Best Equestrian Camping near Pickerington, OH

Zaleski State Forest offers primitive tent sites for equestrians on its horse camp loop, featuring trail access and basic amenities. Located within the state forest system approximately 40 miles southeast of Pickerington, the horse camp provides direct access to more than 26 miles of bridle trails through wooded terrain. The campground maintains vault toilets and drinking water access points for both riders and horses. Sites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space, though campers should note the absence of electric hookups or shower facilities.

The bridle trails at Zaleski connect to the larger regional trail system that extends through surrounding natural areas. Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground provides additional equestrian camping options with 44 sites featuring water and electric hookups for those seeking more amenities. The campground includes shower facilities, dump stations, and designated areas for horses. Trails from these equestrian campgrounds traverse varied terrain including wooded ridges, stream crossings, and scenic overlooks. Horse owners should bring their own containment systems as permanent corrals are limited at most locations. Both campgrounds require reservations during peak season, with Palmerosa maintaining facilities year-round while Zaleski's primitive sites operate primarily from April through November.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Pickerington, Ohio (16)

    1. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    80 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 548-4039

    "Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent.  Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities.  "

    "There are tons of trails to check out all throughout the park. Kayaking on the northern side of the lake would be recommended. It gets too busy with larger boats in the main area of the lake."

    2. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    34 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / night

    "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

    "If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."

    3. Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center

    5 Reviews
    Columbus, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 646-3976

    $60 / night

    4. Delaware State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Radnor, OH
    38 miles
    Website

    "This state park spans over 2,000 acres and is just north of the cute Ohio town of Delaware. "

    "Delaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing to us is how few people seem to know it exists!"

    5. Dillon State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nashport, OH
    36 miles
    Website

    "I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."

    "I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."

    6. Lake Hope State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5253

    "Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but..."

    "At lake hope you can enjoy camping in many ways rather if it’s by tent (the way I prefer) or by camper. It’s a very nice place to have some family fun. Very nice beach and swimming area."

    7. Burr Oak State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 767-3683

    "Wayne National Forest shares the area with Burr Oak State Park near Glouster, Oh.

    Wayne National Forest is split into three areas in southeastern Ohio."

    "The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away."

    8. Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground

    4 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 416-1066

    $40 - $70 / night

    "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. "

    "Stacked Stones has a very nice location and the camp hosts/owners are wonderful. They truly make you feel like family."

    9. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."

    "Much of Ohio is flat corn land, so Zaleski is a special place in Ohio. The trail swings close to some homes, which is less remote than out west where I live now, but overall it's nice."

    10. Pine Creek Cabins & Camping Resort

    2 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 478-2520

    $15 - $999 / night

    "This cabin also comes with two horse stalls. Bridle trail access right from campground."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Pickerington, OH

390 Reviews of 16 Pickerington Campgrounds


  • Vicki H.
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Would be 5 star except for this

    Alum Creek is just beautiful, nice sites, most of them are at least partially shaded, lots of woods, hiking trails, the lake, it is what I think of when I think of State Park campground camping in Ohio. There are a couple problems. 1. Only ONE little dump station. This is a big campground, so if you're leaving Sunday, you better get up at the crack of dawn to get to the station, otherwise be prepared to wait in a long long line of RV's. We by-passed the long line and stopped at a different State Park campground on the way home and paid 10.00 to use their dump station. 2. They never answer their phone at the campground office. I mean NEVER. If you have a question you will just have to deal with the reserveamerica people who really know nothing other than what they read on the campground website. So basically you know as much as they do. It's maddening. We will go back, but it's a 2 hour drive so it won't be anytime soon.

  • Mary S.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Alum Creek State Park

    This is a huge campground! I tent camped by myself--felt very safe.  Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent.  Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities.  Wish this park had a laundry facility--another Ohio park I recently stayed at had a fairly new shower facility that included a laundry facility!  Did not appreciate the waste management company emptying the dumpsters at 4:00 AM!!!  There is a huge, lakeside beach that was just packed with people (no social distancing) and there was trash everywhere--not enough dumpsters.  Near to shopping (Polaris), if you are interested.  Will try to get a lakeside site next time.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2020

    Deer Creek State Park Campground

    Small, but perfect site for us

    This was a last minute reservation and only available due to a cancellation. The campground was full for the weekend. The campground is pretty big with different types of sites. Some are smaller, close to neighbors while other have seclusion with trees. From past experience, if it rains, some of the sites do flood. We had great weather this weekend. The site we reserved had a hill right next to the passenger side/door side of your camper. If you had a big camper, it might be tight to open your slides and an awning. You most likely would not sit right outside your camper door. In fact, the fire ring is behind the site and up a small hill. We set up our ez-up in the back and out of the way, it worked for us. There was also a path that led you into the playground. Speaking of playgrounds, you will hear a lot of kids if the weather is nice. We were right across from the camp host (very nice lady) and very short walk to the bathhouse. The bathhouse had 4 flushable toilets and I think 3 showers. The showers did not have benches in the stall, only on the outside directly across. With a full campground, the bathrooms were kept very clean with the amount of people using it. We walked around and noticed a lot of bathhouses and another playground. We took a hike that led us to the lodge - it was an in and out and just under 5 miles. On our way back we stopped at the camp store which was well stocked with items you may need or not. There is a putt putt course, frisbee disc course, horse trails, dog park, nature center, golf course and more trails nearby. There are plenty of things to do if you like to keep busy or are trying to keep kids entertained. (The bees and stinkbugs were out and about while we were there.)

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2017

    Blue Rock State Park Campground

    It's moss I think....

    Blue Rock State Park is outside Zanesville, Oh off I70. Rt 60 takes you South and then you have a choice of routes in. Good Ohio farmland scenery.

