4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Mohican State Park Campground in Loudonville includes equestrian accommodations with direct access to multiple bridle trails. The park spans extensive acreage with numerous riding paths through pine forest terrain and creek crossings. Horse camping near Norwalk ranges from electric sites to primitive horse camping areas, with highlines available for securing horses overnight. The campsites accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins, with some sites offering electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The steep hills and beautiful pine trees create challenging and scenic riding experiences for horse riders. Drinking water is accessible for both campers and horses throughout the grounds, with trail access points conveniently positioned near the camping areas.
Multiple well-groomed horse trails wind through Mohican State Park and connect to the larger trail system in the Mohican-Memorial State Forest. Riders can traverse miles of trails featuring creek crossings and varied terrain suitable for different skill levels. The primitive horse camp provides basic amenities for equestrians planning overnight stays with their animals. Trailer parking is available near the equestrian camping areas, with sufficient space for larger rigs and turnaround areas. Pleasant Hill Lake Park, located in nearby Perrysville, offers additional horse-friendly camping options with trails connecting to the broader Mohican region trail network. Most equestrian trails remain open year-round, though conditions vary seasonally, with winter months offering quieter riding experiences primarily shared with local fishermen. Dogs are welcome to accompany riders on the trails. For those seeking horse campsites near Norwalk with room for larger trailer rigs, both locations provide dedicated equestrian areas with adequate turnaround space.
"Miles of well groomed horse trails available with creek crossings, steep hills and beautiful pine tree."
"As part of a nearly 200-mile bikepacking ride, this was our last stop! We spent 2 nights in their "Class B" area down in the Mohican River Valley and loved it."
from $27 - $220 / night
Check Availability"Didn’t see much of the park on Friday, but Saturday we went exploring and saw the marina, beach, horse camp area, and walked some of the bridle trails."
"Positives: Lots are spacious
- Lots of activities: WhoaZone, boating, fishing, horseback riding, near Mohican Adventures for rafting, hiking
- Quiet and with friendly staff and seasonal campers
- Large"
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms are open and close by. No showers. Very clean and quiet. There were 4 others staying here. All were nice. If you arrive after hours grab an envelope and drop payment in an envelope."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Not your typical going hiking kinda campground (there are trails but they are not “major”) you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm. Ohio countryside at its best."
"Lots of hiking trails and a few sites boasting the filming locations for scenes from the movie Shawshank Redemption."
from $23 - $180 / night
Check Availability
GuideMiles of well groomed horse trails available with creek crossings, steep hills and beautiful pine tree. There’s a primitive horse camp as well, and places to tie horses at the entrance with high lines. Dogs are welcome to.
LegendAs part of a nearly 200-mile bikepacking ride, this was our last stop! We spent 2 nights in their "Class B" area down in the Mohican River Valley and loved it.
The oddly named “Class A” camping area offers everything from full-hook up camping slots for campers large and small, as well as just electric sites and 10 “walk-in” primitive sites, and cabins -- all of which are reservable. This area has all the bells and whistles of a modern campground with an environmental learning center, a nice outdoor pool, clean showers and bathrooms, an extensive playground and hiking and mountain biking trails right out the front door.
The “Class B” area offers 25 primitive sites on a first-come, first-served basis. It is almost 6 miles by road from the “A” services, but only a 2-mile flatish hike along the river trail. At these sites, there are only pit toilets and a water pump. Each site has a picnic table and a small fire ring. There is also a large group camping area just a few miles away from the primitive “Class B” area.
Tubing and canoeing are available within the park, but there are also several canoe outfitters in the area which provide rental / pick up services. The sheer number of these businesses makes me think that summer time can be crowded!!
Beautiful shaded trails meander all throughout the park and they boast some of the most challenging mountain biking in the mid-west, so read your trail maps. Hiking, equestrian and winter snowmobile trails also offer some great opportunities to get out and stretch your legs throughout the year. There is also a safe and convenient, bike lane / bike path into nearby Loudonville, which has a small grocery story and the usual fast-food restaurants.
Note: The only reason why this park didn't get a 5 star was due to their customer service. It was absolutely lousy, confusing, and the young folks working behind the counter acted as if they didn't want to be there and/or hadn't been trained. We almost left, but since we had cycled 42 miles to get there that day, we chose to stay and enjoyed our time in their Class B sites.
