7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Mohican State Park Campground features dedicated horse trails with creek crossings and steep hills for riders near Spencer, Ohio. High lines are provided at the entrance for securing horses during trail breaks, and dogs are welcome to accompany trail riders. The park includes primitive horse camping areas specifically designed for equestrians with their mounts. Miles of well-groomed bridle paths wind through beautiful pine forests, offering varied terrain suitable for different experience levels. Equestrian campers regularly comment on the quality and maintenance of the trail system throughout the state park property.
The nearby Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground provides additional horse-friendly accommodations with access to horseback riding options. Several primitive campsites cater specifically to horse owners, with space for trailers and basic equine facilities. Trail riders can access a network of bridle trails directly from the campground, allowing for convenient day rides without trailering. The bridle trails connect to larger trail systems throughout the Mohican region, creating extensive riding opportunities for overnight campers. Horse owners should note that water access is available for animals, though bringing portable water buckets is recommended for convenience at the campsites. Pleasant Hill's location makes it an ideal base camp for exploring multiple riding areas within the greater Mohican wilderness area.
"Miles of well groomed horse trails available with creek crossings, steep hills and beautiful pine tree."
"As part of a nearly 200-mile bikepacking ride, this was our last stop! We spent 2 nights in their "Class B" area down in the Mohican River Valley and loved it."
from $27 - $220 / 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"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"They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more."
"We come back to MW each year and try to get the same sites (323-322) as they are very private with access to the water while still being super close to the store and walkable to the bathrooms:showers."
from $25 - $44 / 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"Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."
GuideMiles of well groomed horse trails available with creek crossings, steep hills and beautiful pine tree. There’s a primitive horse camp as well, and places to tie horses at the entrance with high lines. Dogs are welcome to.
LegendAs part of a nearly 200-mile bikepacking ride, this was our last stop! We spent 2 nights in their "Class B" area down in the Mohican River Valley and loved it.
The oddly named “Class A” camping area offers everything from full-hook up camping slots for campers large and small, as well as just electric sites and 10 “walk-in” primitive sites, and cabins -- all of which are reservable. This area has all the bells and whistles of a modern campground with an environmental learning center, a nice outdoor pool, clean showers and bathrooms, an extensive playground and hiking and mountain biking trails right out the front door.
The “Class B” area offers 25 primitive sites on a first-come, first-served basis. It is almost 6 miles by road from the “A” services, but only a 2-mile flatish hike along the river trail. At these sites, there are only pit toilets and a water pump. Each site has a picnic table and a small fire ring. There is also a large group camping area just a few miles away from the primitive “Class B” area.
Tubing and canoeing are available within the park, but there are also several canoe outfitters in the area which provide rental / pick up services. The sheer number of these businesses makes me think that summer time can be crowded!!
Beautiful shaded trails meander all throughout the park and they boast some of the most challenging mountain biking in the mid-west, so read your trail maps. Hiking, equestrian and winter snowmobile trails also offer some great opportunities to get out and stretch your legs throughout the year. There is also a safe and convenient, bike lane / bike path into nearby Loudonville, which has a small grocery story and the usual fast-food restaurants.
Note: The only reason why this park didn't get a 5 star was due to their customer service. It was absolutely lousy, confusing, and the young folks working behind the counter acted as if they didn't want to be there and/or hadn't been trained. We almost left, but since we had cycled 42 miles to get there that day, we chose to stay and enjoyed our time in their Class B sites.
GuideNear the bridal trails you'll find Park and Pack site #4. It's a great spot if your legs are tired after a long day of hiking or if you did too many hills that day. Or if you're a beginner camper, or family that want to try something new, it's easy to walk into and out of. You'll find campsite #4 near the horse pavilion and a large wood barn where it looks that wood is provided. The trail itself is flat, wide and conditions depend on recent rainfall and horse use. It was mostly dry with some muddy areas to navigate around. You'll need to transport it back to camp somehow by pack or a cart/wheelbarrow... It has creative man made benches from logs/branches, a great view for sunset. Per paper maps it looks like it's among the other campsites but actually it's on its own and the opposite side of the multiple bridal trailhead.
TravelerMohican offers great accommodations and clean facilities. It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun. Trailheads are located right of the grounds and the surrounding area is full of great things to do. If swimming is your thing the pool is clean and well maintained and situated between two ridgelines so you float and stare around at wooded hillsides. Great after a day of hiking or crushing the mountain biking trails. Grab a walk-in site or one by the river. No problems with hammocks in sites we chose but not all sites have enough mature trees.
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)
ScoutThis is a family friendly campground with lots to do. They offer on river and off river sites. Open grassy or wooded sites The sites are spacious and with the option to park your trailer where you want (grass sites). They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more. They also have little shops that allows visitors to watch loom and black smith demonstrations and the little ones can participate in candle and leather making. If you are able to survive without technology and take a little step back into a simpler life style, this is the campground for you!
LegendThis trip was memorable for so many reasons but the Chestnuts really make this park stand out. The park has several Chestnut trees which is usually a rare find these days. Later on, I found a sign explaining why the park had so many Chestnut trees. They are working to bring them back. We used our grubstick to roast them over the open fire. Many of us fondly think of the Christmas song but how often have you roasted your own Chestnuts while camping?
The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site. Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace. More space and great neighbors.
The camp store at this park had a lot of great things such as corn hole outside, a mining activity for the family, trikes you could rent, and most importantly ice cream.
The camp store is right across from the pool. The pool is currently closed but not many state parks in Ohio have a pool right in the camp ground area. This is a rare treat. The pool had the traditional pool, kiddo pool, and small splash pad. You could also see where they had installed a curb cut for those in wheel chairs or needing ramps. No pool lift that I could see to help someone lower in and out of the pool. This may be put away for the season so call to find out. They also had a ramp installed that led up to the pool. One side the old steps and the other side a new ADA ramp.
