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Jefferson Lake State Park Campground provides equestrian camping with dedicated horse sites in Richmond, Ohio, approximately 35 minutes from Bentleyville, Pennsylvania. The campground maintains both standard equestrian sites and two electric equestrian sites, though electric connections are positioned somewhat distant from the camping pads and may require extension cords. Horse owners should note that the non-threaded water spigots at fill towers can be inconvenient for filling tanks, requiring manual holding of hoses for extended periods. Campers have reported that the maintenance building offers a threaded spigot as an alternative water source.
The campground connects to 18 miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding through the surrounding woodland. The trails provide varying terrain with access to scenic areas near the park's small lake and dam. Horse trailers can be accommodated at designated sites, though the campground's limited size means reservations are advisable, particularly for the electric equestrian sites. The campground lacks shower facilities, offering only vault toilets that are cleaned daily. Sites vary significantly in levelness, with some being quite sloped - particularly important for those planning to pitch tents rather than park horse trailers or RVs. Despite limited amenities, the quiet atmosphere and well-maintained grounds make it a practical base for riders exploring southeastern Ohio.
"Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."
"The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit. The best part - it's free!"
"This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning."
"Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."
from $23 - $33 / night
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GuideThis smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning. You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped. Our site was huge and right next to the water spigot.
TravelerTucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court. Dump station and 18 miles of multi use trails! Small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek. But be sure to pack a picnic and relax and enjoy! Only a few electric sites available. Mostly flat shaded sites most perfect for tents or trailers.
RangerThis tiny gem of a campground is actually quite decent. Each site is furnished with a small fire ring and picnic table. The fire rings do not have a grill grate. The pit toilets in the restroom are "fragrant" when you enter the women's side of the building but not so terribly that they can't be used. My friend did gag upon entering the men's room. There are designated wastewater areas to dump grey water, but you'll have to bring your own water for drinking, washing, etc. There are no electric hookups.
As others have mentioned, there is a gun range nearby and you can hear occasional firing. Helicopter traffic at night was a slight distraction from the otherwise quiet night I spent here.
There is an easy orange-blazed trail behind site 10 but as of this writing, a there are several downed trees blocking the trail a good distance in.
I'd definitely stay again.
5/3/2021 Edited to add:. Well, our second stay here is decidedly less positive. We are at site 9 this time. No fire ring here. The women's bathroom is filthy and it made me gag (there is feces all over one toilet seat and the other smells so bad that I just peed in the woods). It's turkey season so lots of noise in the woods.
ScoutVery well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore. Very quiet everytime I've camped there, many times btw. Great, quiet, close to nature experience.
ScoutWasn't very primitive and the gun range is so close all,you hear all day aware guns but beautiful site 22 is at the end and away from others more than the other sites
GuideSpent the first camping trip of the summer here on Memorial Day weekend and it was a beautiful spot. There are a number of sites set up in a circle, the initial sites are better suited for RVs while the sites along the back of the loop are flatter and can accommodate a tent. This was our first car camping in an actual campground experience in a while - our last few trips were all backcountry sites - and it felt very luxurious. The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit.
The best part - it's free! Just register at the box. There are vault toilets and each site has a fire ring, picnic table, garbage cans, and there are spots to dump waste water. It's very well-organized and well maintained.
GuideEnjoyed fairly level pads, very clean vault toilets, beautiful grounds and walking trails.
ScoutOnly 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites. Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord. All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal. We were later told by staff the maintenance building had a threaded spigot. AT&T 5g with 3 bars. Not very many restaurants or grocery nearby. Better make sure you have what you need bf you travel. Bridge out in Bergholtz (sp) had a backroad detour. But overall great smaller campground.
ScoutWe picked this campground because of it's proximity to an event we were doing and because it had showers. There are showers...but they look as if they've been boarded up for several years and are definitely NOT functional - they are also down by the lake and not actually at the campground. We ran a mud run and ended up having to wash mud off in the lake before going back to our tent. Prior to reserving I did try calling the park office but was never able to get a hold of anyone - there was also no one working the check in station when we arrived and our neighbors who had been at the campground for 2 days prior to us said they hadn't seen anyone at the station since they arrived either.