GuideNear the bridal trails you'll find Park and Pack site #4. It's a great spot if your legs are tired after a long day of hiking or if you did too many hills that day. Or if you're a beginner camper, or family that want to try something new, it's easy to walk into and out of. You'll find campsite #4 near the horse pavilion and a large wood barn where it looks that wood is provided. The trail itself is flat, wide and conditions depend on recent rainfall and horse use. It was mostly dry with some muddy areas to navigate around. You'll need to transport it back to camp somehow by pack or a cart/wheelbarrow... It has creative man made benches from logs/branches, a great view for sunset. Per paper maps it looks like it's among the other campsites but actually it's on its own and the opposite side of the multiple bridal trailhead.
TravelerMohican offers great accommodations and clean facilities. It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun. Trailheads are located right of the grounds and the surrounding area is full of great things to do. If swimming is your thing the pool is clean and well maintained and situated between two ridgelines so you float and stare around at wooded hillsides. Great after a day of hiking or crushing the mountain biking trails. Grab a walk-in site or one by the river. No problems with hammocks in sites we chose but not all sites have enough mature trees.
LegendI found Malabar Farm in Lucas, OH on my way home from Mom’s house. Never heard of it before and I have been this way for over 20 years now. Louis Bromfield was a conservationist and among many other things (including winning a Pulitzer) he was in the forefront of organic and self-sustaining gardening. This place is amazing! ( and would be an excellent home schoolers camping trip!) Not your typical going hiking kinda campground (there are trails but they are not “major”) you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm. Ohio countryside at its best. Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground. There’s also a small rentable cabin open year round. Definitely worth a visit and very family oriented events. ( your teenager will roll their eyes at you but probably secretly enjoy the visit)
LegendThis trip was memorable for so many reasons but the Chestnuts really make this park stand out. The park has several Chestnut trees which is usually a rare find these days. Later on, I found a sign explaining why the park had so many Chestnut trees. They are working to bring them back. We used our grubstick to roast them over the open fire. Many of us fondly think of the Christmas song but how often have you roasted your own Chestnuts while camping?
The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site. Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace. More space and great neighbors.
The camp store at this park had a lot of great things such as corn hole outside, a mining activity for the family, trikes you could rent, and most importantly ice cream.
The camp store is right across from the pool. The pool is currently closed but not many state parks in Ohio have a pool right in the camp ground area. This is a rare treat. The pool had the traditional pool, kiddo pool, and small splash pad. You could also see where they had installed a curb cut for those in wheel chairs or needing ramps. No pool lift that I could see to help someone lower in and out of the pool. This may be put away for the season so call to find out. They also had a ramp installed that led up to the pool. One side the old steps and the other side a new ADA ramp.
The fire wood was in a white bag and that made it easy to move and kept the car clean which I appreciated. They also had bait so if you wanted to walk behind the pool and continue to the river it wouldn't be far to go fishing.
The shower house by us did not have an ADA bathroom and I didn't get a chance to look for the ADA shower.
Behind the campsites (our section) you could grab a short trail to the river. This was a lovely surprise as I followed a foot path. We opted not to do the overlook hike to the gorge as we had fellow campers with us that couldn't do a long hike for safety reasons. It as a nice surprise to learn that one could also drive to the overlook if they need to and all parties could enjoy the view together. Two different ways to get to the same place which means if you need to split up your campers based on physical skills then you could do so and then eat at the shelter together.
The camp ground has been FULL several times this season so make sure you make your reservations. This park also has a way for you to put on and take out of the river. You will see folks walking around with their inner tubes as they will float down the small section.
We also drove 10 miles away to the Mohican Lodge to treat ourselves to some food and an OSU Football game at the bar downstairs. The bar has a great back patio and view of the lake. It too has a variety of games in the back patio. They were awesome and turned on the closed caption feature for us. Those of us that wanted to watched the game and others were able to play various games at the lodge (Ping pong, pool, read a book by the fire, go see the owls on site, and more).
The pool at the lodge is being redone at the moment. I may try to upload that information later. So look for it to be new and improved. The pool also has a sauna for those that need some help to warm up/relax tight muscles. Usually, you can get a day pass for the lodge pool even when you are staying at the camp sites. This is a small fee but well worth it.
While we were at the lodge an outside non-profit group was there with 2 owls. We hope to drive up to Mansfield sometime to explore their property (90 acres) with birds they have rescued or are helping. https://www.ohiobirdsanctuary.com/ they come to the lodge usually on Sat evening at 7 PM.
