Ohio offers several dedicated campgrounds for equestrian users. Kinderhook Horse Trail in Wayne National Forest provides primitive camping with a hand pump water spigot, vault toilets, and flat tent spots near the trailhead. The area accommodates small campers and tents with parking spaces designated specifically for horse trailers. Blue Rock State Park's equestrian campground provides a quieter experience with limited rider traffic, though some campers note that non-equestrians occasionally utilize the horse camping areas.
Salt Fork State Park offers superior horse facilities with clean bathrooms and convenient wash racks for horses. The equestrian campground remains consistently busy throughout riding season. Both Mohican State Park and Hocking Hills State Park maintain trail systems suitable for horseback riding, with access to water sources and natural features. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with some paths like Kinderhook reported as occasionally overgrown while others such as Paw Paw trail remain smooth, wide, and well-maintained even during peak summer months. Camping options range from primitive sites with basic amenities to more developed facilities with picnic tables and designated horse areas.
$20 - $70 / night
"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."
$19 - $70 / night
"Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent. Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities. "
"First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."
$29 - $55 / night
"There is no WiFi and barely one bar of cell service; your best internet access is at the nice public library 7 miles away in Ravenna Sand beach is an easy walk from all camp sites and boat trailers can"
"The bathrooms are clean and include a laundry and sinks outside to wash your dishes. Campground hosts and staff are friendly and helpful. Sites are roomy and clean. Lots of variety."
$35 / night
"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. "
"This is your standard Ohio State Park campground. It has the usual parking, water, restrooms, camp store, and activities. East Fork is rather nice as it has the lake and long trails. "
$23 - $220 / night
"Miles of well groomed horse trails available with creek crossings, steep hills and beautiful pine tree."
"It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."
$23 - $100 / night
"The park is about 3000 acres with a beautiful sailing / fishing lake. There is a beautiful lodge and golf course, archery range, and plenty of hiking paths and equestrian paths."
"This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "
$35 - $40 / night
"This state park spans over 2,000 acres and is just north of the cute Ohio town of Delaware. "
"Delaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing to us is how few people seem to know it exists!"
$20 - $35 / night
"We go at least once a year for the Ohio Bigfoot Conference which draws people from all over the country."
"**Salt Fork State Park of Ohio is for individual, couples or group camping. Salt Fork lake is natural spring fed water supply that fills this lake."
$25 - $170 / night
"A well manicured campground just outside Dayton, easy to get to, back in pavement site with 30A electric, picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of potable water spigots around, just not at the site."
"I did not spend enough time here to give a thorough review, but what I will say is that this site is nice if you need a campsite for a couple nights while passing through Ohio."
$21 - $45 / night
"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."
ScoutI struggled making a reservation online, you need an account and it wouldn’t let me make one but i was able to call in and reserve a spot same day. I’m traveling to the east coast and just needed a place to pitch a tent for the night. worked perfect.
TravelerReservations are done online at reserveohio. Bathrooms and showers are really nice. Pretty surroundings.
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
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.
ScoutThere’s no electricity and no where in walking distance and the internet isn’t great, and at night u hear raccoons in the trash cans. If you come here bring a portable phone charger. There’s really nothing here, and the bathrooms are disgusting
ScoutWe camped here for the first time this year and ended up booking 2 more trips here. We just finished our last trip. We love this campsite. No other place has sites this big and give you this much space. Awesome place to camp
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.
GuideWe found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
ScoutRight close to Columbus this campground is a staple for locals trying to just get away for the weekend. There is an amphitheater, a camper’s beach, nature center, and more all within the campground. Alum creek state park is a larger facility surrounding the campground with a public beach, walking paths, mountain bike trails, archery range, hunting areas, boat marina and more. The public beach is rather gravelly but has nice shower houses and grills available. We are attending during fall fest where they put on many activities for the campers and it is a lot of fun. You have to reserve 6 months in advance to be able to get in on fall fest unless there is a last minute cancellation. Our site is relatively flat parking, we didn’t need to level the rig. It did rain the morning we got here and the area around the fire pit was a bit muddy. The view out the back of this camp site is nice and wooded, you’re not looking at your neighbors out the back window. The sides you can definitely see each other but it’s still wooded and secluded enough between the sites here.
Ohio offers a variety of options for horse camping enthusiasts, with several campgrounds providing excellent amenities and activities tailored for equestrian campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are typically available at Ohio equestrian campgrounds?
Ohio equestrian campgrounds typically offer hitching posts, mounting blocks, and manure disposal areas. Many sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water for horses. Salt Fork State Park Campground offers cleared areas for horse trailers and camping, while Alum Creek State Park Campground provides shaded sites and access to trails. Bathroom facilities vary from basic vault toilets at primitive sites to modern restrooms with showers at developed campgrounds. Some locations also feature wash racks for horses, designated unloading areas, and access to miles of bridle trails. Parking for horse trailers is typically spacious to accommodate various rig sizes.
Do I need special permits for horse camping in Ohio state parks?
Yes, most Ohio state parks require permits for horse camping. You'll typically need to make reservations through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website, especially for popular destinations like Shawnee State Park Campground and Lake Hope State Park Campground. Some parks have day-use riding permits separate from camping permits. Wayne National Forest locations like Kinderhook may have different requirements since they're federally managed. Always verify current Coggins test requirements, as valid negative Coggins tests are mandatory for all horses. Some parks may have additional rules regarding waste management and designated horse areas, so check park-specific regulations before your trip.
What is the best time of year for horse camping in Ohio?
Fall is widely considered the best season for horse camping in Ohio. Cowan Lake State Park Campground is particularly beautiful in autumn when the foliage changes color and temperatures are comfortable for both riders and horses. Spring can also be pleasant, though trails may be muddy after winter thaws. Summer offers full access to all facilities, but can be hot and buggy, requiring extra care for horses. Dayton Metro Parks offers year-round access, though facilities may be limited in winter. Most equestrian campgrounds are open from April through October, with some reducing services or closing entirely during winter months due to freezing conditions and limited maintenance.
Where are the best horse camping locations in Ohio?
Ohio offers several excellent horse camping destinations. Jefferson Lake State Park Campground in southeastern Ohio is a standout with 18 miles of multi-use trails perfect for equestrians. Kinderhook Trailhead in Wayne National Forest provides free equestrian camping with designated sites and access to extensive trail systems. Other top options include Zaleski State Forest Horse Camp with dedicated equestrian facilities and Salt Fork State Park with horse-friendly trails and camping areas. These locations offer varying degrees of amenities from primitive sites to more developed facilities with hitching posts, corrals, and water access for horses.
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