Jefferson Lake State Park offers equestrian camping opportunities near Avella, Pennsylvania, in a forested setting about 40 minutes from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for trail riding. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler weather that many riders prefer for extended trail excursions.
What to do
Trail riding access points: Hidden Hollow Campground at Fernwood State Forest connects to multiple trail systems. "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. Very quiet everytime I've camped there," reports Joe W.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes at Jefferson Lake provide good bass fishing during summer months. Water levels vary seasonally, so contact the park office for current conditions. One visitor to Beaver Creek State Park Campground noted, "Bass fishing is really fun because we caught a few nice ones!"
Seasonal activities: During fall, the forested trails showcase autumn colors, making September-October ideal for photography. Winter camping is available but with limited services. As one camper mentioned, "We go here for the Civil War Reenactment every couple years. It's a beautiful green forest with some historical buildings so it's a perfect site for that."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian campgrounds maintain good separation between sites to accommodate horses and gear. At Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, one camper noted, "Our site was huge and right next to the water spigot."
Natural setting: The wooded environments provide shade during summer months. "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," writes Theresa.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution makes nighttime viewing excellent. A camper at Beaver Creek State Park shared, "The sky was dark enough to see far more stars than you'd see near any larger towns or cities. To cap it off, we laid in our tent dozing off to the sounds of owls and coyotes!"
What you should know
Water access limitations: Many equestrian campgrounds in the region have specific watering restrictions. One camper stated, "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."
Site grading concerns: Several campgrounds feature sloped sites that require careful selection. A visitor warned, "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."
Cell service variability: Coverage can be inconsistent depending on carrier. According to a visitor at Hidden Hollow Campground, "AT&T 5g with 3 bars" was available throughout their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Beaver Creek State Park shared, "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy."
Historical attractions: Several parks include historical sites that provide educational opportunities. "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)."
Swimming considerations: Lake conditions vary seasonally. One recent visitor noted, "But lately there has been no swimming because of blue green algae," highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before planning water activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Electric sites are limited at most horse campgrounds near Avella. At Beaver Creek State Park Campground, "Small park, only a few sites with hookups, but very nice. Rustic, with trails to the main park that take you through beautiful woods."
Access road cautions: Some campgrounds have specific routes for RVs. One camper advised, "There is a road in the park (Echo Dell Road) that RV's/Trailers can't go on so make sure you approach this campground from Leslie Road!"
Supply planning: Limited nearby services require advance preparation. "Not very many restaurants or grocery nearby. Better make sure you have what you need before you travel," notes one experienced RVer.
