loop had two showers, two toilets, and three sinks). Hooks or shelves would have been appreciated.
Activities/Amenities: Many activities can be enjoyed here including mini golf (small nine-hole course), soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, corn hole, boating, and bicycling. Playgrounds are in several loops (I saw them in C and G). Rentals are available but most are only in season (ended September 30). There is a nature center and several hiking or paved biking/walking trails. There is also a camper beach for boating and swimming.
When we reserved months earlier, we knew that our first night (a Saturday) was 100% full as we got the very last site. What we did not know is that there was a HUGE Halloween celebration complete with 30-40 decorated golf carts parading through the campground. The road was closed until 6:45 pm (we arrived around 7 pm) and cars lined both sides of the approximately two-mile road! If that's your thing, great but it wasn't necessarily ours!
I appreciate that this park encourages so much outdoor activity, but it is not very pedestrian-friendly. I walked the road from one end to the other and there was no shoulder and, in many spots, no place to safely step off into the grass. I’m guessing it is assumed you will either have a car or golf cart to get around.
One final note: 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.
TravelerI've stayed here in the past and Cowan Lake does not disappoint. The B site campground is all non-electric tent camping, and far enough away from the larger RV pads that it's a quiet little campsite! Also, these sites are super close to the bathrooms on the beach, which were very clean during our stay. I was incredibly impressed, because the beach gets pretty busy during the day. The beach itself was clean (for a lakeside beach- there are geese, it's Ohio) and the lake was gorgeous! I will say, the only MILD annoyance is that some of the other campers would drive to the parking lot in front of our campsite and park there into the evening hours to fish or head down to the docks. I'm an early riser, so the headlights and car doors slamming were mildly annoying after about 10p. Not enough to make me choose a different campsite, but worth noting. We rented a tandem kayak and explored the lake, and the equipment was all in good condition. The Commisary is pretty limited but they do have a small kitchen and ice cream, as well as the basics like firewood and ice, as well as the boat rentals. Overall, one of my favorite lakeside campgrounds!
GuideThe sites suck not level the shower is new but sucks push. It to die 25 seconds of water that’s like being pissed on the electric situation is poor 30 amp old not maintained the park was put in about 1919 the trails use to be awesome. Now the use to be well groomed trails that were bordered by hand built stone walls have been replaced by half assed wooden decks with steps that were built by Hellen Keller “ridiculous “ They have a 9.00 entry fee on top of the camping fee they cut the grass every day we were there Turing the park into a scalped dust bowel. Again “ridiculous “ they had a few sites that we’re supposed to be persons with disabilities friendly. Their is No sell service. Every one was wondering around looking for service. “ I though that was funny” No WiFi That didn’t bother us. But several folks around us were miffed camp store. Was a joke and was only open maybe Friday Saturday and Sunday. Possibly Maybe. “What ever that means “ the dump station. Is a cluster F#%*¥ was a tight fit for the 3 campers in front of us. Who had 28 ft to 35 ft campers. Just a dirt pull off close to trees with a tight turn to exit. Only one side could be used at a time. Or you would block the campground Exit. So not very well planned out
Equestrian camping near North Bend, Ohio offers access to over 20 miles of trails through southern Ohio's rolling hills. The region experiences moderate seasonal temperatures with average summer highs around 85°F and winter lows near 20°F. Fall camping provides colorful foliage viewing, while spring brings wildflower displays along the bridle paths that connect multiple state parks.
Water activities at Winton Woods Park: The 156-acre lake within this Hamilton County park provides multiple boating options just 20 minutes from North Bend. "The lake has a harbor with boathouse, snack bar, boat rentals and playgrounds. There are miles of paved and rustic hiking trails," notes Nancy W., who appreciates the "paved trail around the lake was great for walking/jogging and perfect for launching our kayaks."
Horseback riding at Whitewater Memorial State Park: Located about an hour from North Bend, the horse trails connect to wider park features. "I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out!" notes Brady R., who appreciated the separation between sites.
Hiking at Clifty Falls State Park: The rugged terrain provides challenging hikes with waterfall views. "Trails are great and have terrain grading that is pretty accurate. Trails are not marked very well so plan for longer hikes than anticipated," advises Kyle, who camped here in 2022. The park also features "lots to do in the area" with trail difficulties clearly marked.
Privacy at equestrian sites: The horse-friendly campgrounds offer more separation than standard camping areas. At Dayton Metro Parks, Kenpocentaur K. reports, "The other two group camp sites were far enough away that you couldn't hear or see them. It was a camp site that was flat enough for tents and did have trees to hang your hammock." This layout allows equestrian campers space for horses and equipment.
Well-maintained facilities: State parks in the region maintain clean restrooms and shower areas. At Cowan Lake State Park, Kim H. found, "The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included." The restrooms "weren't new; however, they were very clean."
Fishing opportunities: Many parks near North Bend feature stocked lakes. "Nice park in Cincinnati with lots to do for Everyone. Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks," reports Dan G. about Winton Woods. "Fishing at the campground can get crowded but other fishing spots are a short walking distance away."
Seasonal conditions affect trail access: After heavy rainfall, trails become difficult to navigate, especially for horses. Charles R. at A.J. Jolly Park & Campground notes, "Close to Cincinnati but each site is wooded and on lake front, lots to do!" However, jeffrey D. cautions, "The other end of the lake at the flat wood rv section is a back water shallow mud hole depending on the time of the year. Mosquitoes the size of jet fighters."
Campsite layouts vary significantly: Some equestrian sites have unusual configurations for electricity and water hookups. According to jeffrey D., "On the general setup of newer campers and motorhomes. Pad are about 12 x12 concrete so that's a plus but the location of the pads if you want to use your RV awning means your wheels in what ever your using are going to be nearly off the level area."
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian sites fill quickly during summer months. At East Fork State Park, Andrea F. advises, "We were there over Labor Day weekend and it was a quiet park except for the occasional golf cart late at night going by." The park offers "several miles of bike trails, bridle trails and hiking trails" but requires advance planning for holiday weekends.
Multiple activity options: Parks with diverse amenities keep children engaged. At Hueston Woods State Park Campground, Maddy B. shares, "We love Hueston Woods! The beach is a short distance away and love that they also include a dog swimming area." Parks often feature both water activities and land-based options for various ages.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas near camping loops. According to Anne H. at Winton Woods, "The bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls. There is a playground for children, and a camp store that sells firewood and supplies."
Educational programs: Nature centers provide structured activities for young campers. At Versailles State Park, Burns G. reports, "Great place and want to come back in the summer to enjoy the lake and pool. We had a nice level, shaded campground." The park offers seasonal programs for children focusing on local wildlife.
Site selection considerations: At East Fork State Park Campground, Lee D. advises, "All camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Some sites have more trees to provide privacy while others are closer together with little separation." Reviewing site maps before booking helps identify the most suitable locations for larger rigs.
Hookup configurations: Power and water connections sometimes require extensions. As Johnothan R. notes at Cowan Lake, "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." Some parks have unusual hookup placements requiring longer cables or hoses.
Dump station access: High-volume weekends create congestion at dump stations. At Versailles State Park, Jessie W. cautions, "I would also note that there is only one dump station for the three campgrounds so there can be quite the line when trying to get out of there on a Sunday afternoon." Planning departure times accordingly prevents lengthy waits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near North Bend, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near North Bend, OH is Winton Woods Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near North Bend, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near North Bend, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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