Tucked away in the heartland of Ohio, just 25 miles from Cincinnati, is one of the largest state parks, the East Fork Campground. This gem is a delightful haven for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and particularly equestrians seeking a picturesque environment for outdoor activities and horse camping. The park's natural history, combined with an array of recreational opportunities, make it a must-visit destination in the Midwest.
Scenic Landscape and Recreational Amenities
East Fork is home to a sprawling landscape of rugged hills, open meadows, winding rivers, and Harsha Lake's expansive beauty. This terrain, characterized by the remnants of the Illinoian and Wisconsinan glaciers, provides a vivid and dynamic backdrop to the 416-site campground. The deposits from these glaciers are uncommon in Ohio but can be readily observed at East Fork, making it a point of interest for geology enthusiasts.
The campground offers 376 sites with electric hookups and 23 full-hookup sites, making it ideal for both traditional and RV camping. A wide range of amenities, including showers, flush toilets, drinking water, and a boat ramp, ensure campers' comfort. Additionally, East Fork stands out with its pet-friendly policy, allowing pets in all areas, with the exception of the shower house and the sand areas of the campground beach.
A Paradise for Horse Camping
East Fork Campground shines brightly as a horse-friendly campsite, with 17 electric sites in Loop A designated as horse-friendly. These provisions make it an ideal spot for horse owners to camp and explore the surrounding trails while providing a comfortable stay for their equine companions. The park's rolling hills and river valleys offer numerous trail-riding opportunities.
An expansive network of trails extends to 46 miles of backcountry trail along with a 16-mile Backpack Trail and a 32-mile Perimeter Trail. These trails provide ample space for horseback riding, giving riders an intimate experience of East Fork's stunning scenery. Parking and the trailhead for these trails are conveniently located near the park entrance, making them easily accessible to all visitors.
Recreation beyond Camping and Riding
The recreational opportunities at East Fork extend beyond camping and horse riding. Harsha Lake, located within the park, permits unlimited boating and excellent fishing experiences. For those who enjoy swimming, a 1,200-foot swimming beach, complete with changing booths, showers, restrooms, and a vending area, adds to the campground's allure.
Additionally, hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the backcountry and perimeter trails. Trailheads are located at the south access parking lot near the park entrance, and additional access and parking are available at the north side of the Perimeter Trail at the campground visitor parking lot.
East Fork Campground offers the following facilities and amenities:
- 376 electric sites
- 23 full-hookup sites
- 17 equestrian sites
- All sites have 20-, 30-, and 50-amp service. Non-electric sites are NOT available in the campground; they are backpacking sites located along the Buckeye Trail
- Each site has a paved pad, picnic table, and fire ring.
- Showers, flush toilets, and drinking water during peak season; during non-peak season, facilities and sites are limited.
- Camp store in season
- Nature center
- Dump station
- Boat ramp for registered campground guests
- Beach (with carry-in boat access for paddle craft) for campers only
- Playgrounds
The East Fork Campground in Ohio is a unique amalgamation of scenic beauty, recreational diversity, and a welcoming atmosphere for horse campers. With its ample amenities, convenient location, and dedicated horse-friendly facilities, it stands out as a premier destination for horse camping in the Midwest. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to Ohio, the natural wonders and warm hospitality of East Fork Campground are not to be missed.
Policies:
- Check-in at 3 pm. Check-out at 1 pm
- Quiet time is 10 pm to 7 am. Visitors must leave by 10 pm.
- Limit of 6 people per site.
- Up to 3 tents per site as long as they fit 5 feet from each other and 10 feet from neighbors.
- 2 vehicles per site (or 1 vehicle and 1 boat); Extra vehicles, boats, and trailers must park in the camp office lot.
- Limit of 2 pets per site. You must clean up your pets’ feces
- No bathing of pets at the campground (or in the shower house)
- No pets at the campground beach
- Do not leave your pet alone; excessive barking or aggression may require the removal of the pets
- There are fines for littering, please remove all trash to dumpsters (located near the dump station on the right as you leave), and DO NOT leave trash in fire rings.
- The minimum age of registration is 18. Campers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or furnish permission slip from parents/guardians with the required information.
- Alcohol is permitted at rented campsites ONLY.
- Greywater (dishwater) must be disposed of in wastewater drains or dump stations.
Cost Details:
Peak Season Rates are effective from April 1 to October 31.
- Full-Service Site - $42 per night
- Electric Only Site - $31 per night
- Campground Shelter - $100 day use
Non-Peak Season
All Ohio State Parks are required to have their parks winterized by November 1st to prevent frost and ice damage to areas with water access. However, East Fork State Park has two campground loops that remain available to rent during the winter season. The Campground Office will NOT be open.
Loop C, which is sites 42 through 91, remains open all year round and has a heated shower house. While several Full hook-up sites are in this loop, no water will be available and therefore the rates are the same as the regular electric sites during the winter season.
Loop A, which houses our equestrian sites 1 through 17, remains open as well, but the shower house is NOT open. Registered campers are welcome to use the shower house in Loop C.
Potable water is available to registered campers at the dump station area.
Campground Winter Rates are in effect from November 1 through March 31.
- Full-Service Site (no water) - $27 per night
- Electric Only Site - $27 per night
Note: Reservations can be made up to six months in advance online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
Campground Vehicle/Visitor Passes are $3; this fee is in effect the Tuesday before Memorial Day through Labor Day and for Special Event Weekends (e.g. Halloween or other special events/campouts).
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
East Fork Campground does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - East Fork Campground for more information