4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Van Buren State Park Campground features dedicated equestrian campsites with horse pens, eliminating the need to keep horses tied up while camping. The campground provides both primitive tent sites and electric hookups for RVs in two separate loops on flat, shaded terrain. Fire rings, picnic tables, and centralized well water are available at all sites. The campground maintains pit toilets that are regularly cleaned, though no shower facilities exist on the premises. The equestrian camp area includes newly installed pens where horses can be kept securely overnight. Campers must reserve sites by phone or online as walk-ins are not permitted.
Extensive bridle trails connect directly to the campground, offering riders various route options through the park's wooded areas. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Trailer parking accommodates various sizes with ample room at designated equestrian sites. The campground remains quiet even when fully occupied, providing a peaceful environment for both horses and riders. Sites are arranged to provide adequate space between neighbors, though some are notably sloped. The RV sanitary dump station is located in a separate section of the park, requiring a short drive from the camping area. Pleasant Hill Lake Park provides another horse-friendly option in the region, offering additional bridle trails and equestrian facilities approximately 60 miles southeast of Republic.
"Since Van Buren State park is an easy 20 minutes away from home for me, i visit there often. it is clean and quiet, they dont get too busy and loud."
"It’s a small campground with one side as equestrian and the other side not. All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. There were only drop toilets and no showers."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Didn’t see much of the park on Friday, but Saturday we went exploring and saw the marina, beach, horse camp area, and walked some of the bridle trails."
"Positives: Lots are spacious
- Lots of activities: WhoaZone, boating, fishing, horseback riding, near Mohican Adventures for rafting, hiking
- Quiet and with friendly staff and seasonal campers
- Large"
from $27 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"Not your typical going hiking kinda campground (there are trails but they are not “major”) you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm. Ohio countryside at its best."
"Lots of hiking trails and a few sites boasting the filming locations for scenes from the movie Shawshank Redemption."
from $23 - $180 / night
Check Availability
ScoutSince Van Buren State park is an easy 20 minutes away from home for me, i visit there often. it is clean and quiet, they dont get too busy and loud. the horse camp is nice with some new pens to keep your horse instead of them having to be tied up. They keep the restrooms clean, but no flush toilets, which dont bother me. My only complaint about Van Buren State park is that there are no shower facilities.
LegendI found Malabar Farm in Lucas, OH on my way home from Mom’s house. Never heard of it before and I have been this way for over 20 years now. Louis Bromfield was a conservationist and among many other things (including winning a Pulitzer) he was in the forefront of organic and self-sustaining gardening. This place is amazing! ( and would be an excellent home schoolers camping trip!) Not your typical going hiking kinda campground (there are trails but they are not “major”) you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm. Ohio countryside at its best. Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground. There’s also a small rentable cabin open year round. Definitely worth a visit and very family oriented events. ( your teenager will roll their eyes at you but probably secretly enjoy the visit)
LegendWe stayed one night on our way to IN. We’ve never been here before and wanted to check it off our list. It’s a small campground with one side as equestrian and the other side not. All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. There were only drop toilets and no showers. They were clean but I don’t think I’d want to do more than a weekend there. It had a nice playground for kids and plenty of trails to hike or go horseback riding. They also had a dog park and small wildflower garden. The check in cabin had ice and wood for sale but no store. Our site was really nice. The pads were recently paved and had a huge bumper at the end. The fire ring was nice and the site had plenty of space for tents.
TravelerWe stayed during the week for one night. Campground was clean and quiet, had electric hookups at most sites. Host was very friendly. They also have a camp area for horses. Only criticism is you have to drive to another area of the park for an RV dump.
TravelerCampground is small but well maintained. Hiking is great. Probably better for people with horses. Electric did not work at all sites. Pit toilets did not seem sufficient for all camp sites.
LegendWe arrived Friday late afternoon and set up in the rain. Didn’t see much of the park on Friday, but Saturday we went exploring and saw the marina, beach, horse camp area, and walked some of the bridle trails. They also have playgrounds that are open and some food trucks in case you don’t want to cook.
This is the second park we have stayed at that is part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and so far I am impressed. Large landscape sites that are full hookup with large concrete pads. Each with its own picnic table and fire pit. They also have a boat dock for the campers to use. The lightning bugs even put on a nightly show.
RangerVan Buren State Park is very easy to access from I-75. It has tons of trails and a pond. There are a few places to car camp or RV camp nearby. I love getting out of town and visiting Van Buren State Park, and I have lots of good memories. It gets 4 stars because I now live in Montana and Montana camping outshines Ohio, but I can't bash on Van Buren State Park at all.
GuideI recently stayed 2 nights on site 304 which was electric only by choice and when we return we will opt for full hook up since those sites look brand new.
