Equestrian Campground in Shawnee State Park offers primitive camping specifically for horse owners, providing direct access to 70 miles of bridle trails throughout the expansive forest. Located in West Portsmouth, this campground maintains minimal amenities with no electric hookups, water connections, or toilets. Vehicles can access the site directly, and both tent and RV camping are permitted. Riders typically bring their own containment systems as no horse corrals are available on-site. The surrounding trail system traverses the rugged terrain of what locals call "The Little Smokies of Ohio," with substantial elevation changes throughout the forest.
Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground provides another equestrian option near West Portsmouth with basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables at each site. The campground features toilet facilities and showers for campers after long trail rides. Reservations are required, and the campground accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin options for those preferring solid shelter. Horse owners find the campground particularly convenient for accessing nearby bridle trails in Shawnee State Forest. The site's location provides strategic access to the forest's extensive trail system while offering more amenities than the primitive state park equestrian camping area. Some sections of the bridle trails connect to the 60-mile backpacking loop, allowing riders to experience the park's diverse terrain and wildlife habitats.
$25 - $120 / night
"This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge."
"We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."
$21 - $46 / night
"Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."
"Plenty of shade and a huge hill behind our site. Bathrooms were clean. A lot of unsupervised children running around, in the stream and riding bikes."
"Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."
"We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."
$15 - $20 / night
"The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."
"Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."
$35 - $52 / night
"If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."
"Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."
$27 / night
"The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park Campground Review:
We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."
$50 - $67 / night
"The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done."
GuideThe equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.
GuideSimple and safe... Fifteen reservable sites via online or phone. Equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers seem to use this park often. Although no utilities... there is a shelter, restroom and trash recepticle. Campfires are permissible. Hiking trails head off from this park that cover many miles. A steep hike up Sugar Loaf will wake you up in the morning.
TravelerThe Iron Ridge Campground sites are relatively close together; however, the Iron Ridge campground boasts a handful of sites that sit below the road, and, thus, offer more privacy. I didn't camp at Oak Hill, but I have explored it a few times. Even during the week, that campground was packed with campers. If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge. The fishing isn't bad at Vesuvius, but the shore access can be crowded, which has resulted in a limited number of keeper fish. The Lakeshore Trail is well-marked and generally nice, but, at times, a bit unkempt in the summer. The lake views are somewhat limited by brush and trail/lakeside growth, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get a good view of the lake. We also hiked the Whiskey Run Trail, which was short and hilly, but conveniently located right off the campground. The Whiskey Run also offers just enough lake access to let your dogs swim or to put a pole in the water. It also passes an impressive rock shelter. The very short (but rewarding) Rockhouse Trail is a right on top of the major lake action (near the boat ramps and beach area). The benefit is a nice rock house at the end, as well as interpretive signage that sheds light on Ohio's iron industry and history.
RangerThis is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge. The campground is a bit tight, especially when lots of cars are in visiting the campers, very peaceful though as the night goes on. The road to the lake could use a little TLC. Trails are marked nicely, as well as how to get to the equestrian site, Day use area, pool, lodge, and restaurant. Restaurant was very good buffet and menu items available. Lodge was clean and well kept. Very relaxing state park.
GuidePark was nice, clean and has friendly staff. We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees. Showers are small but they work and there are only 3 stalls of toilets and 3 showers ( I believe) in the women’s side- unsure of men’s. Plenty to do, including a playground, pool, miniature golf, bike riding, horse back riding, hiking, etc. All sites have a picnic table and a grate over the fire pit. Water wells are easily accessible and they have washers and dryers as well. Check-in location was a bit confusing but eventually figured it out.
GuideMy daughter and I stayed here last year in late September. We rented a cabin (#4) for a weekend. While not luxurious, the cabin was clean, beds comfortable, AC worked great, functional kitchen and bigger bathroom than I expected. The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful. Parts of the CCC trail were overgrown with briars and narrow. The campground looks nice, we plan on bringing our camper next time. Not much nearby, but Waverly has some good eats. Seems popular with horse riders.
RangerSuch an incredible park the family loved exploring the trails, waterfalls, rock formations, and water. Check the schedule for ranger programs. The kids really wanted to go horseback riding but evidently it’s BYOH...bring your own horse LOL. The campgrounds had lovely views and lots of trees. We’d definitely return.
TravelerThe night we arrived it was pouring rain. After sleeping in the car to stay dry we explored the park. The park really came alive with the rain, which really made the trip. Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park. The cave tours were cheap and interesting, although the self guided tour was closed due to flooding. We did the Three Bridge Trail which was moderately challenging but worth the unique geology and natural bridge formations.
