3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Equestrian camping near Georgetown, Ohio centers around two specialized facilities. Shawnee State Park offers both a main campground and a dedicated Equestrian Campground with direct access to extensive bridle trails throughout the 1,095-acre park. The equestrian area accommodates tents and RVs with sites designed for horse trailer parking and turnaround space. Trails weave through dense forest and rugged terrain with multiple creek crossings and significant elevation changes. The campground remains open seasonally with limited facilities, making it suitable for experienced riders and self-sufficient campers. East Fork State Park Campground provides another option with 34 miles of combined horse, hiking and biking trails around the lake.
The bridle trails at Shawnee State Park connect to the larger trail system within Shawnee State Forest, offering over 75 miles of marked equestrian routes. Ben's Happy Trails Horse Stable & Campground provides an alternative with drinking water, electric hookups and on-site toilets and showers for a more developed camping experience with horses. Trail difficulty varies significantly throughout the region, from beginner-friendly flat terrain to challenging technical sections with steep climbs. Horse owners should note that Shawnee's Equestrian Campground offers minimal amenities with no drinking water, electric hookups, or toilet facilities. Most equestrian campgrounds in the area require advanced reservations during peak season, particularly for group equestrian camping with multiple trailer spaces. Water access points for horses are available at designated locations along the trail systems.
"One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers. "
"They have horseback riding trails , bring your own horses , witch they have accomidations for or rent from near by stables ."
Available next weekend
from $35 / night
"Overnighted here with my horses on my way south for the winter, but will definitely be coming back and spending more time. Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding."
"Amazing place for the price and proximity to the city!! Just wish there was more hiking trails"
"Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."
"Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park. It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. "
Available next weekend
from $25 - $170 / night
"Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks. 1.7 mile paved walking trail is great for walking, running and biking. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by."
"The location is located on the lake with access to put in a kayak or canoe. The bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls."
"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 $29 - $220 / night
GuideA large campground spread out over multiple loops. Roads and campsites are paved. Our site #416 was spacious and secluded at the end of a dead end road. The bathhouse was a short hike away and in good condition.
RangerThis is a large campground with everything you need. Nice, clean, family friendly campground. Has many private sites backed up to trees. Shower houses has always been clean.
RangerOne of our favorites! So many nice sites! Great for biking, hiking, kids playground. Decent shower rooms. Little fishing going in campground.
RangerHave been here twice this year. Great campground. Big camp store with restaurant. Putt putt. Most sites and great, some have slopes. Kid friendly. Good hiking trails
ScoutThey have horseback riding trails , bring your own horses , witch they have accomidations for or rent from near by stables . Basketball courts , bike rental, Bridle Path , Cornhole , drinking water ,dumpsters. Hiking , kayak rentals , nature center , mini golf ,mountain bike trailhead parking , pickle ball , ping pong , playground ,recycling , shelter house , shower houses ,soccer , volleyball ,wifi , all play courts are ADA accessable , full hookups , electric only hookups , boat ramps both camping & public sandy beeches , Really Nice Eauestrian Camping , golf cart use 416 sites
GuideWe stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.
There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.
The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.
The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.
We'll return next summer.
ScoutIt was a lot of fun, cute cabin, friendly and super accommodating staff, clean shower houses. 10 out of 10
GuideElectric site only, full service all full. A bit rough getting RV setup, but pad is fairly level, so easily setup to use slides. Site 60, 46 feet max length, ours 39. Just finished setting up. Internet here on t-moble 5G home is 90Mbps down and 6 to 20Mbps up. Verizon on cellphone, only 10Mbs down, 1-3Mbps up. ATT cellphones are similar to Verizon. Great enough for work or play. Area is nicely arranged for most sites. Has water to fill tanks and Dumping Stations to empty as needed, so great semi-boondocking.
GuideAutumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry. Had to wait for rvs in front of me to register.
Equestrian camping near Georgetown, Ohio provides specialized accommodations for horse enthusiasts within the rolling hills of southern Ohio. Located in an area with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet, the region features a mix of hardwood forests and open meadows ideal for trail riding. Seasonal temperatures vary significantly, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing.
Trail riding in Shawnee State Forest: Access over 75 miles of dedicated bridle trails through diverse terrain with significant elevation changes. "We stayed at Shawnee SP campground in August 2020... North of the campground there is a lodge with cabins and larger fishing lake," notes Marc H. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Paddling on Cowan Lake: Rent canoes or kayaks for a peaceful water experience on this 700-acre lake. "The cabins here have both a fire ring and grill. This isn't the case at all Ohio State parks so it was a nice surprise. They also have a porch that is screened in with a view of the lake," mentions a visitor to Cowan Lake State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at multiple lakes throughout the region, including East Fork Lake with its 2,160 acres of water. "Nice site! Big lake," comments T B. about East Fork State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many equestrian camping areas maintain well-kept amenities despite their rustic nature. "Bathroom was clean and well stocked through the weekend," reports Dori F. about Cowan Lake State Park Campground.
Spacious campsites: Horse-friendly campgrounds typically offer larger sites to accommodate trailers. "The stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding. The camp Ranger/host, Larry?, was incredibly helpful and kind," shares Judy B. about her stay at A.J. Jolly Park & Campground.
Proximity to trails: Direct access to riding paths remains a top priority. "Just a beautiful park. Clean well maintained. Lots of amenities. Paddle boats, marina, 18 hole disc golf, bike park, huge dog park, store, archery range, playground and trails," says John R. about Shawnee State Park.
Limited hookups at equestrian sites: Most dedicated horse camping areas offer minimal amenities. "AJ Jolly Flatwood section...most of the sites are large enough for 30 and larger RVs but were designed by someone who was clueless," advises Jeffrey D. about layout challenges at A.J. Jolly Park & Campground.
Cell service gaps: Remote locations mean unreliable communications. "For a park so close to a large city (Cincinnati), I was surprised the cell service was so lacking (on Verizon). We eked out one and occasionally two bars of 4G," reports Lee D. at East Fork State Park.
Seasonal drainage issues: Low-lying areas can become problematic after rain. "The State Park is on one side of the Lake and the Campground is on the other. There is no public road between the two. The campground is nice but it's an extremely long walking distance to the lake," explains Karen J. about East Fork State Park.
Playground access: Several parks offer recreation areas for children. "Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites. The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights," shares Jay T. about Pike Lake State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Look for parks with nature programs. "This park encourages so much outdoor activity... This park has a little for everyone. The nature center offered movies in the evening for guest," notes Andrea F. about East Fork State Park.
Beginner-friendly riding options: Some trails cater to newer riders with gentler terrain. "Good beginner park. Not a bad little park for mountain biking, hiking, etc.," suggests Caleb S. about East Fork State Park.
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully based on your equipment size. "All camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Some sites have more trees to provide privacy while others are closer together with little separation," explains a reviewer of East Fork State Park.
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites are limited at equestrian campgrounds. "Very nice campground inside the urban loop in Cincinnati. Close to everything, yet quiet and secluded camping experience. Limited number of full hook-up spots - more would make this and even better site," advises Kenneth D. about Winton Woods Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many horse camping areas have uneven terrain. "Electric site only, full service all full. A bit rough getting RV setup, but pad is fairly level, so easily setup to use slides. Site 60, 46 feet max length, ours 39," reports Johnothan R. about Cowan Lake State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Georgetown, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Georgetown, OH is East Fork State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 68 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Georgetown, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Georgetown, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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