Jefferson Lake State Park offers 18 miles of multi-use trails through wooded areas near Valley View, Ohio. This smaller state park features a mix of standard and equestrian sites with vault toilets that are cleaned daily. The campground has five electric sites for non-equestrian campers and two electric sites specifically for horse campers. Campsites vary in levelness with some being quite sloped, requiring careful selection when booking, particularly for tent campers.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Horse enthusiasts can access trails directly from the equestrian camping area at Jefferson Lake State Park Campground. As one camper noted, "Perfect for our little Scamp trailer. Only 5 big electric sites, no showers or potable water. As a result it was so peaceful! We loved our rainy stay. There are some lovely hiking trails around the lake and spillway."
Fishing opportunities: Fish at the lake within Jefferson Lake or head to Salt Fork State Park Campground for more extensive fishing options. A visitor shared, "The lake is pretty beautiful. The trails are well marked and the horse trails go on for miles and miles so if you have horses this is a great place to trail ride."
Explore pioneer history: Visit the historic buildings near Beaver Creek State Park Campground where you can combine horseback riding with historical exploration. One camper explained, "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)."
What campers like
Peaceful camping atmosphere: The smaller size of equestrian campgrounds near Valley View creates quiet experiences. At Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, a visitor reported, "This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly every morning."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious horse riders appreciate Hidden Hollow Campground at Fernwood State Forest, where one camper shared, "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. Camp fire rings and picnic tables at most sites."
Scenic trail systems: Extensive trail networks through wooded areas provide varied riding experiences. At Beaver Creek, a reviewer noted, "Lots of trails to choose from and the pioneer village in the state park gives you many options to spend the day. Had some luck fishing at the Canoe/Kayak area in the South East area of the park close to the Group Camp Sites."
What you should know
Limited water access: Most equestrian sites have non-threaded spigots making it difficult to fill larger tanks. A Jefferson Lake camper advised, "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites. Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord."
Site selection challenges: Many campgrounds have sloped sites requiring careful consideration when booking. One camper at Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday noted, "This is our favorite KOA! I have 4 kids and return at least 1x per year. Great family owned KOA. Horseback riding on site."
Primitive facilities: Most horse camping areas offer vault toilets without showers. A Hidden Hollow camper reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Pack water containers: Since most equestrian campgrounds have limited water options, bring containers for storage. At Hidden Hollow Campground, a camper advised, "It is a very well maintenance campsite most have fire pits a lot of level ground for tent camping pull in parking spots for RVs and campers a bathroom on site and two different trails to hike fishing minutes away."
Plan for multi-use activities: Families enjoy campgrounds that offer both riding and non-riding activities. At Salt Fork State Park, a visitor shared, "Just driving in saw turkeys and 'turkets':) and two 6 point bucks. You can hike, swim, boat, bike and horseback ride. Primitive tent camping all the way to upscale lodge stays."
Check site levelness: For tent camping families, research site topography before booking. A Jefferson Lake camper noted, "You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped. Our site was huge and right next to the water spigot."
Tips from RVers
Bring extension cords: Electric hookups at horse camping sites are sometimes positioned far from parking pads. A Jefferson Lake visitor noted, "All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal. We were later told by staff the maintenance building had a threaded spigot."
Check road access restrictions: Some parks have roads unsuitable for larger rigs. At Beaver Creek State Park, a camper warned, "There is a road in the park (Echo Dell Road) that RV's/Trailers can't go on so make sure you approach this campground from Leslie Road!"
Research tank filling options: Without threaded spigots, filling RV tanks can be challenging. One visitor to Hidden Hollow Campground explained, "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. Camp fire rings and picnic tables at most sites."
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