Horsey Hilton Equestrian Campground caters specifically to horse riders with primitive campsites in Susquehannock State Forest near Coudersport, Pennsylvania. The area around Wellsville sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with rolling forest terrain ideal for trail riding. Equestrian camping options concentrate in the Pennsylvania state forests within a 60-mile radius of Wellsville.
What to do
Trail riding access: At Asaph Campground in Tioga State Forest, riders can connect directly to multiple trail networks suited for various skill levels, with routes ranging from 2-15 miles through dense forest terrain.
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers exceptional dark sky viewing at several locations. Visit Lyman Run State Park Campground for night sky access. "We like staying at Lyman Run since Cherry Springs gets filled pretty quickly... Nice hiking trails, beach area by lake, fishing and then the stars! One of my favs," notes Peggy S.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds feature lake access for fishing and boating. "There is a lake to do many activities, and a beach there. ATV trails, hiking, beautiful overlooks. No cell service, so you really get to get away from everything," reports Katie S. about Lyman Run State Park.
What campers like
Privacy at select sites: While some campgrounds have tightly-packed sites, others offer more seclusion. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, "Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level," reports MJ B.
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight well-maintained amenities as a major plus. Greg W. notes about Stony Fork Creek: "The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times."
Horse-friendly accommodations: Horse owners appreciate the specialized equestrian camping areas where they can keep their animals close. The primitive setup allows riders to establish their own containment systems rather than relying on permanent corrals.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the region have little to no cellular connectivity. "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for," warns Brandon W. about Stony Fork Creek Campground.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons (May-September). Book equestrian sites well in advance, especially for holiday weekends and summer months when trail conditions are optimal.
Water availability: Many primitive equestrian sites lack water hookups. Bring sufficient water for both human and equine needs, or identify water sources before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond trail riding. "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals," shares MJ B. about Stony Fork Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests surrounding Wellsville provide habitat for diverse wildlife. Schedule early morning or dusk observation times when animals are most active.
Site selection strategy: For families seeking quiet, choose campgrounds and loops away from main gathering areas. "We love the lower loop! We were there on a Monday night and there were 4 sites occupied on our loop. Great stars. Clean bathrooms!" recommends Dana M. about Lyman Run State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site surface conditions: RV campers should note the paving status at different campgrounds. At Tompkins Campground, "All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we've stayed," reports Bran P.
Hookup availability: For equestrian camping with RVs, verify which campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with appropriate hookups. Not all horse-friendly campgrounds have sewer connections or 50-amp service.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "Just off US 15 at the New York border... About an hour away is the Pine Creek Rail Trail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon," notes Bran P. about Tompkins Campground, which operates from mid-May through late September.
