Equestrian camping areas dominate the landscape around Wingett Run, Ohio, part of the rural Wayne National Forest. The terrain consists of rolling hills with deciduous forest cover and elevations ranging from 700-1000 feet. Summer temperatures average 80-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate conditions around 60-70°F with occasional rainfall.
What to Do
Trail riding options: Access extensive horse trails directly from Kinderhook Horse Trail, where "The Paw Paw trail is noted for being smooth, dry, and wide, leading to the top of the hill," according to Tyler O. Trails vary in difficulty with some routes requiring more experienced riders.
Water recreation: Drive 30 minutes to Salt Fork State Park Campground where "you can hike, swim, boat, bike and horseback ride" as noted by Shelly S. The park offers boat rentals and a swimming beach during summer months.
Historical exploration: Visit the nearby oil history museum adjacent to Mountwood Park Family Campground, where Seána B. mentions "the park portion of this campground has a dog park, playground, historical site and pond for fishing." The museum documents the area's petroleum industry heritage.
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: The vault toilets at Kinderhook Horse Trail receive consistent positive feedback. One camper, Tyler O., noted the "vault toilet here is very clean and even had a lockable door" - an uncommon feature for backcountry facilities.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution in Wayne National Forest creates excellent stargazing opportunities. Even at busier locations like Strouds Run State Park Campground, Olivia S. reports it's "Amazing at night for stargazing!"
Hiking connections: Multiple interconnected trail systems allow for extended day hikes. At Blue Rock State Park, Ryan W. found "the hiking was wonderful, the equestrian trails looked very nice, and the fire tower was a fun climb."
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: During summer months, expect high humidity and insect activity. At Blue Rock State Park Campground, Shelly S. observed "several trails are in the area" but noted weather impacts trail conditions throughout the seasons.
Visitor traffic patterns: Horse trails receive consistent daily use. Jack H. reports at Kinderhook, "it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit. I've had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left."
Site selection: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Burr Oak State Park, Nicole C. found "our site #14 was very hilly but at least it had a tent pad at the bottom of the hill so it was flat where we were sleeping."
Tips for Camping with Families
Beach options: For family swimming, consider Salt Fork State Park where ralph P. notes, "This park is very well groomed and most of the trails within the park had been cleared of vegetation so there was no fighting through the weeds."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning is best for spotting wildlife. Shelly S. reported at Salt Fork: "Just driving in saw turkeys and 'turkets' and two 6 point bucks."
Accessibility considerations: Some horse campgrounds near Wingett Run, Ohio have better facilities for children. At Burr Oak State Park Campground, Nicole C. appreciated that "we heard an owl and it was very peaceful" but warned "our site was very hilly."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most equestrian campsites offer minimal amenities. Joe B. notes at Kinderhook Horse Trail: "No hook-ups of any kind. With att had 2 to 3 bars cell service."
Site dimensions: RV sites at many regional campgrounds are limited in size. Seána B. observed at Mountwood Park Family Campground: "Most of the sites seemed small so it might be best for smaller setups. Also I did not see any pull through sites."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most horse campgrounds near Wingett Run. At Salt Fork, Jay B. recommends specific locations: "Site are packed together like other parks and majority are large and level. We stayed in G loop (G33) and were more than satisfied with the site."
