Best Equestrian Camping near Waite Hill, OH
West Branch State Park Campground offers specialized equestrian camping opportunities in its dedicated horse camping area. The park maintains separate camping zones for horse owners, featuring space for horse trailers and areas for horses to graze. The equestrian sites accommodate both horse trailers and tents, though recent visitor reports note concerns about mixed usage between tent campers and horse owners in the equestrian section. Horse trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders convenient access to the park's extensive bridle path system. Safety considerations have emerged as tent campers unfamiliar with horses have been permitted to camp in the traditionally horse-only areas.
Equestrians can access multiple miles of dedicated bridle trails throughout the 2,650-acre park. The trails wind through diverse woodland terrain and offer views of the 2,650-acre Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. Horse camping requires advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months when the campground reaches capacity. The equestrian camping section is located in a more remote area of the park, providing a quieter experience but with fewer amenities than the main campground loops. While horse campers must use primitive sites without electricity or water hookups, riders appreciate the direct trail access and spacious sites that accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers. The park is located near Wayland, approximately 25 miles from Waite Hill, making it accessible for day trips or extended camping stays.