The tent campground was quiet but the RV campground was pretty full and lively. At site 110 we struggled to find a flattish spot—the sites closest to the road to the horse campground were much better. The bathrooms were randomly closed one night on a Saturday which was a little annoying. There wasn’t any clear communication of restroom hours.
It was hard to find firewood nearby, we ended up seeing a sign of a guy selling firewood and we called him. It was $23 for 35 logs delivered to the site. This ended up being way more than we needed and we left some behind after giving some out for free to other campers, which was a cool experience.
We left for the day on our second to last day and packed up most of the site in the car as we’d be gone a while. When we came back what we left was gone along with our reservation slip at the site entrance. It seems the rangers took it that we left and now I’m out a water jug.
There was some scavenger hunt race going on too and people would come out of the forest and run through our campsite with no regard to us being right there which was a little odd.
Overall I didn’t know what to expect as an out of stater but had a great time through the weather and all.
ScoutPrimitive camping and rv space. You can rent a cabin and such. There is a resort. Everything always looks really nice. So many recreational activities, caves, hiking, horses and a lot more. I would really recommend visiting.
Equestrian camping near West Portsmouth, Ohio centers around the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in an area locals call "The Little Smokies of Ohio." The region features substantial elevation changes with trails traversing hills that rise 300-400 feet above valley floors. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F, while summer months can reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity.
Trail riding on bridle paths: Shawnee State Forest provides 70 miles of bridle trails with varied terrain. "The backpack trail, 23 and 40 miles loops with 7 camping areas, register and enjoy. Equestrians get 70 miles and primitive camping," notes Shelly S. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Small lakes throughout the area offer fishing options after a day on horseback. "The lakes are quite tiny. The one at the campground is more like a large pond- fine for paddling around on a paddleboard for practice, but don't think you'll get in any meaningful kayaking or sight-seeing on this pond," explains Megan M. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Cave exploration: Drive approximately 40 minutes to Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground for guided tours. "The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something," recommends Chris B.
Secluded camping spots: Some areas offer more private settings for horse owners. "This campground has some features that are nicer than what is found in many state campgrounds. There are some secluded sites back in the woods, so you don't feel like you are camping in a parking lot in a few places," shares Megan M. about Shawnee.
Diverse terrain: The region features varied landscapes from creek beds to ridge tops. "Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites. Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path," reports Jay T. about Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area.
Natural attractions: The area contains unique geological features. "The very short (but rewarding) Rockhouse Trail is right on top of the major lake action. The benefit is a nice rock house at the end, as well as interpretive signage that sheds light on Ohio's iron industry and history," describes Brew W. about Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area.
Limited cell coverage: Most equestrian camping areas have poor connectivity. "There is absolutely no cell service in the Campground. The lodge at the top of the hill has a weak signal, but is better than nothing if you really need to check in with outside world," warns Carrie S. about Shawnee State Park.
Water access varies: Some horse-friendly sites lack standard water hookups. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites," advises Ron & Bonnie D. about Carter Caves State Resort Park.
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact trail and campsite conditions. "It rained the first day we were there and people were literally bailing their sites out with buckets. The places that weren't flooded were very muddy," explains Kristin L. about Pike Lake State Park Campground.
Playground access: Some equestrian campgrounds feature kid-friendly amenities. "The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights. The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient," shares Jay T. about Shawnee State Park.
Swimming options: During summer months, cooling off is possible at several locations. "There is a small lake with a swimming beach and canoe rentals. They also have a gift shop and miniature golf," notes Marc H. about Shawnee State Park.
Holiday activities: Special events occur during holiday weekends at select campgrounds. "We were there on their Halloween weekend, with a fun site-decorating contest and trick or treat in the afternoon," mentions Megan M. about Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.
Site selection considerations: Horse trailer owners should research site dimensions carefully. "Not all the sites were as spacious as ours so be careful which one you choose. In fact, there was one so small, I'm not sure where a tent would go," advises Shannon G. about Pike Lake State Park.
Equestrian-specific amenities: The Equestrian Campground at Carter Caves State Resort Park offers facilities designed for horse owners. "The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date," reports Robert H.
Utility connections: Power and water arrangements vary at equestrian sites. "Some sections of sites share one electric box for 2 campsites and can be pretty far from your pad. Also make sure to check in the details, which sites have sewer as they don't label it full hookups up front," recommends Amanda S. about Carter Caves State Resort Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near West Portsmouth, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near West Portsmouth, OH is Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near West Portsmouth, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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