Best Equestrian Camping near Letart, WV

Zaleski State Forest offers primitive equestrian camping opportunities with access to multiple bridle trails throughout the forest. The horse camp features basic facilities including pit toilets and drinking water. Trails are well-maintained and marked, though several creek crossings can be challenging after heavy rainfall. The forest terrain includes diverse landscapes with ridges, valleys, and forest floors, creating varied riding experiences for horse enthusiasts. No electric hookups or advanced amenities are available at the horse camping areas, maintaining the rustic outdoor experience that characterizes this destination.

Located approximately 80 miles northeast of Letart in southeastern Ohio, the forest provides over 26 miles of designated horse trails that connect to broader trail networks. Horse trailer parking is available at designated areas, though space can fill quickly during peak seasons and weekends. Riders often encounter moderate terrain with multiple elevation changes. Water access for horses is limited to natural sources along the trails, so campers should plan accordingly with portable water containers. The forest maintains a strict carry-in, carry-out policy for manure management and campsite cleanliness. Most equestrian campers stay between one and three nights, taking advantage of loop trail options that offer different riding experiences each day.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Letart, West Virginia (11)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    50 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / night

    "This particular campground is amazing because it's located nicely to many hiking trails but far away that you aren't overly crowded so you still get the feeling that you're in nature."

    "The site was angled so we had to turn around before we could back in/park - our 5th wheel is 43’ and it was tight even with all spots not full."

    2. Lake Hope State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5253

    "At lake hope you can enjoy camping in many ways rather if it’s by tent (the way I prefer) or by camper. It’s a very nice place to have some family fun. Very nice beach and swimming area."

    "Lake Hope has plenty of recreational opportunities for everyone and the campground is close by! The campground is quiet and well kept."

    3. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "Twice it rained so much some of the trails were uncrossable but even then we still enjoyed ourselves. The is one spot about 3 miles in that is pretty far off trail, flat and on top of a hill."

    "Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."

    4. Burr Oak State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 767-3683

    "The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away."

    "Burr Oak State Park is on the eastern edge of Wayne National Forest, outside Glouster, Oh , off Rt 13. The Lodge is on the opposite side of the lake off Rt 78."

    5. Strouds Run State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Athens, OH
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 592-2302

    "The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake."

    "Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park."

    6. Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

    8 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $20 / night

    "The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."

    "Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."

    7. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $35 - $52 / night

    "If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."

    "Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."

    8. Mountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park)

    5 Reviews
    Petroleum, WV
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 679-3611

    $20 - $40 / night

    9. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Nelsonville, OH
    45 miles

    "The second night we only had one tent near us. There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well."

    "OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season. Nice place."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Letart, WV

225 Reviews of 11 Letart Campgrounds


  • Brady R.
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Fave Midwest State Park

    I get asked "where should we go camping or hiking in the Midwest?" Hocking Hills State Park is always my go-to answer. 

    It has a ton of different terrains, it's easily accessible from Columbus, OH, and has great hiking opportunities. 

    This particular campground is amazing because it's located nicely to many hiking trails but far away that you aren't overly crowded so you still get the feeling that you're in nature.

    I've been here a ton growing up in the horse campground area, but most recently was there for tent camping. We were surrounded mostly by RVs, but we fit in quite nicely into our site. 

    The sites were nicely spaced out and the hiking trails were all nearby.

  • Lori L.
    May. 22, 2018

    Lake Hope State Park Campground

    Away from hocking hills crowds

    Lake Hope gave me a new way to experience an area I grew very close to and appreciate but cannot stand the swarms of people. It was a great quiet and spacious campground with solid amenities and it’s own nearby sites. We were in Wayne National Forest and right next to the infamous Moonville tunnel. It was no problem to drive over to the caves in hocking hills but it was also nice to stay close by a couple days too. This is likely the only way we’ll do the area moving forward

  • Betsy B.
    Aug. 20, 2018

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Youth Campground

    Stayed at the youth campground from 8/17/18 to 8/19/18. We had 5 people staying at site 7. From driving around it seems we had one of the better sites because many were joint sites (next to each other). Most of the other sites had some flooding and another campers car got stuck in the mud.

    There are no toilets close to this site but the toilets at this campground left something to be desired. 2 smelled so bad, I couldn’t use them. They were also covered in spiders, ants, and other bugs.

    There is no running water in this area and the closest showers are back at the visitors center 6+ miles away.

    Some ATT and Verizon service can be found at the site but it is very inconsistent.

    I would not recommend this area for camping. It is far away from attractions and no running water. The ground is uneven and there are a lot of bugs. One night we had an issue with a raccoon.

    You will need to drive everywhere as walking on the main road is extremely dangerous.

    At this site you are close to Ash Cave, Firetower, and Cedar Falls.

  • Jonathan W.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Lake Hope State Park Campground

    Very nice campgrounds and lake

    At lake hope you can enjoy camping in many ways rather if it’s by tent (the way I prefer) or by camper. It’s a very nice place to have some family fun. Very nice beach and swimming area. Hiking and horse back riding trails. Canoe/kayak rental. Very nice dinning area at the lodge. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.

  • Tamara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2022

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Quiet, Clean, Be Careful With Big Rigs

    The site was angled so we had to turn around before we could back in/park - our 5th wheel is 43’ and it was tight even with all spots not full. The pad was level and full hook ups but the site was small and the fire pit was RIGHT next to the camper. Beautiful wooded view behind us.

    There was also quite a bit of mud at the front of campsite which we used fallen leaves to cover but there should be material added there.

    Walking distance to all state park trails which was great! Bathhouse was warm and clean.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Close proximity to natural attractions

    Hocking Hills State Park, Oh-Site 89. https://thehockinghills.org/

    Hocking Hills State Park offers close proximity to most of the popular natural attractions...Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, etc....but for a tent camper that prefers solitude and space, I found it unappealing.

