Beaver Creek State Park provides equestrian camping opportunities along Sprucevale Road, located about 20 miles south of Salem, Ohio. The terrain consists of rolling hills with elevation changes between 800-1100 feet throughout the region. Equestrian camping near Salem benefits from the area's moderate climate with distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly suitable for horse riding activities.
What to do
Trail riding beyond the park: Beaver Creek connects directly to the North Country National Scenic Trail, which extends through West Branch State Park. "Great site! Shades lots of space semi private area. Right off the water with area to tie boat for easy water access," notes Katelyn P. about West Branch's waterside sites, providing options for riders who also enjoy water activities.
Explore historical sites: Visit the pioneer village in Beaver Creek State Park. "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)," writes Shay D.
Fishing opportunities: While riding trails, take advantage of fishing spots. "This is a nice clean state park. There is canoeing but no swimming. Bass fishing is really fun because we caught a few nice ones!!" reports Mike T. about Beaver Creek State Park.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers appreciate the secluded nature of equestrian sites. "We camped this past weekend in site 50. It is an unbelievably spacious site under towering pine trees. The site sits back off the road and really makes you feel like you have the place to yourself," shares Matt H. about Beaver Creek State Park.
Night sky viewing: The rural location provides excellent stargazing conditions. "The sky was dark enough to see far more stars than you'd see near any larger towns or cities. To cap it off, we laid in our tent dozing off to the sounds of owls and coyotes!" says Matt H. about camping at Beaver Creek.
Natural soundscapes: Hidden Hollow Campground offers a peaceful setting. "Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore. Very quiet everytime I've camped there, many times btw. Great, quiet, close to nature experience," reports Joe W.
What you should know
Water limitations: Plan your water needs carefully. "They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank. Make sure you fill up before you go!" advises Bounding Around about Beaver Creek State Park.
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Trails can become muddy or overgrown depending on weather and maintenance. "Very over grown and difficult to follow the trails, but overall we were able to hike for about 3 hours without running into anyone else," notes Shay D. about Beaver Creek's trails.
Bathroom facilities: Jefferson Lake State Park provides basic facilities. "No showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning. You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped," shares Kimberly.
Limited reservation options: Some equestrian camping areas fill quickly. "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites," explains Eddie about Jefferson Lake's equestrian camping options.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Mosquito Lake State Park offers activities beyond horseback riding. "If your kids are 8 and under they'll love the nature playground and nets provided to catch critters. We'll camp here again for sure," suggests Joe F.
Site selection for families: Choose sites near amenities. "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy," reports Matt H. about Beaver Creek.
Pack extra supplies: Limited facilities mean you need to bring everything. "Camp is near beach & marina. Also many shops and restaurants within a 10 minute drive," notes Heidi B. about Mosquito Lake State Park, suggesting nearby resupply options.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many sites in the region require leveling equipment. "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," shares Andrea F. about West Branch State Park, highlighting a common issue in the area's hilly terrain.
Site selection for large rigs: Choose carefully when bringing horse trailers. "Self-register with cards located at pit latrine building. 14 days every 30. No problem getting 40' skoolie in and parked in mostly level spots," explains Donald F. about Hidden Hollow Campground.
Electric hookup limitations: Understand power availability for horse-related needs. "We're at site 160. No electricity, no hook ups, but a HUGE lakefront site. We're in a self contained RV so it's not a problem for us," notes Rino S. about West Branch State Park.
