Equestrian camping near Wadsworth, Ohio offers designated spaces where riders and horses can rest after trail riding. Located about 30 miles south of Cleveland, the area features mixed hardwood forests, rolling hills, and several waterways that provide natural obstacles and scenery for riders. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season, with occasional thunderstorms requiring proper shelter for horses and humans.
What to do
Trail riding with lake views: At West Branch State Park Campground, equestrians can enjoy trails that connect to the scenic reservoir. "There are many inlets to explore or fish. There is a boat launch at the campground," notes Alisa G., who appreciates the park's natural features.
Primitive trail experiences: Backpackers and riders seeking solitude can utilize the remote sites at Mohican. "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.
Seasonal riding events: Mohican Wilderness hosts special equestrian events throughout their May-October season. "We came here during the 2024 River of Fire Event. The campground was packed but you couldn't tell because the sites were all so spacious!" says Julia A., who enjoyed the organized activities.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Riders appreciate that Mohican Wilderness provides ample room for trailers and horses. "Even though it's a large park the sites are huge so you still feel like you can kick back and relax," according to Andrea F., who stayed at site 254.
Clean facilities: Equestrians value the well-maintained restrooms at Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground after a day of riding. "The shower houses are clean as well as the grounds," reports Tina D., who visited during a busy holiday weekend.
Rustic atmosphere: Malabar Farm State Park Campground offers a back-to-basics experience for riders. "Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground," explains Shelly S., highlighting the farm's equestrian-friendly features.
What you should know
Site reservations: For equestrian camping near Wadsworth, booking ahead is essential. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises Alisa G. about West Branch, though this applies to most area horse camps during peak season.
Terrain challenges: Horse trailers may struggle with unlevel surfaces at some locations. "Our site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke. We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches," warns Andrea F. about site 190 at West Branch State Park.
Seasonal facilities: Winter horseback riders have limited options. "First come first serve in the winter. One heated bathroom with a shower is open in the winter," notes Renée C. about Mohican State Park Campground, one of few parks maintaining horse trail access year-round.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground offers activities beyond horseback riding. "There are two basketball courts on either side of the park and a few playgrounds. Overall great camping," shares Michelle H., who has camped there for over a decade.
Educational opportunities: Introduce children to both horses and sustainable farming at Malabar Farm. "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," suggests Shelly S.
Safety considerations: Keep children supervised around equestrian areas. "The bike/walking paths for kids/adults is a great addition for campers with young kids," mentions Tina D. about Pleasant Hill, where designated non-horse areas provide safer play spaces.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Horse camping areas often have limited services. "We're at site 160. No electricity, no hookups, but a HUGE lakefront site. We're in a self contained RV so it's not a problem for us," explains Rino S. about his experience at West Branch State Park.
Overnight alternatives: Ashland Fairgrounds provides a convenient stopover for horse transport. "Ashland fairgrounds has $20 tent sites or $35 full hookups. You may need an extension cord. All back in sites," reports Charles K., noting this option for equestrians traveling to events.
Generator rules: For overnight horse monitoring, check park policies on power sources. "We did run our generator during that day but kept it off at night so we didn't disturb other campers," shares Andrea F. about her stay at Malabar Farm's non-electric sites.
