Mosquito Lake State Park Campground and West Branch State Park Campground offer camping opportunities near Perry, Ohio with limited horse accommodations. While neither campground features dedicated horse corrals according to available data, both accommodate various camping styles including tent, RV, cabin, and yurt options. Mosquito Lake State Park provides sites with thirty-amp hookups and some waterfront locations, particularly in the 214-224 site range where campers can access the lake for recreational activities. Sites vary in size and privacy, with some offering wooded separation between neighboring campsites.
The trail systems around these campgrounds provide potential riding opportunities, though specific bridle trails are not detailed in the available information. Both parks operate year-round and maintain toilet facilities, drinking water, and trash service. West Branch State Park features clean individual showers that campers have rated positively. Mosquito Lake includes an archery range and multiple playgrounds that appeal to families. Some campsites at Mosquito Lake can experience flooding during heavy rain periods, with low-lying areas occasionally becoming saturated. Cell phone service varies throughout the campgrounds, with some wooded areas having limited connectivity.
"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"
from $29 - $55 / 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
"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."
from $23 - $80 / 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 and Mosquito Lake State Park provide equestrian-friendly camping options near Perry, Ohio. The campgrounds offer varied terrain with waterfront sites and wooded areas. Trail systems accommodate riders with connections to larger networks throughout the region.
Explore waterways by kayak: West Branch State Park Campground features numerous inlets for paddling exploration directly from lakefront campsites. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. There are many inlets to explore or fish," notes Alisa G., who visits West Branch State Park Campground annually.
Practice archery skills: The archery range at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground provides target practice facilities for visitors bringing their own equipment. "We like to bring our bows and use the archery range," says Karen D., who travels approximately two hours to camp at Mosquito Lake multiple times yearly.
Discover hidden pathways: Smaller unmarked trails offer secluded hiking opportunities throughout the parks. "There are little hideaway trails everywhere, making for a fun adventure," explains Jill T., who appreciates the quiet atmosphere at West Branch away from urban noise.
Spacious waterfront sites: Sites along Kirwan Reservoir at West Branch provide direct water access. "We're at site 160. No electricity, no hook ups, but a HUGE lakefront site. Beach is right next door too!" reports Rino S., who appreciates the proximity to shoreline amenities.
Clean, modern facilities: The shower buildings receive consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean. There is even a book exchange shelf at the shower house in case of rainy days," shares a camper who appreciates these amenities at West Branch State Park Campground.
Dog-friendly amenities: Both parks feature designated canine exercise areas near water features. "The dog park is amazing. There's so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing," states Courtney C., who returns to Mosquito Lake despite limited dish washing facilities.
Terrain challenges: Campsite leveling can require significant equipment at certain sites. "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches," warns Andrea F. about site 190 at West Branch State Park Campground.
Water conditions: Algae growth can impact fishing and water activities during summer months. "The algae was kind of thick, which made fishing impossible, so we stopped bringing the kayak," notes Rose S., who visited Mosquito Lake multiple times in 2020.
Facility distribution: Restroom access varies throughout campground areas. "Only bad are no real bathrooms except at the front of the park. No place to wash dishes. Rough if you're tent camping," cautions a Mosquito Lake visitor who continues camping there despite these limitations.
Playground options: Multiple play areas cater to different age groups across the parks. "If your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters," recommends Joe F., who visited Mosquito Lake State Park Campground for his family's first trip with a camper.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events provide structured entertainment options. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," shares Alisa G., noting that the park office also loans games and sports equipment to campers.
Bring bicycles: The flat terrain makes cycling suitable for all skill levels. "Campground is flat and great for bike riding. Nice playground for kids," comments Heidi B., who stayed at site #96 at Mosquito Lake.
Water fill considerations: The water fill station design affects tank capacity. "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. This was okay for a short weekend but not good planning from whoever designed the park," advises Andrea F. from her experience at West Branch State Park Campground.
Site selection strategy: Research site layouts before booking to avoid drainage issues. "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 that we could choose from," explains Samantha J., who appreciated the accommodation at Mosquito Lake.
Advance booking essential: Reservations open six months ahead and lakefront sites fill quickly. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly! Check in is very easy as you pass the camp store on your way in," recommends a regular visitor to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Perry, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Perry, 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 Perry, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Perry, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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