    I did arrive late on a Monday evening, mid-October and got one of the last available sites. Packed on a Monday night!

    I found the camping sites a bit cramped both in depth and width. Site 89 and 90 shared the same parking pad. Limited flat locations existed for a tent and my tent footprint is fairly small. You do have a firepit and picnic table with all three in fairly close proximity, so you must be extremely cautious with wind direction when deciding for a fire, else you’ll have embers dotting your tent and picnic table. Even though the neighbors were trying to be respectfully quiet...you heard every conversation and saw their every move.

    No electric, which is fine in my book...the water spigot is centrally located on the loop and happened to be next to my site.

    The restroom/shower facilities were not well cared for upon my visit. The floors were very muddy and trash was piled up in the corner of one stall and out of necessities.

    Construction and dump truck noise started early with a project behind the restrooms.

    The visitor’s center was well-stocked and the employee was pleasant. Cell service is unavailable and even sketchy at the visitor’s center. Wood can be purchased at the visitor’s center.

    Close proximity to local attractions and a swimming pool are likely the big draw.

    Knowing that I prefer solitude and distance when camping, I’ll likely not return but choose nearby Lake Hope State Park for my local visits.

  • Sarah G.
    Aug. 18, 2018

    Burr Oak State Park Campground

    Group Camp

    This is a great place to camp! Very spacious with lots of fire rings and picnic tables. The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away.

  • John B.
    Dec. 8, 2022

    Zaleski State Forest

    This is our go-to when we just need to go.

    We have hiked in and hammock camped at Zaleski a handful of times. Twice it rained so much some of the trails were uncrossable but even then we still enjoyed ourselves. The is one spot about 3 miles in that is pretty far off trail, flat and on top of a hill. It's where we usually start our trip.

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 24, 2017

    Mountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park)

    Know Before You Go

    As with any trip, do your research, read your reviews, peruse Google Satellite maps and talk to locals when you can.

    Mountwood County Park http://www.mountwoodpark.org/about.html is located about 15 minutes east of Parkersburg on Rt 50. Heading east on Rt 50 from Parkersburg, WV you will arrive at Mountwood County Park on the right...but the campground portion is a mile further east on the left side of the road. Both are marked by road signage...but most would assume they are all in one location.

    If you bring your quads, dirt bikes or mountain bikes with you when you camp, then Mountwood County Park is for you. Right off the back of Mountwood are plenty of ATV trails to keep you busy during your stay. If bombing mountain bike trails is your thing, then across the highway from the campground is your dream. If relaxing in a serene mountain or river valley campground atmosphere is what you desire...keep driving east on Rt 50 another 20 minutes to North Bend State Park.

    The primitive tent sites ($20 nightly) are less than desirable and more of an afterthought...and I'm being gracious. There is patchy tall grass, dirt and rocks with no leveled areas. And you have to wander a distance to the restroom/showerhouse when needed. You can rent the tiny cabins ($40 nightly) up on the top of the hill if you desire. They were rented and filled during my visit, surrounded with trailers filled with quads (not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting). One of the main ATV offroad trail entrances is a hundred yards or so past the primitive tent sites so anticipate traffic and some noise. There were a few electric/water sites available for RV/Campers but the majority of them were filled.

    It does appear that that there are several "long term campers" at numerous sites, as wooden steps and decks are built and attached to the campers. I would not describe the campground as neat and tidy, but fills a need.

    The other portion of the county park lies across Rt 50 about 1/2 mile east. This is where you will find a nice 50 acre lake...shaped like a "T" on its side... for short paddles or fishing (no swimming permitted), a solid collection of varied ability MTB trails and a cool, little local WV Oil history museum. Being a bit of a history buff, I was fascinated by the museum...how the local town was created during the oil boon and then destroyed by fire...of an enormous wilderness mansion that sat where the campground now sits. Interesting stuff.

    There is a nice dog park if you brought your pooch. Several picnic areas with picnic shelters, playgrounds, and decent shared hiking trails.

    As stated, if your main purpose is to MTB or ATV, then you might be contented with Mountwood County Park Campground. As county parks go, Mountwood County Park, itself, is nice and has a lot to offer. If quiet camping is your objective, I would recommend NorthBend State Park just down the road a piece.


Guide to Letart

West Virginia offers a variety of horse camping experiences, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses. From scenic trails to well-equipped facilities, these campgrounds cater to both riders and their steeds.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like water hookups and fire rings

  • The Paddle Creek Horse Camp provides essential amenities for horse campers, including designated areas for equine care and access to trails.
  • At Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius, campers can enjoy spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it a comfortable spot for both horses and riders.
  • Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area features well-maintained facilities, including water access and sanitary dumps, ensuring a pleasant stay for horse campers.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The trails around Zaleski State Forest offer a mix of hiking and horseback riding, providing a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • Burr Oak State Park Campground is known for its extensive trail system, perfect for horseback riding and enjoying the scenic views of the lake.
  • Campers at Strouds Run State Park Campground can take advantage of nearby trails that are suitable for both hiking and horseback riding, making it a versatile destination.

Equestrian campgrounds include spacious sites and natural beauty

  • Lake Hope State Park Campground offers a picturesque setting with ample space for horse camping, surrounded by beautiful hiking trails.
  • The Mountwood Park Family Campground features level sites and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for equestrian campers looking to unwind after a day on the trails.
  • Flat Hollow Farm LLC provides a rustic experience with plenty of room for horses, making it a great choice for those seeking a more secluded camping adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Letart, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Letart, WV is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Letart, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Letart, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.