Are you planning a trip to Panama with your horse? We've got you covered. Finding a place to camp in New York with your horse is easier than ever. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.
Hearts Content Campground is a semi-primitive family campground bordering the Hickory Creek Wilderness Area and surrounded by native hardwoods and a patch of planted pine forest. There is a large open field and amphitheater that is suitable for other games near the campground entry, and another large field at the back of the campground that serves as both group camping sites and a helispot. Hearts Content Campground is operated under a concession permit by Allegheny Site Management.
Cross-country Ski Trail: This 6.4 mile (10.5 km) trail utilizes old railroad grades, roads and existing trails to form several loops for your skiing pleasure. The Wheeler Loop Trail goes through the campground and connects to the Tom's Run and Ironwood trails in the Hearts Content Scenic Area. These trails are marked with blue plastic diamonds on the trees. Hickory Creek Wilderness: The trailhead is located approximately 1/4 mile north of the campground entrance. This 8,663-acre area provides opportunities for solitude and a primitive and unconfined type of recreation as a refuge from our highly modified and technological world. No motorized equipment of any kind and no mechanical transports are permitted. A 13-mile loop hiking trail weaves its way through the rolling terrain, climbing in and out of the valleys. It is sparsely marked and maintained to promote a feeling of wildness and the unknown. It may not be suitable for novice hikers - please know your limitatons and do not add markings to help with way-finding. Orienteering Course: Enjoy this self-guided course that allows you or your group to follow, at your leisure. It is a permanently marked route as an introduction to the sport of orienteering. It starts in the Hearts Content Scenic Area.
North of the campground, Hearts Content National Scenic Area is located next to the picnic area across the road. Here stands the remnants of a 300 to 400 year old stand of white pine, hemlock, and beech. Time, insects, and disease are changing the look and nature of this stand. The Interpretive Old Growth Trail starts at the north end of the east side parking lot and winds about one mile through the timber stand before returning to the picnic area. All facilities in the day use area are universally accessible to people with disabilities. Facilities include a picnic area, pavilions, toilet and interpretive materials. South of the campground is Hickory Creek Wilderness, an 8,633 acre second-growth forest of dense trees and ferny undergrowth. This area is managed to let natural processes determine what it will be in the future. Wind, insects, disease, and drought are all shaping the species composition of the trees and understory, which will in turn determine what species of wildlife will inhabit this area. A roughly 13-mile trail traverses the plateau of the area, with the trailhead located approximately 1/4 of a mile north of the campground entrance. The trail is only occasionally marked and may not be suitable for novice hikers.
For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.
Cancellations and changes must be made through Recreation.gov
$60 - $100 / night
Extends through out the camping season. It includes holiday celebrations, pancake breakfasts, contests, various entertainment, etc. Non-denominational church service is scheduled for Sunday mornings. Dress is casual.
Quiet and picturesque campground located in the Heart of Amish country and Amish Trail. Hiking trails available on our 52-acre campground. We also feature guided horseback riding available.
$35 - $45 / night
Kelly Pines Campground is an equestrian campground located in the hub of the Spring Creek Horse Trail system.
The recreation area is the hub of the Spring Creek Horse Trail system, with 38 miles of designated, marked trails. Day users are welcome to park in the center of the loop and stage their ride from there. View the Spring Creek Horse Trail map . The campground is also popular when trout season opens in April, and anglers are welcome in the first two non-horse sites.
The recreation area is the hub of the Spring Creek Horse Trail system, with 38 miles of designated, marked trails. Day users are welcome to park in the center of the loop and stage their ride from there. View the Spring Creek Horse Trail map . The campground is also popular when trout season opens in April, and anglers are welcome in the first two non-horse sites.
The location is an opening along Wolf Run, a native trout stream, surrounded by native forest including 300+ year old white pine trees.
Enjoy the thrill of forest riding. Horse riding is permitted in many areas of the Allegheny National Forest, but in the Spring Creek area, riders must stay on designated trails. During wet conditions, riders can ride Forest roads, but no cross-country riding is allowed. The Spring Creek Horse Trail is a major nearby attraction with over 38 miles of trail, some of which is also on State Game Lands.
For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.
Cancellations and changes must be made through Recreation.gov
$15 - $25 / night
Traveler
Like the other review, this site has a lot of litter. Clearly people are camping here at times but there are posted signs that say Day Use Only. It was quiet and dark.
TravelerThe site was fine, fire pit, primitive spot so no services. We arrived late at night so couldn’t see so well but stopped in a clearing on the road toward the coordinates.
Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter, but it served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip.
Guide
Just stayed the weekend very big and private sites. Very few people so easy to show up and pick a site. Bathrooms were kept very clean for pit toilet. Water spigot throughout camp no elec
GuideCamping during Labor Day holiday weekend. Like most have said there is some connection but limited at least for Verizon. Taking my three oldest boys camping 8, 6 and 5. So far it has been enjoyable. The camp host seamed pretty nice. Not a lot of privacy was a bit of a downer but better than many I’ve stayed at.
