West Branch State Park Campground features a dedicated horse camping area with bridle trails and spacious sites for equestrian visitors. The horse camping section accommodates both horse trailers and camping equipment, with sites designed to provide adequate space for horses and riders. Tent campers are sometimes permitted in the horse camping area, though this has caused safety concerns due to children running around horses that may spook. The park maintains multiple trails specifically for horseback riding, creating a network that equestrians can explore directly from their campsites. The campground provides basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with access to clean bathrooms and shower facilities located throughout the park.
Bridle trails at West Branch State Park connect to an extensive trail system suitable for riders of all experience levels. The trails wind through wooded areas and offer scenic views of Kirwan Reservoir and Jay Lake. Horse owners should be aware that the park has recently allowed non-equestrian campers in the horse camping area, which has created some safety concerns and crowding issues during peak seasons. Camp hosts in the equestrian area work to educate visitors about horse safety and proper etiquette around the animals. Mosquito Lake State Park, located approximately 30 miles away, also offers horse-friendly camping options with access to additional riding trails. Both parks require reservations well in advance for prime equestrian sites, especially during summer months and weekends when the campgrounds reach capacity.
$30 - $52 / night
"The bathrooms are clean and include a laundry and sinks outside to wash your dishes. Campground hosts and staff are friendly and helpful. Sites are roomy and clean. Lots of variety."
"There is no WiFi and barely one bar of cell service; your best internet access is at the nice public library 7 miles away in Ravenna Sand beach is an easy walk from all camp sites and boat trailers can"
$27 - $80 / night
"This park is one of my favorites in Ohio at this time. Most of the sites are some what private. There are many trails and even a fog park next to the lake."
"They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park."
TravelerYou need to make reservations well in advance for the “primo” sites. The bathrooms are clean and include a laundry and sinks outside to wash your dishes. Campground hosts and staff are friendly and helpful. Sites are roomy and clean. Lots of variety. If you’re into hiking, disc golf, kayaking, fishing, equestrian pursuits, etc, this is the park for you.
Traveler3 Immaculate bath houses all with laundry facilities, all sites have electric (no f-ing generators) and many have have water and sewer hook ups. There is no WiFi and barely one bar of cell service; your best internet access is at the nice public library 7 miles away in Ravenna Sand beach is an easy walk from all camp sites and boat trailers can be parked on your camp site Boat launch has a big trailer parking lot, too. There are hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails in the park and launching off paddle boards is ok at the boat launch or the nearby beach Friendly staff and camp hosts!
RangerThis park is one of my favorites in Ohio at this time. Most of the sites are some what private. There are many trails and even a fog park next to the lake.
GuideFirst time here. They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park. Wood is dry and cheap right outside the park entrance. Bass fishing is top notch on the lake. I would definitely come back here again and again.
LegendRanger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park
**Campground Review: **
This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences. We had no trouble pulling in at 3 pm on a Sunday after Labor Day with no reservations and snagging a very nice spot (Site 50 backs up to Kirwan Reservoir). There are two loops that are on Jay Lake where there is a beach; it was understandable that there weren’t any water view spots that had not been reserved here. A very quiet park that is well-maintained with lots of amenities. Even the rumbling of the nearby trains was on the quiet side! Nice playground with toy stocked sandpit, volleyball net, cheap laundry ($3 per load, wash and dry), dishwashing sinks, showers, and clean bathrooms. There was even a step stool for kids to be able to reach the sinks. A staffed store(9am-7pm on Sunday, 11am-7pm Monday– Thursday and 9 am– 8:30 pm on Saturday) with basic supplies and, of course, t-shirts and sweatshirts. Some of the sites have a slight grade so be cautious when selecting. Many trees that provide separation between sites. Several short hiking trails. A side note: I only saw one non-Ohio license plate besides ours in the entire park, almost like it is an Ohio secret (not anymore!)
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**Product Review: **
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, I tested the large Morsel Spork from Outdoor Element. I have to admit that when I unpacked my box from Outdoor Elements, I was surprised at how LONG our morsel sporks were(we have other sporks that are much shorter so I was expecting these to be a similar size) but then I saw a photo of someone using it with their freeze-dried meal and it was an aha moment! No need to dirty another dish because this mighty spork can reach to the bottom of the pouch with no problem! These sporks are also sturdier than others we have used. The rubber scraper edge is a nice touch – would be great for getting the last delicious bits of meals from the freeze-dried meal pouches and I’m thinking also in glass or plastic containers. A very nice addition to our camping tools.
LegendHere's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming resivoir with boat rental...we highly recommend renting a pontoon for the day and hanging out in the resivoir for swimming and lounging! It's both relaxing and nice to get away from the beach crowd!