Positives:
Less desirable items:
GuideFun times during Covid-19 on Memorial Day Weekend. The bike/walking paths for kids/adults is a great addition for campers with young kids. The shower houses are clean as well as the grounds. The lake was high this weekend and the beach was a bit under water, but still fun. The boats and sounds of summer with children laughing and splashing while adults sit on the sand. Easy access in and out of the campgrounds as well as the sites. Sites were decent size and the new section has very little shade. Great place and can't wait to go back!
Van Buren State Park Campground near Republic, Ohio contains two separate camping loops situated within a wooded area. The park maintains 27 total campsites across both primitive and electric areas. Winter recreation activities include cross-country skiing on terrain suitable for beginners. The small campground size contributes to a quieter atmosphere than larger state parks in the region.
Cross-country skiing: Winter visitors can access groomed trails at Van Buren State Park for skiing. "I came cross country skiing here in early January and it was absolutely amazing. It is cold but the terrain is simple for first time skiers," notes Kevin T. about Van Buren State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Pleasant Hill Lake offers comprehensive water activities including boating, fishing, and swimming. A visitor reports, "The lake is an all sport lake so there is fishing, tubing, jet skis and kayaking. The marina has boat rentals available." The lake features a beach area with recently updated facilities.
Hiking exploration: Multiple trail systems connect through the woodlands surrounding Malabar Farm State Park Campground. "Lots of hiking trails and a few sites boasting the filming locations for scenes from the movie Shawshank Redemption," mentions Andrea F. This location serves as both a natural and cultural destination with connections to cinema history.
Playground accessibility: The central play area at Van Buren serves families with children. Scott F. shares, "Kids loved having the playground so close to the camper." Another camper notes, "If you can get a good middle spot it's nice if you have kids since there's a playground, swings, basketball, and tether court."
Quiet atmosphere: The smaller size of the equestrian campground creates a peaceful environment even during busy periods. "Campground is small but well maintained. Hiking is great," writes Alysha W. The layout provides sufficient spacing between sites despite compact overall dimensions.
Newly paved sites: Recent improvements at Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground have enhanced the camping experience. "They have recently put a lot of money in upgrading their campground... The new F sites have concrete pads and plenty of space," explains Michelle H. These upgrades provide level, stable surfaces particularly valuable during wet weather conditions.
Limited facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds near Republic offer basic amenities without luxury options. "No showers, but clean and sturdy pit toilets with centralized well water," Joseph N. mentions about Van Buren. Another camper notes, "My only complaint about Van Buren State Park is that there are no shower facilities."
Site selection considerations: Tent campers should research site dimensions before reserving. "Some of the sites are small so you have to be careful which you site you reserve if you're a tent camper. The outside of the circle is your best bet," advises Brendan V. Sites vary significantly in size, levelness, and proximity to facilities.
Fairgrounds overnight option: Ashland Fairgrounds provides convenient stopover camping for travelers. Charles K. explains, "Ashland fairgrounds has $20 tent sites or $35 full hookups. You may need an extension cord. All back in sites. Bathrooms are open and close by. No showers." Payment operates on a self-service basis after hours.
Educational farm visits: Incorporate agricultural learning at Malabar Farm during your equestrian camping trip. One visitor recommends, "This place is amazing! (and would be an excellent home schoolers camping trip!) Not your typical going hiking kinda campground... you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm."
Beach activities: Pleasant Hill Lake offers family-friendly swimming areas with improved facilities. Tina D. shares, "The shower houses are clean as well as the grounds. The lake was high this weekend and the beach was a bit under water, but still fun. The boats and sounds of summer with children laughing and splashing while adults sit on the sand."
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Pleasant Hill Lake Park provides cycling opportunities for different ages and skill levels. "The bike/walking paths for kids/adults is a great addition for campers with young kids," notes one reviewer. The extensive campground layout allows for extended riding without leaving the property.
Dumping station location: Plan accordingly for sanitation needs at Van Buren. Nicole G. advises, "Only criticism is you have to drive to another area of the park for an RV dump." The station requires a short drive from the camping areas rather than being accessible directly from campsites.
Electric reliability check: Test hookups immediately upon arrival. One camper reports, "Electric did not work at all sites," indicating the importance of verifying connections before setting up completely. Most sites offer 30-amp service, with 50-amp available at select locations.
Extension cord requirement: Be prepared with longer power cords at certain facilities. At Ashland Fairgrounds, "You may need an extension cord. All back in sites." This preparation ensures you can connect to power pedestals that might be positioned farther from RV parking locations than standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Republic, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Republic, OH is Van Buren State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Republic, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Republic, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