Guide
We had a great time on the Cain hallow loop site 18. The satellite pictures do not give away how hilly the terrain is on the loop. We were at the top of the hill with a great view.
We did not expect to have zero cell phone reception, t-mobile, but turned out to be great as we just enjoyed the views and the time at the fire .
Our site had a huge space for the kids to run and play.
The bathrooms were clean and cleaned frequently while we were there. We saw the ranger or park staff drive through once or twice a day and they always waved and were friendly.
Lots of things to do in the park and explore. Definitely planning to go back again!
Traveler
We stayed in site C6 one of the reservable sites. Every site has plenty of room. Campground overall is quiet. And most if not all of the full hookups are pull throughs. But seems many of the tent sites are on grades. Couple beautiful walk in tent sites right on the water. Plenty of nice hiking trails. Great beach for kids.
Scout
My family stayed over Memorial Day weekend. It was so much fun. They have a lot of activities. My favorite was the disc golf. Their course is really nice!
Guide
My wife called weeks in advance and reserved 2 tent spots for us and my parents. We called a few days beforehand to make sure everything was set and the lady somehow lost our paperwork and information. So our sites we had "reserved" were taken. But she kindly put us in a bigger site.
The site was nice, kinda secluded but could still see RVs and people driving around. Was pretty quiet though. A little walk to the restroom and water, but not bad. Also there seem to be quite a few abandoned RVs, boats, and random vehicles laying around which was interesting.. We have stayed here a couple times and will return!
TravelerAllegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania's only National Forest and a gem of a location for outdoor recreation. Hearts Content itself is a well-maintained, very quiet campground with some of the most private sites we've experienced in 15 years of regular car camping.
Site A02 is very nice for privacy, one of the three front sites which means a bit of road traffic for other arriving campers, but covered by dense old-growth forest on all three sides and well set off the road. Ample tree coverage means an excellent shade canopy, but not-so-great if you're powering your rig with solar.
Clean, good-tasting drinking water at several community water spigots are available, and the central grassy area even contains a clean and well-maintained playground.
The campground itself is actually across the road from the Recreation Area. The Recreation Area is home to 3 nice hiking trails, including one all-season trail that converts to a cross-country skiing trail in the snowy months, as well as some picnic tables and a restroom.
The campground has a couple pit toilets that have been very well maintained by campground hosts each year we've been there. Zero smell or problems here, they appear to be looked after daily. They are still pit toilets so this is not exactly a luxury affair, but as pit toilets go, these definitely suffice.
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INTERNET: One bar of usable Verizon 4G LTE and T-Mobile 4G LTE suitable for slow web browsing and e-mail, but little else. Because of the very dense tree cover here, Starlink is not really a viable option. The most southern facing sites have more of a clearing which may work for Starlink, but are smaller, less private, and also face the group campsite which is well trafficked by Boy Scout troops and other summer camp gatherings, so you're upping your noise quite a bit.
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MAJOR PROS: This is a great campground to just enjoy camping. Set some 15 miles back in old growth forest, the most private of the campsites provide a very pleasant wilderness experience but still some well-maintained amenities like fresh drinking water and good pit toilets. In our experience camping here several times over several years, weekdays are very quiet at this location, perhaps the quietest of any campground of this size and caliber we've experienced anywhere. It's only really Friday evenings and Saturdays where you'll see more than 3-4 other campers in this place.
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The closest nearby town is Warren, PA a small but service-rich town set on the Allegheny River that provides all the necessary stuff - a Wal Mart, a Lowes, and plenty of restaurants and little shops. Warren is the longtime home of a refinery of some sort and on days when the downwind is blowing especially strong, you can catch the faint whiff of a funky but ambiguous smell of…something?
Cell service kicks up to 5G on T-Mobile in Warren itself, but you're still stuck on 4G with Verizon, as of summer 2022.
Back to the campground, I would highly recommend this place for people who can get out there on weekdays and enjoy peace and quiet. Firewood is available for sale at the Camp Host campsite, but there's so much downed wood behind just about every site that purchasing wood really isn't necessary: you can keep a hot fire going all night, for free, just by cleaning out the underbrush.
This is such a pretty, quiet campsite that during weekdays the area deer will often approach from the woods behind the campsites to feast on low hanging leaves. We've seen dozens of them who will get within 10-20 yards of you for a snack later into the night. While never getting too close, it does make for a pleasant wildlife viewing opportunity.
We really like this place. No showers or other running-water facilities and limited internet service prevent this place from being a perfect 5. It is also a bit of a drive into town for provisions or daily ingress if you need these amenities. That aside, tent, trailer or RV, you are likely to enjoy your experience here if you enjoy camping at all.
