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Equestrian Campground at Shawnee State Park offers 70 miles of bridle trails with primitive camping options specifically for horse riders. Located within the 1,160-acre park near the Ohio River, this campground requires riders to register before accessing the extensive trail system. The trails wind through rolling hills and valleys where deer, raccoons, and turkey are commonly spotted. Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground provides another option for equestrians in the Otway area, featuring electric hookups, drinking water, and tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The campground maintains clean toilet facilities and showers for riders returning from trail excursions. Most equestrian sites have picnic tables and fire rings where riders can relax after a day on horseback.
The bridle trails throughout Shawnee State Forest connect to multiple camping areas, allowing for extended riding adventures through diverse terrain. Trails vary in difficulty with significant elevation changes that challenge both horse and rider. Water access points along the routes provide natural drinking opportunities for horses during longer rides. The campgrounds remain open year-round, though trail conditions can become challenging after heavy rainfall. Equestrian campers should bring their own feed and tack storage solutions as dedicated horse corrals are limited in the area. The primitive equestrian camping areas accommodate groups of riders traveling together, making them popular for club outings and family horse camping trips. Preparation is essential when planning horse camping excursions in this region as cell phone service is weak or nonexistent throughout much of the forest.
"The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park Campground Review:
We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."
from $33 - $200 / night
Check Availability"This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge."
"We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."
from $25 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."
"Plenty of shade and a huge hill behind our site. Bathrooms were clean. A lot of unsupervised children running around, in the stream and riding bikes."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."
"We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."
from $55 - $85 / night
Check Availability"The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."
"Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."
"Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."
from $35 - $52 / night
Check Availability"The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done."
from $50 - $67 / night
Check Availability"Equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers seem to use this park often. Although no utilities... there is a shelter, restroom and trash recepticle. Campfires are permissible."
from $23 / night
Check Availability
GuideSimple and safe... Fifteen reservable sites via online or phone. Equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers seem to use this park often. Although no utilities... there is a shelter, restroom and trash recepticle. Campfires are permissible. Hiking trails head off from this park that cover many miles. A steep hike up Sugar Loaf will wake you up in the morning.
GuideThe equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.
TravelerThe Iron Ridge Campground sites are relatively close together; however, the Iron Ridge campground boasts a handful of sites that sit below the road, and, thus, offer more privacy. I didn't camp at Oak Hill, but I have explored it a few times. Even during the week, that campground was packed with campers. If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge. The fishing isn't bad at Vesuvius, but the shore access can be crowded, which has resulted in a limited number of keeper fish. The Lakeshore Trail is well-marked and generally nice, but, at times, a bit unkempt in the summer. The lake views are somewhat limited by brush and trail/lakeside growth, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get a good view of the lake. We also hiked the Whiskey Run Trail, which was short and hilly, but conveniently located right off the campground. The Whiskey Run also offers just enough lake access to let your dogs swim or to put a pole in the water. It also passes an impressive rock shelter. The very short (but rewarding) Rockhouse Trail is a right on top of the major lake action (near the boat ramps and beach area). The benefit is a nice rock house at the end, as well as interpretive signage that sheds light on Ohio's iron industry and history.
RangerThis is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge. The campground is a bit tight, especially when lots of cars are in visiting the campers, very peaceful though as the night goes on. The road to the lake could use a little TLC. Trails are marked nicely, as well as how to get to the equestrian site, Day use area, pool, lodge, and restaurant. Restaurant was very good buffet and menu items available. Lodge was clean and well kept. Very relaxing state park.
GuidePark was nice, clean and has friendly staff. We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees. Showers are small but they work and there are only 3 stalls of toilets and 3 showers ( I believe) in the women’s side- unsure of men’s. Plenty to do, including a playground, pool, miniature golf, bike riding, horse back riding, hiking, etc. All sites have a picnic table and a grate over the fire pit. Water wells are easily accessible and they have washers and dryers as well. Check-in location was a bit confusing but eventually figured it out.
GuideMy daughter and I stayed here last year in late September. We rented a cabin (#4) for a weekend. While not luxurious, the cabin was clean, beds comfortable, AC worked great, functional kitchen and bigger bathroom than I expected. The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful. Parts of the CCC trail were overgrown with briars and narrow. The campground looks nice, we plan on bringing our camper next time. Not much nearby, but Waverly has some good eats. Seems popular with horse riders.
RangerSuch an incredible park the family loved exploring the trails, waterfalls, rock formations, and water. Check the schedule for ranger programs. The kids really wanted to go horseback riding but evidently it’s BYOH...bring your own horse LOL. The campgrounds had lovely views and lots of trees. We’d definitely return.
ScoutPrimitive camping and rv space. You can rent a cabin and such. There is a resort. Everything always looks really nice. So many recreational activities, caves, hiking, horses and a lot more. I would really recommend visiting.
TravelerThe night we arrived it was pouring rain. After sleeping in the car to stay dry we explored the park. The park really came alive with the rain, which really made the trip. Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park. The cave tours were cheap and interesting, although the self guided tour was closed due to flooding. We did the Three Bridge Trail which was moderately challenging but worth the unique geology and natural bridge formations.
