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Jefferson Lake State Park Campground offers a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites near West Finley, Pennsylvania. The campground features designated horse camping areas with only 2 electric equestrian sites available. Electric hookups are positioned somewhat far behind the camping pad, occasionally requiring extension cords for proper connection. The campground maintains clean vault toilets that are thoroughly cleaned each morning, though no shower facilities are available. Sites vary in levelness, with some being quite sloped and potentially challenging for tent camping. Most sites are fairly level and shaded, making them suitable for tents or trailers.
The 18 miles of multi-use trails provide ample riding opportunities for equestrians visiting Jefferson Lake. Trail access connects directly from the campground to the surrounding forest areas. Riders should note that the campground has limited amenities, with no potable water available on site. The maintenance building does offer a threaded water spigot that can be used to fill tanks. The campground's location provides a peaceful setting with minimal crowds, creating a quiet environment for horse camping. Visitors should arrive prepared with necessary supplies as there are limited restaurants or grocery options nearby. The campground typically remains peaceful with minimal traffic, allowing for a relaxing experience with horses away from crowds and noise.
"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 provides equestrian camping near West Finley, Pennsylvania, across the border in Ohio. Located at 501 Township Road 261a in Richmond, this facility sits at approximately 1,060 feet elevation in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F, while summer months see averages of 70-85°F with moderate humidity.
Trail riding opportunities: Jefferson Lake offers 18 miles of multi-use trails that connect directly to surrounding forest areas. "Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping... 18 miles of multi use trails!" notes Theresa at Jefferson Lake State Park Campground.
Fishing options: The small lake provides opportunities for anglers. "Small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek," mentions Theresa from Jefferson Lake State Park. The lake has restrictions during certain seasons due to algae conditions.
Hiking experiences: Trails wind around the lake and spillway area. Kimberly from Jefferson Lake shares, "There are some lovely hiking trails around the lake and spillway," making it suitable for day hikes during your equestrian camping trip.
Peaceful atmosphere: The limited number of sites creates a quiet environment. William from Jefferson Lake State Park Campground reports, "Enjoyed fairly level pads, very clean vault toilets, beautiful grounds and walking trails."
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic nature, the campground maintains sanitary conditions. "The vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning," notes Kimberly from Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, which provides basic but well-maintained amenities.
Site layout: The campground offers varied terrain with both flat and sloped sites. "Mostly flat shaded sites most perfect for tents or trailers," mentions Theresa from Jefferson Lake, which provides natural shade coverage for camping comfort.
Limited amenities: The campground provides basic services only. "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites," explains Eddie from Jefferson Lake State Park Campground.
Water access challenges: Filling tanks requires planning and specific location knowledge. Eddie continues, "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 selection considerations: Not all sites accommodate tents effectively. "You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped," warns Kimberly from Jefferson Lake.
Recreation facilities: Children have options beyond horseback riding. The campground offers "playground, sand volleyball and basketball court," according to Theresa from Jefferson Lake State Park Campground.
Water play limitations: Swimming may not always be available. "Lately there has been no swimming because of blue green algae," cautions Teri from Jefferson Lake, so check conditions before promising water activities to children.
Wildlife viewing: The lake area attracts various bird species. Kellie from Jefferson Lake notes, "Lots of geese and the expected goose poop," which can provide wildlife viewing opportunities but requires awareness when walking around the lake area.
Electric hookup positioning: Power connections require planning at equestrian sites. Eddie from Jefferson Lake State Park Campground mentions, "Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord," suggesting bringing extra-long power cords.
Cell service information: Connectivity is generally reliable. "AT&T 5g with 3 bars," reports Eddie from Jefferson Lake, allowing campers to maintain communication while enjoying the rural setting.
Small trailer suitability: The campground works well for compact RVs. "Perfect for our little Scamp trailer. Only 5 big electric sites, no showers or potable water. As a result it was so peaceful!" shares Teri from Jefferson Lake regarding the quieter atmosphere resulting from limited facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near West Finley, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near West Finley, PA is Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.
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