TravelerHubby and I rented an RV and stayed one night at oil creek campground. We really liked it and wish we could’ve stayed longer. Would definitely go back if we’re back in the area. The owner was such a sweetheart too, very friendly and informative. Two Thumbs up👍🏻
RangerVery nice quiet small wooded campground. No hookups, about 3-4 fresh water spigots, 1 dump station and dumpster. Water pressure was very low and took a while to fill tank. 26 various sized sites, some large with plenty of space for our 22 foot tow behind and truck + some for extra vehicles. Other smaller sites for tents or vans. Self serve ice $2 wood $10. Vault toilets. Fire rings and picnic table at each site. AT&T spotty 0-1 bars. Host camper. Quiet time 10pm-6am. 1 Xlarge site for groups.
TravelerAffordable, lots of things to do like fishing, hiking trails,, canoeing kayaking, clean shower house, good signal for Verizon,
Traveler
This equestrian campground also has 2 non-equestrian sites, one which is reservable. There is no potable water but there is a river and a non-potable pump. There is a permanent toilet usually stocked with TP. Carry out all garbage. No electrical hookups.
Traditional camp sites have space for multiple tents and 2 cars. Each has a picnic table and a fire pit with moveable cooking surface. We’ve never had an issue with bears or other wildlife where food and trash are concerned but we store in the cars at night to be safe. The area is usually damp so don’t count in being able to find much dry wood - we stop before driving in for wood.
Trails galore! Mushrooms everywhere! Quiet and no cellular to distract.
GuideThis was a stop on my partner and I’s National Park road trip. It was very quiet and relaxing. There is a hiking trail that follows the river around the campsite. There are free showers and potable water stations.
ScoutShen staying at two mile you will find the sites are separated by trees and offer you your own little private area. The prices are good and you truly are in nature.
LegendThis state park had a nice lake to paddle on, a solid general store, a huge beach area, kayak rentals, tennis courts, a basketball court, and more.
It was a perfect overnight stop as I made my way out of NY, but I would definitely come back for a longer stay!
TravelerArrived with no reservation after a long day (5-22-2021). Had our fur baby Zeke, 5yo East GSD with us. Jodi placed us in a very nice spot right next to huge freshly mowed field in the rear of the park. It was perfect! She came by later to check on us and see if we needed anything- we found this wonderfully welcoming. Park was spotless of trash despite a few thoughtless smokers. Bath house was well appointed and spotless. We will definitely keep this on our go to list. Pricing was fair - we had a 30a with water no septic.
ScoutCabins are great for families and there are also activities and hiking....Close to some attractions for adults and children too.
ScoutOil F.C. is a hidden gem nestled in the woods not far from Oil Creek State Park. They have a great playground, a maze, a catch and release pond. Lots of things to do to keep the kids, or in our case the grandkids occupied. They have a well stocked camp store, in case you don't want to make the 4 mile ride into town. Their firewood prices are very reasonable. Rachel is a great in accommodating her campers. We were there 3 times this year. Its become our goto campground that's only an hour away from Erie.
GuideOne of our favorite places to camp. Tent and RV sites are nice, clean. The trees offer great shade and privacy between most sites. The park itself is fantastic with plenty to see and do. Family friendly and kids live it.
TravelerEasy to find a site. Nice size sites that are not on top of each of. We could barely see our ‘neighbors’ through the trees. Well shaded spots.
ScoutThey were extremely nice and accommodating, but their idea of secluded and ours were very different. When we arrived our site was right next to others. They moved us to their more separated site but they kinda explained it on the phone as being private.
RangerStayed overnight at the Wolfkiel Run Shelters just down the road. It was early April, the snow had just fallen week before, and it got pretty cold during the night. Still, the hiking trails were in great condition! Runoff was happening, so oil creek was pretty flooded.
The lean-to shelters are a great feature for a group of 2-5 (especially if you bring a tarp to close off the wind).
Quick Tip: If you're camping with kiddos, try turning over the rocks in area creeks to find little aquatic insects. A little creepy, but a lot of awesome ;-)
GuideHearts Content is best described as a way station. The sites are nestled within a grove of immense pines. Some are large enough for large RV’s . There are no showers. Bathrooms are vault toilets. Two of the sites include Adirondack type shelters. A picnic table and fire ring are within each site. I used this site as a staging area to explore Allegheny National Forest for a week. Used a camp shower. The closest town is Warren, PA. Firewood is available at the camp host site. Across the road is an hiking area with picnic tables and the like.
TravelerGreat place to explore. Many trailes, boating, swimming, camping... just a great place to go.
ScoutWe have made it an immediate family tradition to stay here for Thanksgiving.
This place is great for family camping. It has a nice variety of cabins along several loops.
Cabins range from rustic to downright homey.
The Red House Administration building is a great central location to meet up with other camping families.
Staff is super friendly & helpful.
GuideWe've been coming to this campground since I was a kid, and love the fact that you can have the amenities of home away from home. There is so much to do there including catching crayfish, fishing, going to the amplitheater, hiking, and so much more. This is a favorite and a must see for sure!
Horse camping in New York offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With various campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Panama, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Panama, NY is Hearts Content Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Panama, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Panama, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
