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Equestrian Camping near Wilkesville, OH

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    Zaleski State Forest Horse Camp provides basic equine accommodations for riders seeking a rustic camping experience near Wilkesville, Ohio. The forest features a designated horse camping area with primitive tent sites that can accommodate riders and their mounts. Drinking water is available at the camp, and toilet facilities are maintained, though riders should bring their own toilet paper as it is not provided. The free camping area attracts backpackers and horse enthusiasts alike, with trails that are well maintained and marked. The campground allows pets, making it possible for riders to bring dogs along with their horses. Trails can become muddy after rainfall, requiring careful navigation on horseback.

    The extensive trail system connects to multiple camping areas throughout the forest, allowing for multi-day riding adventures. Located within the larger Zaleski State Forest, the horse trails wind through scenic wooded areas with rock formations and varied terrain that provides both challenge and interest for riders. The trails feature numerous climbs and descents along ridges and through valleys, creating diverse riding experiences. Trailheads have adequate parking for horse trailers, though spaces fill quickly on weekends and during peak seasons. Water crossings can become uncrossable during heavy rain periods, so checking conditions before arrival is recommended. While the horse camp doesn't feature modern amenities like electric hookups or showers, the pristine forest setting and extensive trail network make it a popular destination for equestrians seeking an authentic outdoor experience in southeastern Ohio.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Wilkesville (14)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

      4.4(109)27mi from Wilkesville209 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

      "If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."

      from $20 - $70 / night

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      2. Lake Hope State Park Campground

      3.9(35)18mi from Wilkesville185 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but..."

      "At lake hope you can enjoy camping in many ways rather if it’s by tent (the way I prefer) or by camper. It’s a very nice place to have some family fun. Very nice beach and swimming area."

      from $25 - $35 / night

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      3. Zaleski State Forest

      4.5(16)12mi from WilkesvilleTents

      "Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."

      "Much of Ohio is flat corn land, so Zaleski is a special place in Ohio. The trail swings close to some homes, which is less remote than out west where I live now, but overall it's nice."

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      4. Strouds Run State Park Campground

      3.3(10)25mi from WilkesvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake."

      "Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park."

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      5. Burr Oak State Park Campground

      4.0(31)35mi from Wilkesville72 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Wayne National Forest shares the area with Burr Oak State Park near Glouster, Oh. Wayne National Forest is split into three areas in southeastern Ohio."

      "The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away."

      from $25 - $55 / night

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      6. Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground

      4.3(6)31mi from Wilkesville1 siteRVs, Tents

      "Great spot for horse camping, they have plenty of dedicated horse stalls. Gravel pads for electric/water sites are fairly level."

      "The old horse stalls have been torn down and 28 new covered stalls have been built! They are amazing and plenty if room for larger horses. "

      from $25 - $70 / night

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      7. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead

      4.3(3)28mi from WilkesvilleRVs, Tents

      "The second night we only had one tent near us. There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well."

      "OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season. Nice place."

      8. Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

      4.6(8)36mi from Wilkesville34 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $15 - $20 / night

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      9. Pine Creek Cabins & Camping Resort

      4.0(2)29mi from Wilkesville13 sitesRVs, Cabins

      "This cabin also comes with two horse stalls. Bridle trail access right from campground."

      from $40 - $999 / night

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      10. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

      4.5(6)36mi from Wilkesville1 siteRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $35 - $52 / night

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Wilkesville, OH

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Wilkesville, OH

    240 Reviews of 14 Wilkesville Campgrounds

    • Dave V.
      Sep. 28, 2016

      Lake Hope State Park Campground

      Variety, solitude and immersed in history!

      Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but...

      Each time I have stayed at Lake Hope State Park, I have marveled at why there are only a few stray campers in a state park of 190 sites. Granted...I am usually camping during the week...but its a ghost town. Which is fine by me...solitude...peace and quiet.

      The main reason is pit latrines...well, that's my guess, anyways. LHSP still has hot showers. I guess because it doesn't have a pool, it doesn't have the crowds. Shoot! I'd stay home if I wanted a pool. Whatever the reason, you rarely, if ever, will have to contend with neighbors.

      Trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn. The terrain is undulating but very doable. The campsites are pretty open, so if you did have neighbors...you'd know it. We'd usually snatch up site 98 or 99...or both. No one would usually go that deep into the park. It was private...pit latrine nearby...flat and airy. Foot trails were nearby and the bike trail wasn't too far away.

      If you brought your boats...Lake Hope is a nice flatwater paddle. Get there early and watch the water lilies open. Hope furnace is just outside the campground and next to the first "put-in" for the lake. As history buffs will know that Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day. There is also a swimming beach on the opposite end of Lake Hope...if you just have to get wet.