The fire wood was in a white bag and that made it easy to move and kept the car clean which I appreciated. They also had bait so if you wanted to walk behind the pool and continue to the river it wouldn't be far to go fishing.
The shower house by us did not have an ADA bathroom and I didn't get a chance to look for the ADA shower.
Behind the campsites (our section) you could grab a short trail to the river. This was a lovely surprise as I followed a foot path. We opted not to do the overlook hike to the gorge as we had fellow campers with us that couldn't do a long hike for safety reasons. It as a nice surprise to learn that one could also drive to the overlook if they need to and all parties could enjoy the view together. Two different ways to get to the same place which means if you need to split up your campers based on physical skills then you could do so and then eat at the shelter together.
The camp ground has been FULL several times this season so make sure you make your reservations. This park also has a way for you to put on and take out of the river. You will see folks walking around with their inner tubes as they will float down the small section.
We also drove 10 miles away to the Mohican Lodge to treat ourselves to some food and an OSU Football game at the bar downstairs. The bar has a great back patio and view of the lake. It too has a variety of games in the back patio. They were awesome and turned on the closed caption feature for us. Those of us that wanted to watched the game and others were able to play various games at the lodge (Ping pong, pool, read a book by the fire, go see the owls on site, and more).
The pool at the lodge is being redone at the moment. I may try to upload that information later. So look for it to be new and improved. The pool also has a sauna for those that need some help to warm up/relax tight muscles. Usually, you can get a day pass for the lodge pool even when you are staying at the camp sites. This is a small fee but well worth it.
While we were at the lodge an outside non-profit group was there with 2 owls. We hope to drive up to Mansfield sometime to explore their property (90 acres) with birds they have rescued or are helping. https://www.ohiobirdsanctuary.com/ they come to the lodge usually on Sat evening at 7 PM.
For those who are a fan of Shawshank Redemption the movie you are an easy day trip away from the Mansfield Reformatory. https://www.mrps.org/explore/tours
ScoutThere are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites. There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails, first come first serve, no reservations. love them!
LegendTook me some miles but I figured it out. Highly suggest a map from the info center or other office. Nice , snug camping that's well maintained and connected to the trail system once you figure it out...This is a beautiful, hilly, scenic area, loved it. Horse, Bike and foot traffic.
Mohican State Park offers primitive and established equestrian camping options within a 4,525-acre wilderness area. The region features over 32 miles of bridle paths with varying terrain difficulty levels suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Temperatures range from 20-85°F throughout the camping season, with fall offering prime trail conditions when summer humidity subsides.
Trail riding year-round: At Mohican State Park Campground, riders can access extensive trail networks during any season. "Beautiful campsites on the water and near it. Absolutely beautiful & great trails. There is nice several mile through trail that goes from the dam area following the river to the primitive camping area and then to the camper/rv camping area," notes reviewer Renée C.
Riverside camping with horses: Mohican Wilderness provides riverfront sites with ample space for horse trailers. "The sites are spacious and with the option to park your trailer where you want (grass sites). They offer horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more," shares Shannon P.
Free pack-in camping: For more adventurous equestrians, backcountry options exist. "There are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites. There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails, first come first serve," explains John H.
Spacious equestrian sites: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground receives consistent praise for its horse-friendly accommodations. "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," according to Andrea F.
Fall camping conditions: October brings optimal weather for horse camping near Spencer. "We love this park! Lots of hiking! Even saw a bald eagle this trip. Another Thanksgiving spent in our camper and it was so nice and relaxing. Camping in the off season is our favorite time of year," reports Andrea F. from Mohican State Park.
River access for horses: Many equestrian sites provide direct water access. "We have camped here 3 times now and even though it's a large park the sites are huge so you still feel like you can kick back and relax. Quiet neighbors and friendly staff plus everything is mowed and well maintained," says Andrea F. about Mohican Wilderness.
Primitive facilities on horse trails: Most dedicated equestrian sites have basic amenities. At Malabar Farm State Park Campground, expect "Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground," advises Shelly S.
Seasonal limitations: Check campground schedules before planning equestrian trips. "This is a family friendly campground with lots to do. They offer on river and off river sites. Open grassy or wooded sites," mentions Shannon P., though most equestrian facilities operate May through October.
Cell service considerations: Communication can be limited on horse trails. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," notes Andrea F. about Mohican State Park, making it important to have maps and emergency plans when trail riding.
Kid-friendly horse activities: Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch offers guided experiences for younger riders. "Took the family there and loved it. It's clean and quiet. Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly," reports Bradley B.
Multisport options: Families appreciate campgrounds with diverse activities beyond horseback riding. "The hiking trails are great with a covered bridge, overlook and waterfalls. The sites are nice and large with lots of trees throughout the park. Camp store is nice and well stocked, gem mining and mountain bike trails are located within the campground as well as a pool," mentions Andrea F.
Educational opportunities: Consider timing your equestrian camping trip with special events. "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," explains Shelly S. about Malabar Farm.
Site selection for horse trailers: When bringing horses and RVs together, pick appropriate sites. "The new F sites have concrete pads and plenty of space. Only lacking in mature trees to offer shade. The shower house there is new and clean, offers a laundry facility," advises Michelle H. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Water access planning: RVers with horses should check water availability. "The water at the full hook up sites are turned off. Potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open," notes Andrea F., highlighting the importance of bringing water storage solutions during shoulder seasons.
Leveling challenges: Some equestrian campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Only 15 sites and most are very sloped but we had site 3 and it was okay," warns Andrea F. about Malabar Farm, suggesting RVers bring extra leveling blocks when camping with horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Spencer, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Spencer, OH is Mohican State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Spencer, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Spencer, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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