ScoutStayed in two different areas of West Branch State Park while visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Very impressed with large, clean bath houses, including fully private showers. Sites were very large and spread out, visit bing lots of nice privacy. Though we did not take advantage, the park also offered horse bridle trails, mountain biking and water activities on the lake. What a gem!
GuideWe just got back from our first trip to Mosquito Lake State Park Campground. All in all, it was a great experience.
We stayed in site 67, which is a waterfront site, with electric. The water is about 25 yards from the pad, but is visible from the entire site. The site was spacious, but not as private as some of the others. There is some woods between this site and the sites on either side, but other sites are visible. The fire pits and picnic tables were staggered, so it created some distance to make it feel more private.
The campground as a whole, was very quiet. We stayed from Wednesday to Friday. The group next to us seemed a little rowdy when we first pulled in, but by 10:00 there was no noise anywhere near us.
Most sites seemed pretty level from side to side, but where we were, several had a slope from front to back. Away from the waterfront, most sites looked pretty level. The amount of space between sites varied from site to site. Some sites had woods on both sides, while others were pretty open. Some had nice large grassy areas, others were much smaller. Sites from 214-224 are in a cul de sac and are water front, but they were pretty close together with very little privacy between sites, if any. They are very close to the water though.
There are bathrooms and water scatter about, but from what I saw there was only 1 shower house.
Wal-mart and other shopping and restaurants were about 3 miles away. Park was easy to get to, only one turn for us off the highway. Lake was great for kayaking and paddleboarding. Very nice dog park in a different part of the park. There is a boat launch accessible from inside the campground.
Dump station has 2 lanes which was nice when checking out. Fresh water fill up was also located near the dump station.
GuideBeautiful area for a get away in Ohio. The beach is never too packed. You can take kayaks out and venture off around the shores.
West Branch State Park offers dedicated equestrian camping areas approximately 45 miles from Novelty, Ohio. The horse camping section features trail access directly from campsites with multiple bridle trails connecting to the park's broader trail system. Sites accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment, with basic amenities provided for equestrians.
Lakeside kayaking: At West Branch State Park Campground, campers can launch kayaks directly from waterfront sites. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. There are many inlets to explore or fish," notes Alisa G., highlighting the convenience for water enthusiasts.
Beach swimming: The campground offers two swimming areas with varying sizes. "There is a small beach at the campground but a larger one on the other side of the lake," according to Alisa G. Jill T. adds, "Swimming area is alright, a little muddy in areas, but the beach is kept clean."
Hiking and exploration: The park features numerous trails beyond the equestrian paths. "There are little hideaway trails everywhere, making for a fun adventure," shares Jill T. Trails accommodate different experience levels and connect various park areas.
Private, spacious sites: Mosquito Lake State Park Campground receives praise for its generous campsites. "The sites are huge," notes Courtney C., while Darren R. confirms, "The site was huge." This spaciousness provides campers with adequate room for equipment and activities.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out as a notable feature. Teresa B. from West Branch reports, "Very clean bathrooms! Beautiful sites with lake views," and Kim B. emphasizes, "Best bathrooms around! Showers great."
Dog-friendly amenities: Several parks cater to four-legged campers. Jim L. says about Mosquito Lake, "There is even a dog park next to the lake," while Heidi B. notes the "dog park nearby." These designated areas allow pets to exercise safely off-leash.
Campsite leveling challenges: Many sites at West Branch State Park require equipment for leveling. Andrea F. warns, "Our site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke. We had to lower the front 15 inches." Joe I. confirms, "Some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level."
Reservation requirements: Popular waterfront sites fill quickly. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly," advises Alisa G. This applies particularly during summer months and weekends.
Water access variability: Seasonal conditions affect water activities. At Mosquito Lake, Rose S. notes, "The algae was kind of thick, which made fishing impossible," while Samantha J. reported, "Our campsite was under water due to the extensive rains."
Playground options: Mosquito Lake State Park features exceptional play areas for children. Joe F. reports, "Beach was great and there is an epic playground for kids. If your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters."
Weekend activities: Parks schedule regular family-oriented events. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," shares Alisa G. about West Branch, while Karen D. mentions, "Will do movie nights on the weekends."
Bike-friendly terrain: Flat campground layouts accommodate family cycling. Heidi B. notes, "Campground is flat and great for bike riding. Nice playground for kids," making it suitable for children of varying ages and abilities.
Hookup availability: West Branch offers various utility options. "No electricity, no hook ups, but a HUGE lakefront site. We're in a self-contained RV so it's not a problem for us," reports Rino S., highlighting that self-sufficiency enables accessing prime locations.
Water fill considerations: The water station design at some parks presents challenges. Andrea F. explains, "The water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full," requiring planning for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Novelty, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Novelty, OH is West Branch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 66 reviews.
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