2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
West Branch State Park Campground in Wayland, Ohio offers horseback riding trails that accommodate equestrian visitors year-round. The state park spans over 5,000 acres with dedicated bridle trails extending approximately 20 miles throughout the property. Horse campers report the trails are well-maintained and suitable for riders of various experience levels. While the main campground areas do not have dedicated horse corrals, the park maintains a separate horse camping section where equestrians can set up alongside their animals. Some tension exists between tent campers and horse owners in this specialized area, with recent reports noting increased non-equestrian use of the horse camping section.
Located about 35 miles southeast of Peninsula, West Branch provides trail riders direct access to wooded terrain and scenic lake views. Equestrians should note that water access points for horses are available along the trails. The park requires advance reservations for equestrian camping sites, which fill quickly during peak season (May through October). Horse owners need to bring their own containment systems as permanent corrals are limited. The campground features clean facilities with bathrooms, showers, and dishwashing stations accessible to all campers. Trail connections allow for extended riding opportunities, though riders should be aware that some trails are shared with hikers and, in winter months, snowmobilers. Visiting equestrians appreciate the relative privacy of the horse camping area when properly utilized by fellow horse enthusiasts.
"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"
Available this weekend
from $29 - $55 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $23 - $80 / night
"Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too."
"Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks. Four stars because it is not a vast wilderness adjacent experience."
from $10 - $20 / night
"Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."
"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
ScoutI struggled making a reservation online, you need an account and it wouldn’t let me make one but i was able to call in and reserve a spot same day. I’m traveling to the east coast and just needed a place to pitch a tent for the night. worked perfect.
GuideWe were passing through on a weeknight in mid September. Many open sites. Sites are paved and many are sloped. Most are shaded. Our site #41 was fairly level with electricity. Close to huge bathhouse with flush toilets, showers and laundry. High above the lake with views through the trees. Appeared there were many long term campers but just as good for our short overnight stay. Online registration. $45 for electric only site.
GuideMosquito Lake gets a bad rap because of its name. We had such a great time launching our kayak from our campsite! I’ve attached a highlighted map marked with the sights on or very close to the water to launch a kayak. Additional kayak launch sites available around the park if you can’t get one of these. It’s great campground if you have kids or a dog. Plenty of great playgrounds and a dog park/dog beach. The camp host was very nice and welcoming. The wash house has laundry and showers. Everything was clean.
GuideHad a nice stay at the Camp Site A tent site, which they label as their ADA Accessible site.
Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too.
Pros:
Cons:
FAQ:
GuideI've heard there are campgrounds that discriminate against car camping, first time experiencing it. There are many sites where people have a LARGE camper, a car, and multiple tents spread out over a large area. We have 2 SUV's with tents that attach to the backs. We followed all the rules and are taking up about HALF of our site. We were told that is not allowed. When asked for reasoning and comparing to what we've seen around the park, we get no clear answer that makes sense. We are here with a group that rented about 20 sites. After spending 4 hours setting everything up, she says one may have to leave; she's waiting to hear from her boss. I will definitely never return here!
ScoutWhen we arrived, we checked in at the camp office. The ladies there were very kind. The roads through the campground are wide enough for two-way traffic and nicely paved.
This is a beautiful, heavily treed campground. Even on Memorial Day weekend with lots of people, the park was very peaceful. The sounds of birds permeate the air round the clock. Chipmunks run amok. They’re just so cute.
We booked site 56 for our 39’ fifth wheel. As soon as we pulled up, we knew there was no way we’d fit even though the reservation site said it would accommodate a 40’ rig. The camp hosts happened to be passing by as we were surveying the site. They were very helpful redirecting us to a nearby site that would be more suitable. FYI, sites 55 and 56 have deep culverts on either side. One wrong turn and you’re going to have a problem. The majority of sites along our road were just wide enough to keep the tires out of the dirt, but not wide enough for the stairs to land on asphalt. If you have a motorhome or other wide-bodied rig, like an Alliance Paradigm, I would recommend choosing one of the sites on the loop around the playground. Those are better suited for newer big rigs.