      The haunted Moonville Tunnel is nearby and worth the short drive and hike. Unfortunately, it is becoming defaced by disrespectful taggers...still cool nonetheless.

      You are plopped down smack dab in the Zaleski State Forest...so pick a trail, any trail.

      A short drive away are amazing trails and formations...Old Man's Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle’s Hollow, Rockhouse and Ash Cave. Each one a must see! Give youself time to hike the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of southern Ohio. Not only will you be glad you did...you will want to return year and year!

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 7, 2018

      Hocking Hills State Park Campground

      Most Scenic camping area in Ohio

      This is one of the best state parks and in my opinion the most scenic. There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff. We have camped here in tents many times over the years. The state park campground is above par compared to others in the Ohio system. The naturalists are great and run many programs even in the off seasons. Fall is the best season, the foliage is awesome. Popular with Boy and Girl Scout groups. Campground has an outdoor pool.

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 8, 2017

      Zaleski State Forest

      Work for it

      Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty.

      Primitive camping, check in before going and bring your good hiking boots. You will get a work out. There is water to enjoy also and a historical drive if you enjoy learning about the stuff our ancestors did for "fun" :)

    • Mary S.
      Sep. 23, 2018

      Hocking Hills State Park Campground

      Nice campground with even better hiking and scenery

      Old Man's Cave Cave Campground in Hocking Hills State Park is a large campground. At many of the sites, you'll feel like you're in a large campground. If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground.

      Choosing a Site

      • Study the photo of the site map included here to get a sense of where you might want a site. You'll be able to see electric/non-electric and reservable/non-reservable sites. There's quite a mix of sites and the map has a legend that will guide you.

      • A reservation is a good idea.  You'll definitely need one on weekends during the summer/fall, or you should arrive by Thursday for a chance for a non-reservable site for the weekend. I've been here in July and mid-September, and the park was crowded. I just keep an eye on reservations on reserveamerica.com.

      • Electric sites: I recommend sites 152-163, 164-172, and 141-151 because you are away from the main roads (long straightaways). In my opinion, sites 161-163, 150-151 and 171-172 are the best because you're at the end of spurs off a main road.

      • Full hookup sites: Sites 66-70 at the end of the full hookup stretch (24-70) are good. 

      • Warning about full hookup sites: There's some kind of pumping station behind the sites on the left as you enter so it's noisy all the time. If I wanted a full hookup, I'd avoid sites from #24 up to at least #35 because you're going to have constant noise. It probably doesn't matter when you're inside because units with full hookups typically have closed windows and AC/heat.

      • Reservable non-electric sites 81-93: I like #92 and #93 and the first couple at the beginning.

      • Non-reservable sites: #1-23 are electric and #76-78 are non-electric.

      Amenities

      • Picnic table and fire ring at sites

      • Swimming pool

      • Pay attention to the map if the location of showers and toilets is important to you. There are 3 showerhouses with showers, flush toilets and sinks. For some reason, the floor in the showerhouse near the pool was always wet and dirty even in September when the pool was closed. Other toilets throughout the campground are pit toilets.

      • Gray water disposal stations and potable water stations

      • Laundry facility near the shower house by the pool

      • Dump station

      Activities

      • Scenery and hiking are what make this park special...and crowded.

      • See photos that show a map and descriptions of 8 hiking areas. Some of these areas are outside the park, and you'll need to drive to the trailheads or take a shuttle ($5 fee). Ohio does a good job of consistently marking trails and posting information boards that show where you are and where you can go from your current location.

      Cell Phone Service: It's spotty. As you walk around, sometimes you have it and sometimes you don't!

      Cool Feature of Ohio Parks

      When you use reserveamerica.com, you can participate in a rewards program for Ohio state parks. We were able to apply points to stay free one night out of three.

    • Michael L.
      Apr. 4, 2021

      Great Seal State Park Campground

      Foothills of Appalachia

      Simple and safe... Fifteen reservable sites via online or phone. Equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers seem to use this park often. Although no utilities... there is a shelter, restroom and trash recepticle. Campfires are permissible. Hiking trails head off from this park that cover many miles. A steep hike up Sugar Loaf will wake you up in the morning.

    • Brew W.
      Aug. 15, 2017

      Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

      Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, Wayne National Forest, Ironton District, Iron Ridge Campground (Pedro, OH)

      The Iron Ridge Campground sites are relatively close together; however, the Iron Ridge campground boasts a handful of sites that sit below the road, and, thus, offer more privacy. I didn't camp at Oak Hill, but I have explored it a few times. Even during the week, that campground was packed with campers. If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge. The fishing isn't bad at Vesuvius, but the shore access can be crowded, which has resulted in a limited number of keeper fish. The Lakeshore Trail is well-marked and generally nice, but, at times, a bit unkempt in the summer. The lake views are somewhat limited by brush and trail/lakeside growth, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get a good view of the lake. We also hiked the Whiskey Run Trail, which was short and hilly, but conveniently located right off the campground. The Whiskey Run also offers just enough lake access to let your dogs swim or to put a pole in the water. It also passes an impressive rock shelter. The very short (but rewarding) Rockhouse Trail is a right on top of the major lake action (near the boat ramps and beach area). 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.

