17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $23 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Enjoy a few hours or the day hiking one of eight trails or all of them. If you have horses take them out on the two loops especially for them. Lodge, campground, cabins so many options."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $39 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $160 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Great spot for horse camping, they have plenty of dedicated horse stalls. Gravel pads for electric/water sites are fairly level."
"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. "
from $25 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
ScoutRight close to Columbus this campground is a staple for locals trying to just get away for the weekend. There is an amphitheater, a camper’s beach, nature center, and more all within the campground. Alum creek state park is a larger facility surrounding the campground with a public beach, walking paths, mountain bike trails, archery range, hunting areas, boat marina and more. The public beach is rather gravelly but has nice shower houses and grills available. We are attending during fall fest where they put on many activities for the campers and it is a lot of fun. You have to reserve 6 months in advance to be able to get in on fall fest unless there is a last minute cancellation. Our site is relatively flat parking, we didn’t need to level the rig. It did rain the morning we got here and the area around the fire pit was a bit muddy. The view out the back of this camp site is nice and wooded, you’re not looking at your neighbors out the back window. The sides you can definitely see each other but it’s still wooded and secluded enough between the sites here.
RangerGreat campground. My favorite is each loop has their own shower house! Nice playgrounds for kids. Nice private sites. Lots of woods and trails. Good lake for boating fishing and kayaking. Park is very clean and well maintained. They have a kids fishing pond! It’s also great for biking.
RangerSites are small - especially the ones with power. Bathrooms are dirty and very worn out. Only 1 of 3 of the mens showers were working. Lots of spiders in the bathrooms and the stall doors don't latch effectively. Camp store (and access to ice) was closed for 'remodel'.
RangerThis campground is huge. Great for biking. Nice lake for fishing, boating and kayaking. There is a campers beach in campground. Many sites have water access. Small fishing pond. Very nice camp store. Big, wooded sites.
RangerGood family camping ground. Most sites are wooded, kids fishing pond. Good playground. Nice shower rooms. Free putt putt and good camp store.
RangerNot our favorite. Very small campground. Good hiking trails. Decent beach. Very hilly. Shower house was kinda gross.
TravelerMy favorite state park in Ohio (so far). Very clean, lots of activities, nice size sites. Easy to get to from Columbus and lots of activities.
ScoutWe love this park. Nice camp sites. Lots of wooded areas. Very nice lake. Has lots to do, put put golf, shuffle board, disk golf. But our last camp there was disappointing. 3 of the campers in area D where we were did nothing all day and evening smoking Marijuana. We had to smell the skunk smell all day long from them as well as them letting there kids ride around on a golf cart all day and night with no head lites not even tagged for on road.I brought it to the camp stores attention and they said there's nothing they can do, we don't enforce the rules here . They said if I had a problem to call odnr. There was a camp host at the restroom area and watched a lady take her dog inside and said nothing to her.what are the parks rules for if the host won't even enforce them. Not one ranger through the park for 3 days..
Equestrian enthusiasts seeking horse campgrounds near Pickerington, Ohio have several dedicated options within the Hocking Hills region. The area sits within the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, creating a topography of steep ridges and narrow valleys that provide challenging terrain for horse trails. Trail systems typically remain accessible April through November, though some mud closures occur after heavy rainfall when trail conditions become hazardous.
Trail riding at Wayne National Forest: The trail system connects with Zaleski State Forest bridle paths and offers varied terrain. "We enjoyed four amazing days of hiking, camping and exploring nature. The trails are well marked and easy to follow. And there are several loop sections so you can easily plan various tips accordingly," notes James W.
Visit historic structures: Moonville Tunnel access sits near several equestrian sites. "We spent one afternoon hiking over to the Moonville Tunnel and it was one of the coolest parts of our four day trek," reports James W. about his Zaleski experience.
Lake activities for non-riding days: Burr Oak State Park offers water recreation options when taking breaks from trail riding. "Campers can rent pontoons or enjoy a day kayaking the lake, or swimming on the beach," explains Larissa C., though she notes "the campground could use some updates."
Private stalls with cabin access: Pine Creek Cabins & Camping Resort offers convenient accommodations for horses and riders. "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. Bridle trail access right from campground," shares CampgroundKaren.
Direct trail connections: Many riders appreciate Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground's infrastructure improvements. "The new owners of the Palmerosa Campground 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.
Scenic overlooks: The region features notable viewpoints along bridle trails. "The horseback riding is awesome, airplane rock has a view second to none. The box canyon with waterfall is gorgeous," writes Timothy M. about his experience at Palmerosa.
Water quality varies: Bring filtration equipment when camping at more primitive sites. "Water is available at 3 backpack camping areas... water is good and I have never seen them dry," writes Leon H. about Hocking Hills State Park, where many equestrian trails connect.
Site selection matters: Reserve early for level spaces that accommodate horse trailers. "Make sure to pay attention to 'walk-in' sites. It's more like 'hike a half mile with your gear' sites! All in all we had a blast and a good laugh about our trek with all our stuff!" advises Amanda P. about Hocking Hills.
Weather challenges: Spring and fall bring unpredictable conditions to the region. "We wanted to like this place... The camping however left much to be desired. The campsites are so close together, which you think would at least mean the bathrooms were close, but no, they were a serious hike," notes Jenny K. about her Hocking Hills experience.
Primitive toilet facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds have basic amenities. "There are ample outhouses that are reasonably clean and well-stocked in toilet paper. It helps to have a friend because most of the outhouses don't lock," warns Kate W. about camping at Hocking Hills State Park.
Swimming options on non-riding days: Delaware State Park offers water recreation after trail rides. "We did not swim due to it being in the 60s and rainy during most of our stay but we did go look at the beach it was very clean and appears well cared for," notes Ashley R.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include facilities for children. "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," reports Maddy B. about Delaware State Park.
Campground layout considerations: Dillon State Park offers sites that accommodate horse trailers with living quarters. "Huge park with lots of options (electric, water, etc.). Very well maintained, and showers better than the one I have at home. Clean. Trees," shares Rob G., though he notes "actual price was a bit more than appeared online."
Leveling challenges: Many equestrian sites require blocking equipment. "RV sites were very close together. Site required minimal leveling. We were on like a hilltop and overlooked lower level RV circle," reports Linda B. about Dillon State Park.
Water accessibility: Plan for limited hookups at equestrian sites. "No full hookup but potable water available throughout camping circles. We were by a water spout and every time an RV/Trailer came in they of course had to fill up," observes Linda B.
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 82 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pickerington, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Pickerington, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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