Equestrian camping near Pataskala offers access to extensive trail systems across southeastern Ohio's foothills. Located within an hour's drive of Pataskala, these horse-friendly destinations feature varying terrain from flat meadows to challenging ridge trails through oak and maple forests. Summers bring temperatures averaging 82-88°F, with fall providing cooler riding conditions on trails that often remain navigable through October.
What to Do
Trail riding at Alum Creek State Park: Located 20 miles west of Pataskala, these trails connect to the campground beach and boat launch area. "There's a campground beach and boat launch. Lost of hiking paths in the campground and in the park area. A great dog park with lake entrance for the pups. There is also some mountain bike trails. Plenty to do for everyone," notes Jill B. from Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Visit the historic covered bridge: The covered bridge near Mohican State Park connects to multiple trail systems. "Great hiking trails. Very busy on holiday weekends so I think it is best to go when that is not the case or even through the week," explains Renée C. who stayed at Mohican State Park Campground.
Airplane Rock overlook: This dramatic vista point can be accessed via horseback from nearby trails. Timothy M., who stayed at Palmerosa, reports: "The horseback riding is awesome, airplane rock has a view second to none. The box canyon with waterfall is gorgeous but seriously it was fantastic."
What Campers Like
Private equestrian sites: Delaware State Park offers secluded spots suitable for horses and riders. "This is probably our favourite state park we have been to thus far. The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy. There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," writes Maddy B. about Delaware State Park Campground.
Newly renovated equestrian facilities: Some campgrounds have updated their horse amenities. "The new owners of the Palmerosa Campground have put a lot of time and money into this campground! The old horse stalls have been torn down and 28 new covered stalls have been built! They are amazing and plenty if room for larger horses," reports Chad B. from Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground.
River access for cooling horses: Several sites offer water access after trail rides. Andrea F. from Mohican Wilderness notes: "We have camped here 3 times now and even though it's a large park the sites are huge so you still feel like you can kick back and relax. Quiet neighbors and friendly staff plus everything is mowed and well maintained."
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites fill up quickly during peak seasons. According to Catherine from Alum Creek: "The prices here are reasonable, however most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites are always taken. From what I've been told you might be able to get into one if you book the whole season a year in advance."
Varying shower facilities: Quality and availability of bathing options differ between parks. "The bathrooms and showers were some of the least clean we have ever seen," reports Thomas M. about one park, while another camper notes: "You have your own shower, toilet and vanity in a locked room!"
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Spring often brings muddy trails while late summer may have limited water crossings. "Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," warns Katelyn P., highlighting the importance of checking trail conditions before arrival.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly horse programs: Several campgrounds offer supervised horse activities for children. "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife," shares Jenny C. from Dillon State Park Campground.
Alternative activities for non-riders: Many equestrian campgrounds have options for family members who don't ride. "We enjoyed swimming in the pool. There's outhouses with no running water but also a relatively new bath house with nice showers and toilets," mentions Elana C. about Hocking Hills State Park Campground.
Spacious sites for corrals: Look for campgrounds with room to set up portable corrals. "This is a family friendly campground with lots to do. They offer on river and off river sites. Open grassy or wooded sites. The sites are spacious and with the option to park your trailer where you want," explains Shannon P.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: Determine which amperage your horse trailer requires. "We had an electric only site by choice and when we return we will opt for full hook up since those sites look brand new," shares Korinne K. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground.
Water access considerations: Not all horse-friendly sites include water hookups. "Only Electric available at each site. Shower/bathroom facilities look to be from the 70's," reports Gary O. about one facility, highlighting the importance of checking utility details before booking.
Level site availability: Horse trailers require level parking areas. "Many sites are not level. Many sites have NO shade," warns an experienced camper, while another mentions: "The sites weren't very spacious but there's lots of trees nearby and an easy walk to get to Old Mans Cave."
