Equestrian camping near Xenia, Ohio offers access to diverse terrain including limestone ridges, wooded valleys, and open meadows. The region receives approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush grasslands ideal for horse camping from April through October. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 800-1100 feet above sea level with moderate temperature shifts between day and night.
What to Do
Kayaking and boating: At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, campers can enjoy serene paddling experiences. "Cowan Lake State Park - A friend and I were able to kayak on the lake the night of a Friday the 13th moon. It was beautiful... The boat ramp and parking lot is easy to use and has a good layout," notes Kenpocentaur K.
Disc golf courses: Multiple parks within 30 minutes of Xenia offer disc golf. "There's a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties," explains Heidi G. about Sycamore State Park Campground.
Backpacking trails: The Twin Valley Trail system provides challenging routes for more experienced riders. "There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take on the TVT challenge, beautiful hike through hilly terrain," says Karen K.
Farm animal viewing: Several parks maintain educational farms where younger visitors can observe animals. At Kiser Lake State Park, the nearby farm area entertains children while providing context for equestrian activities. "In addition to the lake, they also had a farm on the property that was enjoyable for the kids to see the animals," reports Kenpocentaur K.
What Campers Like
Spacious campsites: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers sites with ample room for horse trailers and equipment. "Camp spots were decently sized but no cover between camp spots and little shade. Bathrooms were clean but not spotless and in need of a little repair," notes Mike & Deb L.
Privacy options: Several parks offer more secluded sites for those wanting distance from neighbors. "We picked the site further away from the lake as we had little ones. We were still close enough so we could easily walk to the lake. At this camp site you can see your neighbors more and it is easier to see the camp sites," explains Kenpocentaur K.
Off-season quiet: Winter and shoulder season camping provides more solitude for horse campers seeking space. "It was lovely, quiet, tree filled park. We arrived at night and didn't see much of it until the morning. The bathroom was perfectly adequate but a long walk from our site," shares Shirley M. about Buck Creek State Park.
Lake views: Many campsites offer direct views of water features. "We camped on lot 57 and the view of the lake was awesome! The new bathhouse is open year round," says Brad H. about Kiser Lake State Park Campground.
What You Should Know
Limited shade availability: Many equestrian-friendly sites lack substantial tree cover. "Campground was not the best- sites were VERY close together, with most of the campground completely exposed with no shade. It was like trying to relax on a huge parking lot jammed with RVs and people," warns Megan M. about Cowan Lake State Park.
Weekend crowding: Plan for increased traffic during holidays and summer weekends. "When we reserved months earlier, we knew that our first night (a Saturday) was 100% full as we got the very last site. What we did not know is that there was a HUGE Halloween celebration complete with 30-40 decorated golf carts parading through the campground," explains Lee D.
Vault toilets at some sites: Certain horse-friendly camping areas have basic facilities. "No water so bring your own and the latrine is an old one (cement blocks)," notes Kenpocentaur K. about some camping areas.
Feral cat concerns: At Kiser Lake, some campers have reported issues with wildlife. "This park is overrun with feral cats (or it was when I was there). Some people might think that is cute. I consider feral cats to be wild animals that carry disease," reports Megan M.
Tips for Camping with Families
Choose group sites: For family equestrian outings, specific areas work better. "This was a lovely campsite with 4 picnic tables, fire ring, and a very clean latrine. The other two group camp sites were far enough away that you couldn't hear or see them," recommends Kenpocentaur K. about Dayton Metro Parks.
Consider organized activities: Many parks offer weekend programming. "I like that they have activities throughout the day for kids on the weekends. Also have a nice camp store/marina with canoe and kayak rentals at a reasonable price," shares Andrew L. about Kiser Lake State Park.
Look for multiple recreation options: Parks with diverse facilities keep non-riders engaged. "We did visit the Ohio Caverns. The tour is worth the money, the 'gem' mining was fun for our younger kids. There are two swimming beaches, the public one and one in the campground," explains Leon H.
Bring bikes: Many camping areas have paved paths suitable for cycling while horses rest. "Nice hiking trails in the area. Showers were very nice and clean. Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them," says Lisa M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: For equestrian RVers, certain sections offer better access. "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," shares Johnothan R. about Cowan Lake State Park.
Cell service varies: Coverage can be inconsistent across parks. "Verizon cell coverage was good," reports Andrea F. about Kiser Lake State Park, while at East Fork State Park, Lee D. notes, "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."
Water access points: Know where to fill tanks at horse-friendly sites. "Has water to fill tanks and Dumping Stations to empty as needed, so great semi-boondocking," explains Johnothan R. about water facilities at Hueston Woods State Park Campground.
Pull-through availability: Some parks offer easier access sites. "The campground itself has 20 electric sites, 56 primitive sites and 4 camper cabins. All the electric sites are pull through and all sites have a fire pit but only the electric sites come with picnic tables," notes Andrea F.