The tent campground was quiet but the RV campground was pretty full and lively. At site 110 we struggled to find a flattish spot—the sites closest to the road to the horse campground were much better. The bathrooms were randomly closed one night on a Saturday which was a little annoying. There wasn’t any clear communication of restroom hours.
It was hard to find firewood nearby, we ended up seeing a sign of a guy selling firewood and we called him. It was $23 for 35 logs delivered to the site. This ended up being way more than we needed and we left some behind after giving some out for free to other campers, which was a cool experience.
We left for the day on our second to last day and packed up most of the site in the car as we’d be gone a while. When we came back what we left was gone along with our reservation slip at the site entrance. It seems the rangers took it that we left and now I’m out a water jug.
There was some scavenger hunt race going on too and people would come out of the forest and run through our campsite with no regard to us being right there which was a little odd.
Overall I didn’t know what to expect as an out of stater but had a great time through the weather and all.
Equestrian camping opportunities in the Otway area extend beyond Shawnee State Park, with several additional facilities catering to horse enthusiasts. The region sits within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,300 feet. Cell service remains spotty throughout much of the area, particularly in campground locations nestled in valleys between ridges.
Tackle challenging hiking trails: Shawnee State Park connects to numerous hiking paths through varied terrain. "The backpack trail, 23 and 40 miles loops with 7 camping areas, register and enjoy. Equestrians get 70 miles and primitive camping," notes Shelly S. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Fish in small, quiet lakes: Pike Lake State Park offers a peaceful alternative for anglers seeking less crowded waters. "Love this spot, very secluded and quiet... nice little lake to fish or kayak," reports Buck B. about Pike Lake State Park Campground.
Explore cave systems: Within driving distance of Otway, Carter Caves State Park provides unique underground adventures. "The park is amazing and I have no idea how it took me 39yrs to find it so close to home. The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen," shares Amanda S. about her experience at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground.
Secluded tent sites: Several campgrounds near Otway offer tent sites with greater privacy than standard sites. "Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites. Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path," explains Jay T. about Shawnee State Park.
Clean facilities: Equestrian campers appreciate well-maintained shower facilities after trail rides. "The campground was a little confusing at first because the sign says next left, when the next left is the out driveway. The camp office/store was very clean and had practical items like batteries, firestarter, snacks and ice cream for the kiddos," notes Amanda S. about Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground.
Affordable options: Horse camping facilities near Otway remain reasonably priced compared to other regions. "I LOVE camping here, unlike a lot of camp grounds they're actually within the woods so you feel like you're actually part of the forest and the nature. It's a simple place, they have showers and restrooms... Over all it is a very relaxing place to camp and cheaper than most other places even for a camper hook up," explains Jackson B. about Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius.
Limited supplies nearby: Most equestrian camping areas near Otway require bringing essential supplies. "Not much access to a good town for supplies so bring what you need. If you want to take a drive for a great hole in the way steak house try The Ribber. But go early 45 min wait at 4pm and it gets worse," advises Jarrod M. about Shawnee State Park.
Variable site conditions: Many campgrounds experience drainage issues during rainy periods. "We enjoyed our stay here. Just an fyi to others- it rained quite a bit and many of the sites got flooded. The ground here doesn't drain well," warns Bob M. about Pike Lake State Park Campground.
Limited connectivity: Most horse campgrounds near Otway have minimal cell coverage. "There is absolutely no cell service in the Campground. The lodge at the top of the hill has a weak signal, but is better than nothing if you really need to check in with outside world," reports Carrie S. from her stay at Shawnee State Park.
Choose sites strategically: When camping with children, site selection affects the experience significantly. "I stayed at Shawnee SP campground in August 2020 (Friday night). This campground is geared towards families with kids, especially with RVs. It has all of the amenities: electric at most sites, water, flush toilets, showers, laundry," notes Marc H. about Shawnee State Park.
Look for recreational facilities: Several campgrounds provide family-friendly amenities beyond trails. "Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren't right beside someone - and shaded. Well prepared sites with a clearing, fire ring, and a picnic table," shares Jackie D. about Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius.
Plan extra activities: Some equestrian campgrounds offer alternative recreation during inclement weather. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites. Camp store had lots of food options and coffee. Pool was small but big enough to enjoy," reports Brooke V. about Ashland Huntington West KOA.
Measure site dimensions: Electric hookup locations vary significantly between campgrounds near Otway. "Most sites are only 30 amp electric, no sewer or water hookup, which can be typical of state parks," explains Carrie S. about Shawnee State Park.
Pack extension cords: Power post locations can require additional equipment. "They advertise the sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups. What they didn't say was that you had to share a post. The people beside me already had the 50 amp. I pulled everything to run on propane that I could and plugged into the 30 amp," shares Karen P. about Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.
Consider site topography: Many horse campgrounds near Otway feature uneven terrain. "Some sites are really small and some are right along the road. Not crowded at all during our visit. Some sites are sloped from slight to more severe. We did have to take our camper off our truck (truck camper) in order to get level," reports Liz about Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Otway, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Otway, OH is Pike Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Otway, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Otway, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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