7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Mohican State Park Campground provides extensive equestrian opportunities with miles of well-groomed horse trails featuring creek crossings, steep hills, and beautiful pine trees. The primitive horse camp accommodates riders with their mounts, offering spaces to tie horses at the entrance with high lines. Dogs are welcome to join equestrian campers on the trails. The campground connects directly to the bridle trail network that winds through the park's scenic landscape, making it ideal for day rides or multi-day horse camping trips. Full hookup sites for RVs are available in the main campground area, while tent campers can choose more rustic options.
The bridle trails at Mohican connect riders to several key destinations within the park, including access to the dam area and riverside routes. Pleasant Hill Lake Park, located in the same region, features designated horse camp areas that provide direct access to additional riding terrain. The campground offers convenient amenities for horse owners including potable water access and waste disposal facilities. Daily trail rides connect campers to scenic overlooks and woodland paths throughout the Mohican-Memorial State Forest. Trout fishing in the river provides an additional activity for equestrians looking to diversify their outdoor experience. The newly dedicated swinging bridge (May 2021) creates an interesting trail feature for riders exploring the park's extensive trail system.
"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"This state park spans over 2,000 acres and is just north of the cute Ohio town of Delaware. "
"Delaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing to us is how few people seem to know it exists!"
from $39 - $40 / 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"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"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"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"Since Van Buren State park is an easy 20 minutes away from home for me, i visit there often. it is clean and quiet, they dont get too busy and loud."
"It’s a small campground with one side as equestrian and the other side not. All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. There were only drop toilets and no showers."
from $35 / night
Check Availability
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.
ScoutSince Van Buren State park is an easy 20 minutes away from home for me, i visit there often. it is clean and quiet, they dont get too busy and loud. the horse camp is nice with some new pens to keep your horse instead of them having to be tied up. They keep the restrooms clean, but no flush toilets, which dont bother me. My only complaint about Van Buren State park is that there are no shower facilities.
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.
LegendThis state park spans over 2,000 acres and is just north of the cute Ohio town of Delaware. We stayed here for two nights while visiting friends in the area but wished we would have stayed to enjoy all that the park had to offer. The campground was really nice and quiet when we stayed there which was during the week and in the spring and not very crowded. We can imagine that this park is pretty full in the summer with all their amenities and close proximity to major Ohio cities.
The 'pod' layout of the campground made for large campsites (some sites are over 90 feet in length and well suited for large RV’s) with good separation between sites. There are 212 sites that have 50 amp electric. The campground also has yurts for rent (May through October) that are furnished with beds, table and chairs, a cooler, ceiling fan, outdoor charcoal grill and a picnic table with canopy. This is a great option for those wanting to stay in something more than a tent but don’t have an RV.
There is no sewer or water at individual sites but there is a dump station and water fill station near the park entrance. Roads and campsites are paved with grassy patios that feature picnic tables and fire pits. The park does not provide wifi but our Verizon hotspot and 4G phone worked well. There are centrally located bath/shower houses with coin-operated laundry facilities.
The park is open year-round and great for outdoor activities; especially, those that are water-related. There are numerous boat launches, fully equipped marina, and swimming area. We launched our kayaks and had a great time paddling around the lake. Be aware that there is no horsepower limits for boats on the lake and weekends are very popular for anglers in high-powered bass boats. The northern portion of the lake is a “no wake zone” which makes for a more pleasant paddling environment. If you don’t have a boat, boat rentals are available at the marina.
For those wanting to hike there are plenty of hiking/biking trails for you to get out and explore the park. Many of the trails link together so you can decide how long you want to hike. The Lakeview Trail was perfect for us as our dog loved jumping in the water during our hike. Other amenities in the park include a nature center, 18-hole disk golf, hunting, archery, volleyball, horse shoe pits, picnic areas, and an 800-foot designated swimming area. At the camp store/office you can rent bikes as well as other sporting equipment.
If you decide to venture out of the park you are only about 40 miles from downtown Columbus and less than 20 miles to the world-renowned Columbus Zoo (which is definitely worth a visit). The nearby town of Delaware is really nice with downtown shopping, restaurants, a historic theater and brewery (Stass Brewing Company has great Belgian-style beer with a fun atmosphere).