TIP…the line at the dump station is long on the holiday weekends. Plan accordingly.
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.
ScoutWe live really close so we stay at mosquito for our first stay every year. This year we were disappointed. They had no staff there to check us in, the signs says closed Monday through Wednesday. Bathrooms were supposed to be open because we stayed April 16th, but only some of them were. (Even though online states April 1st they reopen). Some sites are more wet than others. We stayed at site 54 this time. The pad was very narrow and it was wet around it (it has been raining a lot). The person before us must have purchased a $12 bale of hay that they were selling up front because there was hay everywhere. Wish they would just put gravel down.
Otherwise, it's quiet. We love the nature play area for the kids. We love the playgrounds.
When they are open, the bathrooms are very clean. The shower house is dated but clean. Far walk from every site basically as they put it on the main road between both loops.
GuideFirst time at this park I can see why it's always booked up. It seems like the sites are good sized but some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level. Bathrooms were clean separate showers verizon works well here.
West Branch State Park offers horse enthusiasts 20 miles of dedicated bridle trails across 5,000 acres located 35 miles southeast of Peninsula, Ohio. The equestrian camping area maintains separate facilities from the main campground, with trail connections that allow extended riding through wooded terrain and lakeside paths. Water access points for horses are available along trails, though visitors need to bring their own containment systems as permanent corrals are limited.
Trail riding at Mosquito Lake State Park: This location offers spacious camping options with trail access. "There are many trails and even a dog park next to the lake," notes Jim L., highlighting the diverse outdoor activities available.
Horseback riding with guides: Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch offers guided horseback rides for visitors without their own horses. "Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly," shares Bradley B. about his family experience at this KOA.
Water activities: Campers can combine equestrian adventures with water recreation. At West Branch, Katelyn P. mentions, "Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," allowing visitors to alternate between riding and boating activities.
Clean facilities: West Branch receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Bathrooms were clean separate showers verizon works well here," reports Joe I., while Teresa B. adds, "Very clean bathrooms! Beautiful sites with lake views."
Private camping areas: Many equestrian sites offer separation from other campers. According to Dan M., West Branch features "clean individual showers" and "very private sites," making it ideal for those seeking seclusion with their horses.
Family-friendly amenities: Beyond equestrian facilities, the campgrounds offer additional recreation. At Mosquito Lake State Park, Heidi B. notes, "Nice playground for kids. Dog park nearby. Camp is near beach & marina."
Site selection considerations: Some camping areas have terrain challenges. Andrea F. warns about West Branch: "Our site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke. We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches."
Reservations essential: During peak seasons, equestrian sites fill quickly. At Canton-East Sparta KOA, specific sites require advance booking, particularly those with horse accommodations.
Weather impacts: Seasonal conditions affect trail quality. Samantha J. shares her Mosquito Lake experience: "Unfortunately our campsite was under water due to the extensive rains recently this past week and spring overall. But the staff at the camp office gave us a list of all of the open sites."
Kid-friendly features: Children enjoy the outdoor activities beyond horseback riding. At Mosquito Lake, Joe F. explains, "If your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters."
Educational opportunities: Ashland Fairgrounds offers basic facilities for families wanting to combine equestrian activities with educational experiences. Charles K. notes it's "very clean and quiet" with reasonable rates for overnight stays.
Entertainment options: Some parks schedule regular activities. Linda R. mentions that Mosquito Lake has a "concert every Saturday during the summer," providing evening entertainment after day rides.
Hookup availability: Equestrian campgrounds vary in RV amenities. Rino S. explains his West Branch experience: "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."
Leveling requirements: RVers should bring leveling equipment. At West Branch State Park Campground, Joe I. advises: "It seems like the sites are good sized but some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level."
Water fill considerations: Some equestrian camping areas have logistical challenges. Andrea F. notes at West Branch: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Peninsula, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Peninsula, OH is West Branch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 69 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Peninsula, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Peninsula, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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