Best Equestrian Camping near Mingo Junction, OH

Jefferson Lake State Park Campground offers a mix of equestrian camping sites and standard tent/RV sites near Mingo Junction. The campground features several dedicated horse-friendly sites, with a limited number offering electrical hookups. Campers have reported that the horse sites provide ample space for trailers and equipment, though the electrical connections can be positioned far behind the camping pads, potentially requiring extension cords. Well-maintained pit toilets serve the campground, which also includes a water filling station, though campers should note this water is non-potable. The campground's layout accommodates both overnight equestrian visitors and traditional campers seeking a quiet outdoor experience. Campers traveling with horses should verify site availability when booking, as only a few electric equestrian sites exist within the park.

The campground connects to approximately 18 miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding throughout Jefferson Lake State Park. Trail systems wind through the wooded landscape surrounding the small lake, providing varied terrain for riders of different experience levels. Riders appreciate the peaceful setting and limited crowds, which creates a relaxed environment for enjoying the trails. Basic amenities include picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grates at most campsites. The park maintains a dump station for RV users, though no shower facilities are available. During busy periods, particularly weekends, horse owners should make reservations in advance as the limited number of equestrian sites can fill quickly. The park's relatively remote location means visitors should arrive prepared with necessary supplies, as restaurant and grocery options are limited in the surrounding area.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Mingo Junction, Ohio (6)

    1. Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Valley View, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 266-6021

    "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!"

    2. Jefferson Lake State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Valley View, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 765-4459

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Beaver Creek State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Negley, OH
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 385-3091

    $18 - $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."

    4. Salt Fork State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Kimbolton, OH
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 432-1508

    $23 - $34 / 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."

    5. Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch

    4 Reviews
    Bolivar, OH
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 484-3901

    "Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go."

    6. Canton-East Sparta KOA

    4 Reviews
    Bolivar, OH
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 484-3901
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Mingo Junction, OH

2 Photos of 6 Mingo Junction Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mingo Junction, OH

78 Reviews of 6 Mingo Junction Campgrounds


  • Annie V.
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Salt Fork State Park Campground

    Park is Great, Campsites Suck!

    Stayed here in the “primitive” camp. You are basically staying with your neighbors in small cleared areas where you can see everything everyone else is doing and if you have one of the sites nearer to the parking areas, you will have people walking through your campsite all day and night from the ones in the rear. From what I saw, the electric sites in the main campground aren’t much better. I mean this is a midwestern state park camping experience for sure. If you’re expecting any amount of privacy, think again.

    The lake is pretty beautiful. The trails are well marked and the horse trails go on for miles and miles so if you have horses this is a great place to trail ride and if you’re a hiker who is not afraid of horses, you can always enjoy the equestrian trails for some serious mileage!

  • Theresa Tittle R.
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Jefferson Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet little campground

    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. 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.

  • K
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Jefferson Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet and Beautiful

    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. 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.

  • Jaclyn B.
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Salt Fork State Park Campground

    Great Campground

    Lots of great sites to pick from, lots of loops, shady sites , secluded sites, handicap sites and more. We go at least once a year for the Ohio Bigfoot Conference which draws people from all over the country. The bathrooms are good, the shower houses are good and the campground store has anything you may have forgotten. Friendly staff, hiking trails, boating and more. They have horse camping and trails further down the road and a primitive loop on Bigfoot Ridge. So much to see and do a weekend isn't long enough.

  • JH T.
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Salt Fork State Park Campground

    Campground give feelings of closeness to nature and rejuvenation of spirit

    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. Bring containers to put natural pure water in for home or camping supply. Trails that lead along shore line to old stone house built in early days of Ohio. Caves to be explored that are easy to access. Boating, fishing,hunting,swimming and a well appointed Salt Fork Lodge. Short drive to Cambridge, Ohio to enjoy local downtown.

  • Tracy H.
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Beaver Creek State Park Campground

    3 different campgrounds, primitive tent/RV, group camp and equestrian camp

    Family Campground on Leslie Road [map]

    • 6 electric sites
    • 44 non-electric sites
    • Dump station
    • No showers; no flush toilets
    • Pets are permitted on all sites

    Equestrian Camp on Sprucevale Road

    • 59 primitive sites (no electric)
    • Vault latrines
    • Tie-ups
    • 12 sites may be reserved; the remaining are first-come, first-served.

    Group Camp on Sprucevale Road

    • Two group camp sites
    • Can accommodate organized groups up to 30 people
    • Available by reservation
  • Daniel U.
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Salt Fork State Park Campground

    Average Campground, Amazing Park

    Someone cancelled and this amazing site fell into our lap. I always put a ridiculous amount of time into finding sites that match our wants/needs list. This campground has very few sites that make the cut, but F08 was perfect. Backed up to the woods, has a view of the lake, shade, privacy, hammock trees, medium size, electric, bathroom directly across the street, water and grey water dump directly across the street.

    Everywhere we camp, we color code a campground map with sites we like/dislike. This campground had about 7 sites we liked out of over 200. There are almost no sites with shade or privacy, many are small and oddly angled towards the road. They do all have 15A, 30A and 50A hookups and newer, level pads. The bathrooms however are very outdated. They still have the spring loaded faucets that you have to hold open and the men's shower houses is still a shared room for your things and changing. Worst of all, the water pressure was terrible and constantly changing. 

    This campground is in one of Ohio's largest state parks and is very popular. Which is why a lot of these negatives are pretty shocking to us. Like the never developed D loop. You would think for such a large and busy park, they would want as many sites as possible and to update the facilities.

    One of my complaints about all of Ohio's state parks is the lack of tree preservation. Almost all of the state parks just clear the land to install power/water. You'd think a Ohio State Division of Wildlife State Park would take a bit extra care and attention to preserve some of them which also makes for a much better camping experience. 

    Overall, the positive rating isn't for the campground but rather the almost 20,000 acre state park. It is insanely huge and has many, many places to see and explore. There are beaches (even a private one for the campground), boat launches, hunting roads, historical house/cottage that is a museum, a cave and more.

    Lastly, The Dyrt never seems to map the campground correctly so I couldn't do their cell network tests. However, Mint/T-Mobile and Verizon had pretty strong 5G. It slowed down a few times but was there the entire time.

  • Bradley B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2020

    Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch

    Love this place

    Took the family there and loved it. It’s clean and quiet. Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly. Would def recommend anyone to go.

  • Janessa S.
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Salt Fork State Park Campground

    Equestrian

    Always love going to salt fork. Bathrooms are always clean and I appreciate having wash racks for the horses. If i had a complaint it would be that the campground is always pretty busy


Guide to Mingo Junction

Horse camping in Ohio offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for horse lovers looking to explore the state's natural beauty.

Tips for equestrian camping near Mingo Junction, Ohio

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mingo Junction, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mingo Junction, OH 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 Mingo Junction, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Mingo Junction, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.