    Out of the way, small camping area with basic sites. A cool feature is a few of the sites have pavilion type covered patios that you can pitch your tent in to help stay dry during inclimate weather.

    Otherwise the sites are close together. Though there are a few sites that are more off to themselves, they are still wide open with sparse tree cover.

    The restroom is basic, the showerhouse is located at the reservoir beach as well as the camp store and boat rental.The staff was very knowledgeable about the area and conversational.

    Several trails are in the area, the Horse Camp is up the road. In addition to this area there is the Blue Rock State Forest that offers several out door activities, check out their map and site online.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 28, 2016

    Lake Hope State Park Campground

    Variety, solitude and immersed in history!

    Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but...

    Each time I have stayed at Lake Hope State Park, I have marveled at why there are only a few stray campers in a state park of 190 sites. Granted...I am usually camping during the week...but its a ghost town. Which is fine by me...solitude...peace and quiet.

    The main reason is pit latrines...well, that's my guess, anyways. LHSP still has hot showers. I guess because it doesn't have a pool, it doesn't have the crowds. Shoot! I'd stay home if I wanted a pool. Whatever the reason, you rarely, if ever, will have to contend with neighbors.

    Trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn. The terrain is undulating but very doable. The campsites are pretty open, so if you did have neighbors...you'd know it. We'd usually snatch up site 98 or 99...or both. No one would usually go that deep into the park. It was private...pit latrine nearby...flat and airy. Foot trails were nearby and the bike trail wasn't too far away.

    If you brought your boats...Lake Hope is a nice flatwater paddle. Get there early and watch the water lilies open. Hope furnace is just outside the campground and next to the first "put-in" for the lake. As history buffs will know that Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day. There is also a swimming beach on the opposite end of Lake Hope...if you just have to get wet.

    The haunted Moonville Tunnel is nearby and worth the short drive and hike. Unfortunately, it is becoming defaced by disrespectful taggers...still cool nonetheless.

    You are plopped down smack dab in the Zaleski State Forest...so pick a trail, any trail.

    A short drive away are amazing trails and formations...Old Man's Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle’s Hollow, Rockhouse and Ash Cave. Each one a must see! Give youself time to hike the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of southern Ohio. Not only will you be glad you did...you will want to return year and year!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2016

    Deer Creek State Park Campground

    Splish, splash

    Lots of room! Privacy, some sites have accommodations for several tents as well as full hook up for campers. Some are adjacent to the playground There are tons of things to do: Miniature golf Disc golf BMX trails Small dog park Golf course Horse camp

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Most Scenic camping area in Ohio

    This is one of the best state parks and in my opinion the most scenic. There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff. We have camped here in tents many times over the years. The state park campground is above par compared to others in the Ohio system. The naturalists are great and run many programs even in the off seasons. Fall is the best season, the foliage is awesome. Popular with Boy and Girl Scout groups. Campground has an outdoor pool.

  • Mary S.
    Sep. 23, 2018

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Nice campground with even better hiking and scenery

    Old Man's Cave Cave Campground in Hocking Hills State Park is a large campground. At many of the sites, you'll feel like you're in a large campground. If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground.

    Choosing a Site

    • Study the photo of the site map included here to get a sense of where you might want a site. You'll be able to see electric/non-electric and reservable/non-reservable sites. There's quite a mix of sites and the map has a legend that will guide you.

    • A reservation is a good idea.  You'll definitely need one on weekends during the summer/fall, or you should arrive by Thursday for a chance for a non-reservable site for the weekend. I've been here in July and mid-September, and the park was crowded. I just keep an eye on reservations on reserveamerica.com.

    • Electric sites: I recommend sites 152-163, 164-172, and 141-151 because you are away from the main roads (long straightaways). In my opinion, sites 161-163, 150-151 and 171-172 are the best because you're at the end of spurs off a main road.

    • Full hookup sites: Sites 66-70 at the end of the full hookup stretch (24-70) are good. 

    • Warning about full hookup sites: There's some kind of pumping station behind the sites on the left as you enter so it's noisy all the time. If I wanted a full hookup, I'd avoid sites from #24 up to at least #35 because you're going to have constant noise. It probably doesn't matter when you're inside because units with full hookups typically have closed windows and AC/heat.

    • Reservable non-electric sites 81-93: I like #92 and #93 and the first couple at the beginning.

    • Non-reservable sites: #1-23 are electric and #76-78 are non-electric.

    Amenities

    • Picnic table and fire ring at sites

    • Swimming pool

    • Pay attention to the map if the location of showers and toilets is important to you. There are 3 showerhouses with showers, flush toilets and sinks. For some reason, the floor in the showerhouse near the pool was always wet and dirty even in September when the pool was closed. Other toilets throughout the campground are pit toilets.

    • Gray water disposal stations and potable water stations

    • Laundry facility near the shower house by the pool

    • Dump station

    Activities

    • Scenery and hiking are what make this park special...and crowded.

    • See photos that show a map and descriptions of 8 hiking areas. Some of these areas are outside the park, and you'll need to drive to the trailheads or take a shuttle ($5 fee). Ohio does a good job of consistently marking trails and posting information boards that show where you are and where you can go from your current location.

    Cell Phone Service: It's spotty. As you walk around, sometimes you have it and sometimes you don't!

    Cool Feature of Ohio Parks

    When you use reserveamerica.com, you can participate in a rewards program for Ohio state parks. We were able to apply points to stay free one night out of three.


Guide to Pickerington

Horse camping in Ohio offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with facilities tailored for both riders and their horses.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and facilities

Equestrian campers enjoy these nearby activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pickerington, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pickerington, OH is Alum Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 80 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pickerington, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Pickerington, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.