Paint Creek Lake offers horseback riding enthusiasts more than 40 miles of equestrian trails that connect to broader networks in southern Ohio. These trails pass through mature woodlands and rolling hills with elevation changes between 700-1,000 feet. The region receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually, with late spring and summer months providing optimal trail conditions for riders camping with horses.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Riders at Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground can access extensive trail networks leading to scenic viewpoints. "Airplane rock has a view second to none. The box canyon with waterfall is gorgeous (pun intended) but seriously it was fantastic," notes Timothy M.
Seasonal hiking with kids: Fall colors transform the landscape at Pike Lake State Park. "We visited when the leaves were changing and it was absolutely gorgeous. Hiking was great," shares Mitch + Kristi N. The park maintains several trails for both hikers and horseback riders.
Fishing and paddling: Small lakes throughout the region provide calm waters for fishing and paddling. At Pike Lake, "There is a small pond/lake that has a beach you can kayak or canoe and fish (renting them is an option)," notes Shannon G. The compact water bodies are ideal for beginners and families.
What campers like
Equine facilities: Recently renovated Palmerosa Campground offers improved equestrian amenities. "The new owners have put a lot of time and money into this campground! Almost everything has been tore down and rebuilt... 28 new covered stalls have been built! They are amazing and plenty of room for larger horses," reports Chad B.
Convenient cabin options: For riders who prefer not to tent camp, cabins provide comfort. At Ben's Happy Trails - Horse Stable & Campground, riders find direct trail access from their accommodations. At Pine Creek, "We stayed in one of the small cabins and loved it! Very clean, with thoughtful amenities. Hot tub on the back porch. This cabin also comes with two horse stalls," writes CampgroundKaren.
Modern bathroom facilities: The camping experience improves with quality facilities. At Palmerosa, "The new shower house at the office is great! You have your own shower, toilet and vanity in a locked room!" explains Chad B., highlighting renovations that address previous concerns about outdated facilities.
What you should know
Variable trail conditions: Weather impacts the trails significantly. At Pike Lake State Park, "It rained quite a bit and many of the sites got flooded. The ground here doesn't drain well," warns Bob M. Riders should check trail conditions after rainfall.
Limited cell service: Most equestrian campgrounds have minimal connectivity. At Shawnee State Park, "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," advises carrie S.
Campground maintenance varies: Maintenance standards differ between private and state-operated facilities. One visitor to Pine Creek noted: "I was here before they sold out and seeing it now makes me sad. The bathrooms were gross, the arenas had weeds shooting up." Always verify current conditions when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites strategically: Some campgrounds have family-friendly layouts. At Shawnee State Park, "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," explains Marc H.
Look for activity options: Multiple recreation choices keep children engaged. "[Pike Lake] has a little free library, which is a great idea... We went on a short hike around the lake with the littles... We rented a peddle boat but there are canoes and kayaks as well," shares Bonnie L.
Consider noise levels: Family campgrounds can be busy during peak season. At Pike Lake, "We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The campsite was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it. We had a lot of shade and didn't feel like we were on top of our neighbors," reports Shannon G., highlighting the importance of site selection.
Tips from RVers
Site drainage concerns: Many RV sites in this region have drainage issues. At East Fork State Park, "It rained the first day we were there and people were literally bailing there sites out with buckets. The places that weren't flooded were very muddy," warns Kristin L.
Check site dimensions carefully: RVers should verify actual site sizes before booking. At Shawnee State Park, "We were told that the site we'd been assigned was room enough for 52'. Our RV is only 34' so that would be more than enough. We got there and it was maybe 20-24" in length," cautions carrie S.
Consider utility limitations: Most equestrian campgrounds offer only basic hookups. At Palmerosa, "They have 14 water and electric sites with plenty of shade trees. 30 primitive tent sites also with plenty of shade!" notes Chad B., indicating the limited utility options typical of horse camping facilities.