They also advertise a water filling station but neglected to mention that it is non-potable water so if thats something you're looking for then keep that in mind.
The majority of the campsites are also so hilly that you can't put a tent up on a flat spot. We ended up sliding downhill all night because the space we rented was on a hill (and you can't tell in the photos they provide online).
The one redeeming quality was the bathrooms do look new and kept clean
Overall not thrilled with the campground. Very tightly packed spaces and majority are on a hill. No working showers or potable water.
If you're looking for a place for a camper then it would probably be fine since the parking spaces were pretty flat but for a tent I would look elsewhere
Jefferson Lake State Park Campground offers equestrian camping approximately 35 minutes from Bentleyville, Pennsylvania. The campground sits within a woodland area with elevations ranging from 1,060 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Sites accommodate horse trailers and connect to 18 miles of multi-use trails through the forested terrain. Seasonal considerations include potential blue-green algae in the lake during warmer months.
Trail riding on multi-use paths: Jefferson Lake provides extensive riding opportunities on 18 miles of trails. "Perfect for our little Scamp trailer. Only 5 big electric sites, no showers or potable water. As a result it was so peaceful! We loved our rainy stay. There are some lovely hiking trails around the lake and spillway," notes Teri A. of Jefferson Lake State Park Campground.
Fishing at Jefferson Lake: The small lake offers fishing opportunities, particularly near the dam area. According to William Y., "Enjoyed fairly level pads, very clean vault toilets, beautiful grounds and walking trails." The lake provides a serene environment for anglers, though swimming might be restricted.
Relaxing at campsite: The quieter atmosphere makes for peaceful stays. "Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court," explains Theresa Tittle R.
Peaceful environment: The limited number of sites creates a quieter camping experience. Kellie A. reports, "Not a huge campground, but as a result it was very quiet. Some sites are small and very sloped. Others have lots of room to spread out. Highly recommend the one we booked!" The smaller campground size contributes to the tranquil setting.
Clean facilities: Despite limited amenities, campers appreciate the maintenance. "This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly every morning," writes Kimberly from Hidden Hollow Campground.
Recreation options: Beyond horse trails, the park offers additional activities. "Small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek. But be sure to pack a picnic and relax and enjoy!" advises Theresa Tittle R. The basketball and volleyball courts provide alternative recreation options.
Limited amenities: The campground provides basic facilities only. Alex S. points out, "We picked this campground because of its proximity to an event we were doing and because it had showers. There are showers...but they look as if they've been boarded up for several years and are definitely NOT functional." Prepare for vault toilets without shower access.
Water challenges: Filling tanks can be difficult. "All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal," explains Eddie from Jefferson Lake State Park Campground.
Uneven terrain: Site selection matters for tent campers particularly. Kimberly cautions, "You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped." Research individual sites before booking to ensure appropriate leveling.
Playground access: The park features a children's playground area. "Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court. Dump station and 18 miles of multi-use trails!" notes Theresa Tittle R. These facilities provide entertainment options for younger campers.
Water activities: The lake offers opportunities for simple water play. "Small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek," recommends Theresa Tittle R. While swimming might be restricted due to water conditions, these alternatives still allow for water-based recreation.
Site selection for tents: For families tent camping, site research is essential. Alex S. cautions, "The majority of the campsites are also so hilly that you can't put a tent up on a flat spot. We ended up sliding downhill all night." Request specific information about site levelness when making reservations.
Electric site planning: Electric hookups require consideration of cord length. Eddie advises, "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites. Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord." Bring extension cords to ensure proper connection.
Level pads available: While some sites have challenging terrain, others work well for trailers. "Perfect for our little Scamp trailer. Only 5 big electric sites, no showers or potable water," reports Teri A. RVers should specifically request the more level sites when making reservations.
Limited services nearby: Stock supplies before arrival. Eddie mentions, "AT&T 5g with 3 bars. Not very many restaurants or grocery nearby. Better make sure you have what you need bf you travel." The rural location means limited access to provisions or restaurants once at the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bentleyville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bentleyville, PA is Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.
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