For those who are a fan of Shawshank Redemption the movie you are an easy day trip away from the Mansfield Reformatory. https://www.mrps.org/explore/tours
ScoutThere are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites. There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails, first come first serve, no reservations. love them!
LegendTook me some miles but I figured it out. Highly suggest a map from the info center or other office. Nice , snug camping that's well maintained and connected to the trail system once you figure it out...This is a beautiful, hilly, scenic area, loved it. Horse, Bike and foot traffic.
LegendWe arrived Friday late afternoon and set up in the rain. Didn’t see much of the park on Friday, but Saturday we went exploring and saw the marina, beach, horse camp area, and walked some of the bridle trails. They also have playgrounds that are open and some food trucks in case you don’t want to cook.
This is the second park we have stayed at that is part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and so far I am impressed. Large landscape sites that are full hookup with large concrete pads. Each with its own picnic table and fire pit. They also have a boat dock for the campers to use. The lightning bugs even put on a nightly show.
Mohican State Park Campground features equestrian accommodations across its 1,100+ acres with varying trail options for horse riders. Located near Norwalk, Ohio, the park offers both primitive and electric camping areas accessible to horses and riders. Trail systems range from beginner-friendly flats to challenging terrain with steep inclines and water crossings. The park connects with the broader Mohican-Memorial State Forest trail network, creating extended riding opportunities throughout the region.
Explore free backpack sites: Mohican State Park Campground offers unique backpacking opportunities. "There are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites. There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails, first come first serve, no reservations," shares John H.
Visit waterfalls and covered bridges: The park features scenic natural elements beyond the equestrian trails. "The hiking trails are great with a covered bridge, overlook and waterfalls," notes Andrea F. about Mohican State Park. Trails connect major landmarks throughout the park.
Float the river: The Clear Fork branch of the Mohican River offers water recreation options alongside horse trails. "People bring rafts and tubes and float down the river to the main campground at the end of the gorge. There are also good fishing," explains Marci P. about the primitive camping area.
River proximity: Many campers value waterfront sites at the primitive campground. "It is right alongside the river and at the bottom of the gorge. I always try to go to the end of the long campground where I feel it is quieter," reports Marci P. about Mohican State Park.
Beach access: Pleasant Hill Lake Park provides additional water recreation beyond horseback riding. "I just love love the beach lake. Great entertainment too. New shower houses by the beach," writes Karrie Kat W. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Off-season solitude: Winter camping offers a different experience for equestrians. "Camping in the off season is our favorite time of year. This particular park has potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open," notes Andrea F.
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be unreliable in some horse campground areas. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," reports Andrea F. about Mohican State Park.
Site variations: The primitive camping areas differ significantly from main campgrounds. "There is no electricity. There is water at a hand pump and pit toilets. Listening to the river is what makes this place peaceful," explains Marci P.
Working farm option: Malabar Farm State Park offers an alternative camping experience near horse trails. "Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground," notes Shelly S.
Pool and activity options: Families appreciate additional recreational facilities. "Camp store is nice and well stocked, gem mining and mountain bike trails are located within the campground as well as a pool," shares Andrea F.
Beginner-friendly campsites: First-time campers with horses find certain areas more accommodating. "As far as tent camping goes, it does not get any easier than this. Everything is clean and well organized. Perfect for first time campers," reports Jenny K. about Mohican State Park.
Bike paths for children: Pleasant Hill offers dedicated paths for younger visitors. "The bike/walking paths for kids/adults is a great addition for campers with young kids," explains Tina D. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Full hookup availability: Pleasant Hill recently upgraded their facilities. "Large landscape sites that are full hookup with large concrete pads. Each with its own picnic table and fire pit. They also have a boat dock for the campers to use," notes Andrea F.
Electric-only options: Mohican State Park offers alternatives to full hookups. "We went for a Bluegrass Festival and spent most of the time in the campground because it rained a lot... Camp spots right on the river which is pretty cool," shares Katie Jo B.
Fairground overnight option: For horse transporters passing through the area, Ashland Fairgrounds provides simple accommodations. "Ashland fairgrounds has $20 tent sites or $35 full hookups. You may need an extension cord. All back in sites. Bathrooms are open and close by," explains Charles K.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Norwalk, OH is Mohican State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
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