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Christopher P.
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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Ellerslie, MD
1 campground with availability next weekend
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Horse camping near Ellerslie, Maryland includes Shawnee State Park Campground, a 300+ site facility with tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups (30 and 50-amp available), cabins, and yurts. The campground maintains a large area suitable for horse trailers with ample parking. Select camping loops allow pets. Many campers note the distinct smell of horse manure throughout the campground, indicating regular equestrian use. Sites vary in quality and levelness, with some full hookup sites being more suitable for larger rigs while primitive sites are often situated on slopes.
The park connects to several trails suitable for horseback riding around the 451-acre lake, providing scenic rides through wooded areas. Riders should check with park rangers about seasonal trail closures before planning trips. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly flat sections to more challenging terrain. The campground is positioned approximately 20 minutes from the Flight 93 National Memorial, making it a convenient base for exploring both on horseback and by vehicle. For horse owners needing supplies, nearby towns offer feed stores and equine services. Weekend dates fill quickly during peak season, especially for the more level sites that accommodate horse trailers, so reservations are recommended well in advance for equestrian campers.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Ellerslie (4)
1. Shawnee State Park Campground
"Campground reeks of horse manure 24/7. Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private."
"It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there."
105 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
2. Big Run State Park Campground
"This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $55 / night
3. The Cove Campground
"Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone. The bathrooms are ok. "
"Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
4. Vagabond Isle
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / night
Drive Time
- 59 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr 5 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 7 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 25 min from Winchester, VA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ellerslie, MD
51 Reviews of 4 Ellerslie Campgrounds
- SSteve B.
ScoutThe Cove Campground
Excellent Campground
Was looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
Nancy B.
RangerShawnee State Park Campground
Well maintained
The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
Brittany V.
LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Double check site booked
We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35’ TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference. The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit. It’s not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points.
- KKarl S.Scout
The Cove Campground
Good little get away
You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. There are several different camping areas, and depending on where you end up, you might have a short walk to reach the best fishing spots. It’s worth noting that cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind.
One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place.
The campground is clean, the staff is friendly, and the fishing is solid. Whether you’re there to relax, explore, or cast a line, it delivers the rustic experience you’re probably looking for.
Lee D.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Huge state park
General: 300+ site campground with a mix of FHU, 30 and 50-amp electric, and non-electric tent sites, yurts, and cabins. Select loops allow pets but not all do.
Site Quality: Varies by type and location within the park. I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. A Monday in mid-October had many open sites. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one. Some sites have gravel pads that were level and vary in length from 20’ to 115’ Most of the non-electric sites had no definable pads at all and as mentioned, were not level. Some roads in the campground were paved but a few were not.
Bath/Shower House: was clean. Did not use the shower.
Activities: A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground. We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season.
As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise. This was just an overnight stay for us. We’ve been to many stellar Pennsylvania state park campgrounds, but this one was not as good as many others.
- JJennifer R.Scout
Shawnee State Park Campground
Loved the park but not the site
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
Rick G.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Met our Needs Perfectly
Booked for 5 nights to have an opportunity to explore the Bedford, PA area. Great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, Fort Bedford Historic Fort, and many other attractions. Loop D was quiet with ample space between sites that provided privacy. Bathhouse was clean and used for showers. Dump and water fill station easy to access on your way in or out. Verizon signal good enough for streaming.
- KKatie H.Scout
Big Run State Park Campground
Great primitive campsite
This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds. The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks. Clean and well maintained. The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals
Guide to Ellerslie
Camping options near Ellerslie, Maryland include primitive sites, RV hookups, and specialized equestrian areas within state parks. Located in the Appalachian Mountains at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet, the region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter lows regularly below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area maintain year-round access, though amenities and trail conditions vary significantly by season.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing: Big Run State Park offers excellent water recreation opportunities with its stream and proximity to Savage River Reservoir. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" notes Zoe H. about Big Run State Park Campground.
Shooting sports: Some campgrounds provide designated shooting areas for target practice. According to Shanna B., "On top of them having an outdoor gun range... they have a small beach, picnic tabels everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats, ATVs welcome" at The Cove Campground.
Memorial visits: The region's proximity to historic sites makes it convenient for educational day trips. "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial," recommends Rachel L. about camping in the area.
What campers like
Lake recreation: Scenic lake views and water activities are consistently mentioned in reviews. Casey S. remarks, "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating" at Shawnee State Park Campground.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. Nathan S. appreciates Big Run's layout: "Nice wide open site... Tons of space between sites. Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park."
Trail systems: The extensive trail networks accommodate various activities from hiking to motorized recreation. "With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer," Victoriana P. shares about The Cove.
What you should know
Site selection: Many campgrounds have varying site quality and levelness. Lee D. advises, "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. A Monday in mid-October had many open sites."
Equestrian considerations: For equestrian camping near Ellerslie, Maryland, trailer parking requires careful site selection. Andy C. found success at one park: "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly. Karl S. notes, "Cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Swimming areas provide entertainment for children. "The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing!" reports Andy C. about stream access at campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: Natural surroundings offer opportunities to observe local fauna. Katie H. mentions: "The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks... The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals."
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground," notes Lee D.
Tips from RVers
Size constraints: Check site specifications carefully when booking. Brittany V. advises: "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional preparation. Gerard observes, "As we drove through the rest of the RV park area we noted that many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them."
Hookup availability: Services vary significantly between campgrounds and specific loops. Christopher K. shares this practical insight: "We stayed in camp one which offered electrical hook ups. There are 4 water spigots in camp 1. However all the travel trailers hooked up, which means you either had to make friends or disconnect their water in order to have access."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Ellerslie, MD?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ellerslie, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ellerslie, MD is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Ellerslie, MD?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ellerslie, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Ellerslie, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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