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Best Equestrian Camping near Ellerslie, MD

48 Reviews

Shawnee State Park Campground offers camping options for horse enthusiasts near Ellerslie, Maryland. The 300+ site campground accommodates a variety of camping styles including tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups (30 and 50-amp available), cabins, and yurts. Select camping loops allow pets. The campground maintains a large area suitable for horse trailers with ample parking. 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.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Ellerslie, Maryland (4)

    1. Shawnee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Schellsburg, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 733-4218

    $20 - $110 / night

    "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."

    2. Big Run State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bloomington, MD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 895-5453

    $10 - $55 / night

    "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. "

    3. The Cove Campground

    15 Reviews
    High View, WV
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 858-2882

    "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."

    "The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work."

    4. Vagabond Isle

    Be the first to review!
    Big Pool, MD
    39 miles
    +1 (301) 800-8725

    $100 - $150 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ellerslie, MD

48 Reviews of 4 Ellerslie Campgrounds

  • M
    Aug. 3, 2021

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Is as others say

    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. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood. Hiking loop around lake is beautiful. Jean bonnet tavern nearby recommended for a great meal in a historic setting.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2023

    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

  • N
    Feb. 19, 2020

    The Cove Campground

    Beautiful nature. Not so beautiful bathrooms.

    Pros: Very friendly and accommodating staff. We camped in October and we had pretty much the entire place to ourselves. Beautiful lake and overall picturesque setting. Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun. Cons: WiFi signal weak and intermittent, even close to router. We camped in sites with hookups near office and entrance and the toilets are really far. The showers are even farther-like a 15-20 minute walk with bad signage directing to. The view from the showers were breathtaking, but the showers themselves left much to be desired. We had told they had just been cleaned, but they were so old and rust stained that it still felt kinda gross. Cobwebs along ceiling, dim lighting and worn paint added to the overall dinginess. There are no hooks to hang a towel and no shower curtain, wall or door so the bench with my clothes and towel got wet as did the floor, so you step out of shower into a puddle.

  • Brian S.
    Apr. 19, 2018

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Close to Really Great Hiking

    Shawnee State Park is about 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh, and it has pretty much everything: swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and fairly decent hiking. It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there. I was trekking on the very wild Mid-State Trail, nearby, when I opted for a night at the conventional campground in Shawnee. No regrets. I usually avoid car-camping because I don't want to listen to other people's classic rock in the woods. But this place was great. I came midweek, so I had the campground mostly to myself. The showers are hot and clean. The lake is beautiful with a nice swimming beach. The area around the park has all the scenic and historic attractions of central PA: covered bridges, big stone farmhouses, quaint towns. My only complaint is that the PA Turnpike screams a little too close by. Also, the sites are pretty close together, so be sure to look at a campground map beforehand to reserve one of the more isolated ones.

  • Danielle S.
    May. 24, 2020

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Pleasant camping

    We stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted. Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out. There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site. The fire ring is at an angle so cooking on it proved to be a challenge (we bring a grill grate with us just in case, and had to use it). Bathroom and showers were clean, bright, and there is a dish washing sink outside. Showers were push button but pressure was great and the water was hot (make sure you push the button once before you get in so its warm if no one else is showering at that time). Bring shower shoes. We were able to hear a small bit of traffic from the highway, but nothing that disturbed us. There are several stores within a 20 minute drive (Walmart, etc) and a mall an hour away. Camp wood at the entrance is $5 and is tiny; our biggest piece was a foot long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick! It was okay to start a fire, but we went into the woods and picked up dead wood that we cut into manageable logs. There weren't any roadside stacks of seasoned wood, so be prepared if it rains. The picnic table was saturated and too heavy to move, so we ate sitting in camp chairs. We would stay again.

  • Brittany V.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Shawnee 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.

  • Jacob I.
    Jun. 11, 2018

    The Cove Campground

    Great trails for both riding and hiking.

    Spent a weekend here in mid May. Bugs weren't a problem at all. Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes.

  • E
    May. 16, 2021

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Nice park

    This is a nice park, close to home with a lake. We like to picnic and go fishing. There are nice trails, volleyball areas, and playgrounds.

  • Mark K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Big Run State Park Campground

    Basic drive-in campground - facilities a drive away - but extremely nice

    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.  Frankly, the bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream.  Mosquitos are something of an issue, but by no means awful; and it is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek.  It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking.

Guide to Ellerslie

Horse camping in Maryland offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, equestrians can find the perfect spot to relax and ride.

Equestrian campgrounds include Vagabond Isle

  • Vagabond Isle provides a unique experience right on the Tuscarora Trail, allowing campers to ford the creek and access beautiful trails close to the Potomac River.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At The Cove Campground, horse camping is welcomed alongside a range of activities like fishing and swimming, making it a versatile destination for both riders and their horses.

Tips for equestrian camping near Ellerslie, Maryland

  • Big Run State Park Campground offers a peaceful setting with ample space between sites, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature while accommodating their horses comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

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-star rating from 27 reviews.

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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