Horseback riders will find rustic equestrian camping options near St. Marys, West Virginia in the surrounding rural Ohio countryside. The heavily forested terrain of this Appalachian region features rolling hills with elevation changes between 600-1100 feet. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Kinderhook Horse Trail connects to multiple riding paths with varying conditions. "The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill," notes Annika E.
Fishing access: Blue Rock State Park Campground offers shoreline fishing at its small reservoir. "The fishing was good, and the activities with the naturalist (Cayden) were fun and engaging. The hiking was wonderful, the equestrian trails looked very nice, and the fire tower was a fun climb," according to Ryan W.
Water activities: Paddling and swimming options exist at several nearby parks. At Strouds Run, "The lake and the beach are very nice! Sometimes the water isn't very clean. Often times the beach is littered with goose droppings," reports Lucille W. The park offers equipment rentals for those without their own gear.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Despite the primitive nature of horse camping areas, visitors appreciate maintained restrooms. At Kinderhook Trailhead, "The vault toilet here is very clean and even had a lockable door. There is also drinkable water from a city water hand pump," writes Tyler O.
Proximity to trails: Direct trail access appeals to horse riders visiting the area. "This is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet, a few trash cans, a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers. There are some trails you can walk or ride on. The locals were all very friendly," says Amanda U. about her Kinderhook Trailhead experience.
Quiet evenings: After daytime activity, most locations become peaceful at night. "Very quiet at night, except for a handful of cars that might drive through or spend the night. I spent two weeks here and had zero issues with people being loud or causing a ruckus," reports a Kinderhook Horse Trail visitor.
What you should know
Site availability: Most equestrian camping locations operate on a first-come basis without reservations. At Walkabout Creek Horsemans Camp, visitors appreciate the space for horses. "Great great campground plenty to [do] we took the horses had a blast," notes Cheryl C.
Local traffic patterns: Be prepared for daytime visitors and evening quiet hours. "This is an equestrian trail, there were a lot of horses and trailers throughout the day. Before sunset, everyone cleared out and only campers remained," explains a Kinderhook Trailhead reviewer.
Supplies and services: Stock up before arrival as services are limited. At Blue Rock State Park, "The staff was very knowledgeable about the area and conversational. Several trails are in the area, the Horse Camp is up the road," shares Shelly S.
Tips for camping with families
Primitive camp considerations: Plan for basic facilities when staying at equestrian campgrounds. "Nice little campground. We had a secluded site right beside the creek. The only negative was no flush toilets, only pits and [no] sink to [wash] hands, but there was hand sanitizer at least," reports Nicole C. about Blue Rock State Park.
Wildlife watching: Children can observe small aquatic creatures in camp. "There is a creek running through the main primitive campsites below the dam, with minnows and crawfish for the kids to catch, plenty of shade," notes Ryan W.
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant rainfall, particularly in spring and fall. "We pulled in and there was one couple setup at a designated site (picnic table and fire pit). As we drove around the trailhead, we found a second designated site," explains a Kinderhook Trailhead visitor who arrived during rain.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Larger rigs face challenges at most equestrian camping areas. At Strouds Run State Park Campground, "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," reports Isaac K.
Alternative accommodations: For those wanting more comfort, consider nearby cabins and lodges. "Only stayed for a night but it was very quiet and only a handful of other campers. All the sites seemed relatively level. Some of the electric hookups had damage but being able to choose your spot upon arrival helped," shares Seána B. about Mountwood Park.
Winter camping considerations: Off-season camping requires additional planning. "We stopped here on Thanksgiving on our way South. Self paying, off season was $15. But the restrooms were closed. There were only 3 other sides occupied," notes Birgit H. about winter conditions at Strouds Run State Park.
Ranger