Would definitely camp here again if we were in the area.
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)
RangerDelaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing to us is how few people seem to know it exists! this state park is only 15 to 20 minutes away from Alum Creek State Park and yet there are virtually no crowds at all. The park is very large and the campground is adjacent to Delaware Lake, a reservoir a few miles north of the small town of Delaware. The lake offers boating with unlimited horsepower but it seems most of the boats on the lake were either fishing boats or kayaks. There is a very nice swimming beach, a beautiful marina with a full service store and two very good disc golf courses. There is also a youth fishing pond for the youngsters and plenty of hiking trails throughout the park. The campsites all have asphalt pads and are quite spacious; all are electric only as far as we could tell. The biggest con is also this park’s greatest pro and that is the campground requires a long drive to get to it - but that makes it feel more “out there.” The town of Delaware has a very vibrant downtown with lots of quality local restaurants and bars plus grocery stores and fuel to keep you well stocked for your camping trip. Highly recommended!
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!
Mohican State Park and surrounding areas provide equestrian-friendly camping options for riders in east-central Ohio. The region sits within the glaciated Allegheny Plateau at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,400 feet. Fall temperatures typically range from 40-65°F, making it ideal for trail riding without summer heat or insects.
Primitive backcountry camping: Mohican State Park offers 10 free hike-in primitive sites about a mile from parking areas. "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, no reservations," explains John H. from Mohican State Park Campground.
Explore Hemlock Gorge: The primitive campground section provides a different camping experience. "I am reviewing the primitive campground in the Hemlock Gorge. It is right alongside the river and at the bottom of the gorge. I always try to go to the end of the long campground where I feel it is quieter," notes Marci P. about Mohican State Park.
River activities: The Mohican River offers fishing, kayaking and tubing opportunities. "During the summer I hear it gets pretty busy with people tubing on the river," mentions Renée C. about Mohican's river access.
Spacious, private sites: Mohican Wilderness offers extra-large camping spaces. "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," reports Andrea F.
Variety of camping options: From tent sites to cabins, the area provides multiple accommodation styles. "As far as tent camping goes, it does not get any easier than this. Everything is clean and well organized. Perfect for first time campers," writes Jenny K. about Mohican State Park.
Horse-friendly facilities: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground caters to equestrian campers. "Very large park with plenty of room for hikes, bike rides and walks. The lake is an all sport lake so there is fishing, tubing, jet skis and kayaking," comments Michelle H. about the extensive grounds.
First-come camping options: Not all sites require reservations. "A short distance from the main campground, the B class campground features first come availability, 'walk up' spots. Quotes, because each site has a parking spot and is easily accessed by car," explains Jared H. about Mohican State Park.
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty in some equestrian areas. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," notes Andrea F. about Mohican State Park during an off-season visit.
Rustic options available: Malabar Farm State Park Campground offers a more basic experience. "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.
Playgrounds and recreation: Family amenities abound at several horse campgrounds near Waynesburg, Ohio. "The bike/walking paths for kids/adults is a great addition for campers with young kids. The shower houses are clean as well as the grounds," says Tina D. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Educational opportunities: Delaware State Park Campground offers family-friendly layouts. "The 'pod' layout of the campground made for large campsites with good separation between sites. There are 212 sites that have 50 amp electric," explains Nancy W.
Varied terrain for exploration: Kids enjoy discovering wooded areas within campgrounds. "The site we were on was set back in the woods. My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site," shares Ashley R. about her Delaware State Park experience.
Site selection strategies: Choose carefully based on RV needs. "Sites are roomy and we like the wooded feel. Located near the town of Delaware, you aren't too far off the beaten path and we even had decent service with Verizon," advises Marshall P. about Van Buren State Park Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers advantages. "Camping in the off season is our favorite time of year. This particular park has potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open. The water at the full hook up sites are turned off," explains Andrea F. about Mohican State Park.
Hookup availability: Many equestrian campgrounds offer partial hookups. "All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. There were only drop toilets and no showers. They were clean but I don't think I'd want to do more than a weekend there," advises Shannon G. about Van Buren State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waynesburg, OH is Mohican State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Waynesburg, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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