Jefferson Lake State Park Campground maintains equestrian sites with both electric and non-electric options. Located in Richmond, Ohio, the campground features level pads suitable for trailers and smaller RVs, with electric hookups at some sites though extension cords may be needed as outlets can be positioned far behind the camping pad. The campground offers a mix of equestrian sites and regular tent/RV sites, with only two electric equestrian sites available. Non-threaded water spigots require campers to manually hold hoses when filling tanks, though a threaded spigot is available at the maintenance building. AT&T users report strong 5G service with three bars of reception throughout the campground.
Beaver Creek State Park Campground provides access to 18 miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding. The trails accommodate riders of various skill levels and connect to several natural features throughout the park. Water access points along the creek offer horses drinking opportunities during rides. Trailer parking is available near the equestrian camping area, providing convenient access to trailheads. The campground remains fairly quiet even on weekends, creating a peaceful environment for horses and riders. Sites vary in size and terrain, with some offering more level ground than others. The park's natural setting includes wooded areas and creek access, with pine tree sites particularly suitable for tent campers while more open areas accommodate horse trailers and RVs.
"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!"
$23 - $50 / night
"Portals/parks/PDFs/parks/Maps/Beaver_Creek/beavercreekcampmap.pdf)
- 6 electric sites
- 44 non-electric sites
- Dump station
- No showers; no flush toilets
- Pets are permitted on all sites
Equestrian"
"I live near by to this state park and have spent much time exploring the entirety of it."
$23 - $33 / night
"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."
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.
TravelerFamily Campground on Leslie Road [map]
Equestrian Camp on Sprucevale Road
Group Camp on Sprucevale Road
GuideI live near by to this state park and have spent much time exploring the entirety of it.
The trails are all nice, nothing too strenuous, and each have something unique compared to the others in the park. During the spring the Salamander trail is filled with thousands of Trilliums, a truly majestic experience. Lots of flowing water to enjoy throughout the park, some are off the trails but never hard to reach. A good park to enjoy with family and friends because you can fish, kayak, bike, skate, hike, horseback, and picnic. In addition, there are numerous historical cabins, locks, shelters, and a water run mill to sight-see. Then for those in search of a bit of spookiness, Gretchen’s Lock is notoriously a haunted location with certainly eerie vibes.
The family campground is small, but the park as a whole is not far from civilization so if any supplies are needed it is not a far endeavor.
I do not horseback, so I cannot comment on that campground, but many of the trails are friendly for horses to travel.
OH! And if you are there on the weekends the Wildlife Center is a must! The staff are so nice, it is by donation to visit so is in everyone’s price range. An astounding display of animals and nature information! You can even hold the snakes and see a bee hive in action.
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.
GuideWhen you pull into Beaver Creek Family Campground you pretty much have two choices: either you go left into multiple Pine tree sites or right into two cabins and more RV friendly open sites. A few of the RV sites have electric, but no water for their tanks. I suggest the pine sites for any tent or hammock campers. I stayed in one of the first set of 3 pine sites numbered 43, 44, and 45. There is some brush and cover between these sites, but each has a pull in parking pad. If 45 was occupied with a RV, 44 would not be as nice as it was. Backing into 44 and 45 would be tricky as well. To be fair any larger RV that came in better know how to get through tight quarters.
The back area of each of those 3 sites looked best to get even ground for a tent. My buddy hung his hammock between the tree to the left of the picnic bench and to a tree back and left in the picture of site 44. Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe.
Probably the nicest pit toilets I have experienced and while we didn't use, it the sun shower building would give anyone privacy if they had packed a portable shower. Lots of trails to choose from and the pioneer village in the state park gives you many options to spend the day. Had some luck fishing at the Canoe/Kayak area in the South East area of the park close to the Group Camp Sites.
Travelerdirect access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park
ScoutThe camp ground was nice except there is no running water. We took advantage of some of the hiking trails around and they were good in some areas, but definitely needed to be kept up on more often. Very over grown and difficult to follow the trails, but overall we were able to hike for about 3 hours without running into anyone else. The creek that runs through the area is beautiful and there were many people fishing along the way. Kayaking is also very popular among the creek, but the water was too low this time. If I were to go back I would definitely kayaking if the water is at the right level. 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). Really historical area to check out and hike around.
Equestrian camping options near Washington, Pennsylvania include several state parks and forests offering dedicated facilities for riders and their horses. Fernwood State Forest and Jefferson Lake State Park provide level sites suitable for horse trailers with designated equestrian camping areas. Trail systems throughout these parks range from 15-20 miles with varying terrain and difficulty levels, connecting to natural features and water sources.
Horseback riding trails: At Beaver Creek State Park Campground, riders enjoy direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail. "Direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park," notes reviewer Tracy H., making it convenient for equestrians to start their rides directly from camp.
Fishing: Fish for bass at park lakes and creeks within a short walk from camping areas. "There is canoeing but no swimming. Bass fishing is really fun because we caught a few nice ones!!" says Mike T. about the fishing at Beaver Creek State Park.
Explore historical sites: Visit the pioneer village near park offices, offering educational opportunities between trail rides. "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)," reports Shay D.
Pine tree sites: The wooded areas at Hidden Hollow Campground provide natural shade and a peaceful setting. "We got lucky and landed a level site, but most of the sites are extremely unlevel," shares Jacqueline F., highlighting the importance of site selection.
Free camping options: Fernwood State Forest offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. "Self-register with cards located at pit latrine building. 14 days every 30. No problem getting 40' skoolie in and parked in mostly level spots. Camp fire rings and picnic tables at most sites," explains Donald F.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the extra room at certain sites. "We camped this past weekend in site 50. It is an unbelievably spacious site under towering pine trees. The site sits back off the road and really makes you feel like you have the place to yourself," writes Matt H. about his experience at Beaver Creek.
Water availability: Limited water access may require preparation. "They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank. Make sure you fill up before you go!" warns Bounding Around about Jefferson Lake State Park Campground.
Terrain challenges: Many sites feature uneven ground, particularly affecting tent campers. "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," cautions Alex S.
Facility limitations: Most equestrian campgrounds offer basic facilities only. "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," notes Eddie about Jefferson Lake.
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with children. "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," recommends Matt H. from his stay at Beaver Creek State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Listen for nocturnal animals with kids for a unique experience. "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!" shares Matt H.
Wading areas: Smaller children can enjoy shallow water areas at park lakes. "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!" suggests Theresa Tittle R.
Electric hookup locations: Position your rig with hookup distances in mind. "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," advises Eddie about Jefferson Lake State Park.
Parking pad considerations: Look for level pads suitable for trailers and RVs. "Perfect for our little Scamp trailer. Only 5 big electric sites, no showers or potable water. As a result it was so peaceful!" reports Teri A.
Navigational awareness: Some park roads have restrictions for larger vehicles. "Also, 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!" warns Bounding Around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Washington, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Washington, PA is Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Washington, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Washington, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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