    • Lindsay B.
      May. 5, 2015

      Zaleski State Forest

      Zaleski is a gem in Ohio

      There's a great loop hike in Zaleski State Forest. High quality trees, nice little hills, cool rock formations. Fine campground for tent-camping (my preferred camping method). Much of Ohio is flat corn land, so Zaleski is a special place in Ohio. The trail swings close to some homes, which is less remote than out west where I live now, but overall it's nice.

    • S
      Jun. 20, 2019

      Hocking Hills State Park Campground

      Great stay!!!

      Out week long stay at Hocking Hills State Park was very good. Showers were hot and the women’s restrooms were very good. My husband frequently found the men’s restroom in need of attention, papers and litter on the floor, limited clothing hooks and need some tile repairs. Very much appreciated the non reservable sites that have been continued in Hocking Hills, while discontinued in many Ohio state parks. The close proximity to a number of interesting small towns and restaurants was enjoyed. Great proximity to many, many amazing hiking trails. We would return!

    • Brady R.
      Aug. 15, 2019

      Hocking Hills State Park Campground

      Fave Midwest State Park

      I get asked "where should we go camping or hiking in the Midwest?" Hocking Hills State Park is always my go-to answer. 

      It has a ton of different terrains, it's easily accessible from Columbus, OH, and has great hiking opportunities. 

      This particular campground is amazing because it's located nicely to many hiking trails but far away that you aren't overly crowded so you still get the feeling that you're in nature.

      I've been here a ton growing up in the horse campground area, but most recently was there for tent camping. We were surrounded mostly by RVs, but we fit in quite nicely into our site. 

      The sites were nicely spaced out and the hiking trails were all nearby.

    Guide to Wilkesville

    Zaleski State Forest offers equestrian camping near Wilkesville, Ohio, with dispersed camping options throughout the Wayne National Forest. The terrain consists of steep hillsides and deep ravines typical of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,050 feet. Camping areas connect to over 26 miles of bridle trails that wind through mature hardwood forests, with most trails remaining open from April through December, though some sections close during hunting season.

    What to do

    Explore the Moonville Tunnel: The historic abandoned railroad tunnel is accessible via a short trail from Lake Hope State Park. "We also hiked the Moonville Tunnel is nearby and worth the short drive and hike. Unfortunately, it is becoming defaced by disrespectful taggers...still cool nonetheless," notes Dave V.

    Paddle at nearby lakes: Rent kayaks, canoes or pontoon boats at the lakes surrounding Wilkesville. "At lake hope you can enjoy camping in many ways rather if it's by tent (the way I prefer) or by camper. Canoe/kayak rental. Very nice dinning area at the lodge," shares Jonathan W.

    Trail running and hiking: The area offers extensive trail systems for both casual and serious hikers. "Strouds is a beautiful park for trail running, during all seasons, I love it! Also great spot for kayaking!" says Anna S. about Strouds Run State Park, which is approximately 30 minutes from Wilkesville.

    What campers like

    Secluded camping areas: Campers appreciate the privacy found at equestrian campsites. "The sites were quiet and clean! Make sure to pay attention to 'walk-in' sites. It's more like 'hike a half mile with your gear' sites! All in all we had a blast and a good laugh about our trek with all our stuff!!" writes Amanda P. about Hocking Hills State Park.

    Water access for horses: Multiple horse campsites provide access to water crossings and swimming spots. "We stayed in one of the small cabins and loved it! Very clean, with thoughtful amenities. Hot tub on the back porch. This cabin also comes with two horse stalls. Bridle trail access right from campground," reports CampgroundKaren about Pine Creek Cabins & Camping Resort.

    Well-maintained trail systems: The bridle trails around Wilkesville receive regular maintenance. "I have backpacked the trails here since the 1980s. More recently, I have taken my kids for several treks on the lower loop. Get there early and get to the campsites first, there are decidedly better sites in each camp," advises Leon H.

    What you should know

    Weather impacts on trails: Rain can significantly affect trail conditions in horse camping areas. "Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. The terrain is undulating but very doable. The campsites are pretty open, so if you did have neighbors...you'd know it," explains Dave V.

    Limited cell service: Most horse campgrounds near Wilkesville have spotty or no cell coverage. "No internet or phone service so great to disconnect. Friendly staff," notes Daniel about Lake Hope State Park.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Wilkesville, OH?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Wilkesville, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Wilkesville, OH?

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Wilkesville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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