5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Equestrian Campground in Shawnee State Park offers primitive camping specifically for horse owners, providing direct access to 70 miles of bridle trails throughout the expansive forest. Located in West Portsmouth, this campground maintains minimal amenities with no electric hookups, water connections, or toilets. Vehicles can access the site directly, and both tent and RV camping are permitted. Riders typically bring their own containment systems as no horse corrals are available on-site. The surrounding trail system traverses the rugged terrain of what locals call "The Little Smokies of Ohio," with substantial elevation changes throughout the forest.
Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground provides another equestrian option near West Portsmouth with basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables at each site. The campground features toilet facilities and showers for campers after long trail rides. Reservations are required, and the campground accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin options for those preferring solid shelter. Horse owners find the campground particularly convenient for accessing nearby bridle trails in Shawnee State Forest. The site's location provides strategic access to the forest's extensive trail system while offering more amenities than the primitive state park equestrian camping area. Some sections of the bridle trails connect to the 60-mile backpacking loop, allowing riders to experience the park's diverse terrain and wildlife habitats.
"Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."
"Greenbo is a small state park tucked away in beautiful greenup co a very quit peaceful park. With a little known secret outside of the area world class bass fishing."
Available next weekend
from $25 - $55 / night
"This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge."
"We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."
Available next weekend
from $25 - $85 / night
"Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."
"We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."
from $55 - $85 / night
"The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."
"Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $20 / night
"If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."
"Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $52 / night
"The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park Campground Review:
We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."
Available next weekend
from $33 - $200 / night
"The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done."
from $50 - $67 / night
GuideGreenbo is a small state park tucked away in beautiful greenup co a very quit peaceful park. With a little known secret outside of the area world class bass fishing. Yelp that’s right you wouldn’t ever guess that by the size of the lake but it’s fact and the restaurant at the lodge. Is outstanding
TravelerNice pool, most sites I could see have sewer. Water pressure was low. Very few shady sites on top level.
TravelerWe were surprised to find the store open when we arrived at 6, but woman inside was a trip. She could not seem to figure out how to do anything and talked to herself the whole time. Check in took about 20-30 minutes! She was very friendly though and explained how to get to our site. Tried to get propane- first she said she didn't know how to do it, then she decided she did, but wound up being clueless. She did let us change our site because it was so far from the bathroom. We had to go down a crazy steep narrow hill to get to the lower area. Thought it might be quiet but wound up on top of a busy road. Ok for an overnight. Huge street lights over us. Sites a little junky looking.
GuideThe equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.
GuidePrimitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.
TravelerPlenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.
RangerBeen going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s. Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.
Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.
Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.
Very bike friendly.
RangerWe just spent a long weekend at Greenbo Lake State Park. It’s a clean campground, but sites are packed in pretty tight. Not my ideal kind of camping. The kids had fun because there were about 100 kids in the campground running around. There was a vacation bible school going on. Our kids were invited to take part in activities. Really nice people all over the campground. They advertise the sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups. What they didn’t say was that you had to share a post. The people beside me already had the 50 amp. I pulled everything to run on propane that I could and plugged into the 30 amp. We just had to watch and not use electrical appliances while the air was on. It was just way too busy and loud to relax for me. I think I’m just way too spoiled by Twin Knobs. There were way too many young kids on electric bikes that were turned loose. We were almost ran over a couple of times. We were standing beside the road once talking to the camp host in his golf cart and one teen flew between us and I had to grab my 87 year old mother to get her out of the way. The host didn’t seem to care. I was just on edge the whole time trying to keep my grandkids and mom from getting ran over. There were also a bunch of golf carts driving around as late as 2 am. I sound like an old fart, but I’m just putting it out there for future campers. We were on site 53 along the creek. There was no AT&T service, but Verizon had service.
ScoutVery friendly people and my dog loved the dog park.
Equestrian camping near West Portsmouth, Ohio centers around the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in an area locals call "The Little Smokies of Ohio." The region features substantial elevation changes with trails traversing hills that rise 300-400 feet above valley floors. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F, while summer months can reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity.
Trail riding on bridle paths: Shawnee State Forest provides 70 miles of bridle trails with varied terrain. "The backpack trail, 23 and 40 miles loops with 7 camping areas, register and enjoy. Equestrians get 70 miles and primitive camping," notes Shelly S. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Small lakes throughout the area offer fishing options after a day on horseback. "The lakes are quite tiny. The one at the campground is more like a large pond- fine for paddling around on a paddleboard for practice, but don't think you'll get in any meaningful kayaking or sight-seeing on this pond," explains Megan M. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Cave exploration: Drive approximately 40 minutes to Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground for guided tours. "The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something," recommends Chris B.
Secluded camping spots: Some areas offer more private settings for horse owners. "This campground has some features that are nicer than what is found in many state campgrounds. There are some secluded sites back in the woods, so you don't feel like you are camping in a parking lot in a few places," shares Megan M. about Shawnee.
Diverse terrain: The region features varied landscapes from creek beds to ridge tops. "Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites. Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path," reports Jay T. about Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area.
Natural attractions: The area contains unique geological features. "The very short (but rewarding) Rockhouse Trail is right on top of the major lake action. The benefit is a nice rock house at the end, as well as interpretive signage that sheds light on Ohio's iron industry and history," describes Brew W. about Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area.
Limited cell coverage: Most equestrian camping areas have poor connectivity. "There is absolutely no cell service in the Campground. The lodge at the top of the hill has a weak signal, but is better than nothing if you really need to check in with outside world," warns Carrie S. about Shawnee State Park.
Water access varies: Some horse-friendly sites lack standard water hookups. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites," advises Ron & Bonnie D. about Carter Caves State Resort Park.
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact trail and campsite conditions. "It rained the first day we were there and people were literally bailing their sites out with buckets. The places that weren't flooded were very muddy," explains Kristin L. about Pike Lake State Park Campground.
Playground access: Some equestrian campgrounds feature kid-friendly amenities. "The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights. The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient," shares Jay T. about Shawnee State Park.
Swimming options: During summer months, cooling off is possible at several locations. "There is a small lake with a swimming beach and canoe rentals. They also have a gift shop and miniature golf," notes Marc H. about Shawnee State Park.
Holiday activities: Special events occur during holiday weekends at select campgrounds. "We were there on their Halloween weekend, with a fun site-decorating contest and trick or treat in the afternoon," mentions Megan M. about Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.
Site selection considerations: Horse trailer owners should research site dimensions carefully. "Not all the sites were as spacious as ours so be careful which one you choose. In fact, there was one so small, I'm not sure where a tent would go," advises Shannon G. about Pike Lake State Park.
Equestrian-specific amenities: The Equestrian Campground at Carter Caves State Resort Park offers facilities designed for horse owners. "The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date," reports Robert H.
Utility connections: Power and water arrangements vary at equestrian sites. "Some sections of sites share one electric box for 2 campsites and can be pretty far from your pad. Also make sure to check in the details, which sites have sewer as they don't label it full hookups up front," recommends Amanda S. about Carter Caves State Resort Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near West Portsmouth, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near West Portsmouth, OH is Greenbo Lake State Resort Park with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near West Portsmouth, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near West Portsmouth, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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