12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest provides dedicated facilities for horse owners and their mounts. The campground accommodates both riders and their horses with spacious sites that include picnic tables, fire rings, and electric hookups with 30 and 50-amp service. Campground reeks of horse manure 24/7, which is typical for active equestrian camping areas. The sites are designed to accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space. Located near Penfield, Pennsylvania, this equestrian-focused campground serves as a base for exploring the extensive trail system throughout Moshannon State Forest. Reservations are required for the equestrian camping area, ensuring riders have guaranteed space for their horses and camping equipment.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to miles of forest paths suitable for various skill levels. Riders can explore the surrounding Moshannon State Forest's extensive trail network, with routes that wind through diverse Pennsylvania woodland terrain. The campground's strategic location provides convenient access to multiple trailheads, allowing for different riding experiences each day. Water sources for horses are available, though riders should confirm seasonal availability before arrival. The campground's proximity to Black Moshannon State Park offers additional recreational opportunities, including fishing and hiking when not riding. Horse owners should bring their own feed and be prepared for proper manure management according to campground regulations. The quiet atmosphere during weekdays provides a more private camping experience for those seeking solitude with their horses.
"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
"Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. "
from $20 - $87 / night
Check Availability"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."
"The driving path is gravel with a steep hill at the end so if you can help it I would avoid sites 32,34,36 as they are VERY difficult to back into with larger rigs."
from $22 - $92 / night
Check Availability"Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
"We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions."
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
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TravelerCampground 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.
TravelerI had made plans to stay at SSP-PA as my first stopover spot, post leaving my beach friends on the East Coast. The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride. Shawnee is a lovely state park and I was really pleased with my brief stay. 'Though we were only sleeping the one night, I found the staff to be pleasant and the site spacious. It might have helped that the doggo and I were about the only ones in our campground loop, aside from the campground hosts but the area felt well-maintained and well-proportioned. We had a good night's rest, after enjoying a post-dinner campfire and getting to breathe in the fresh, woodsy air. While sitting fireside, I got to enjoy the local wildlife, from birds to young deer, around the edges of my campsite. The campground restroom was clean and a fair size. I would definitely recommend it and I will certainly look into another reservation, the next time I roadtrip through Pennsylvania.
GuideShawnee 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.
LegendGeneral: 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.
GuideSite SS007 sits roughly two miles off pavement along a fairly rough access road. A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions.
The location offers excellent views of the Susquehanna River and exceptionally clear night skies with strong stargazing opportunities. There was no existing fire ring on site, so we built one using nearby stones. The site does not include a picnic table or other amenities, making it a primative experience.
Cell service was limited but usable, averaging about one bar with AT&T and two bars with T-Mobile.
Overall, it is a quiet, scenic roadside site best suited for campers comfortable with minimal facilities and no other people around.
RangerAmazing!!! Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites. If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms. Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!! Wide open area to swim that was very clean and well kept. Hope to revisit soon!
RangerWe 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.
LegendGeneral: 73-site campground; most have electric hookups, and some are FHU. Pets are only permitted at selected sites. There are also 20 (13 rustic and 6 modern) cabins. Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent (Verizon).
Site Quality: Pads are gravel and most appeared to be level. Site 70 was at the end of the loop which is why we picked it. A picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook complete each site.
Bathhouse: As has been our experience in all PA state parks, the bathhouse was pristine, and the shower (for no additional cost) was clean with plentiful hot water and was very much appreciated.
Activities/Amenities: Coin-operated laundry. A playground is in the campground and there is an additional one at the swimming beach. The swimming beach is open from mid-May to mid-September, from 8 am– sunset. Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season. Permits are required. 24 miles of hiking trails, including two trails directly from the campground to the lake. In the summer, there is a camper store/concession stand. Hunting is allowed in season. There are 4.3 miles of mountain biking trails.
I used to think Oregon State Parks were the best, but Pennsylvania State Parks have them beat by a mile. We have yet to be disappointed by the amenities(especially the clean bathrooms) offered at the half-dozen state parks we have visited so far.
LegendWe 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.
North Run Equine Camping Area provides specialized facilities for horseback riders in the forested highlands of central Pennsylvania. Located near Penfield at 1,600 feet elevation, the camping area sits within Moshannon State Forest's extensive trail network. The region experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season, with cool evenings dropping to 55-65°F.
Trail riding access: North Run connects directly to miles of equestrian-friendly paths through Moshannon State Forest's diverse terrain. Trails range from beginner-friendly flat sections to more challenging routes with varied elevations.
Fishing opportunities: Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers unique fishing conditions in its dark-water lake. "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding," notes Matthew U., highlighting the distinctive water conditions that support different fish species than typical clear-water lakes.
Wildlife viewing: The forested surroundings provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly for birds. "We had a wonderful weekend despite the cold wet weather," shares James B. about his experience at Black Moshannon State Park, where wildlife remains active even in challenging conditions.
Swimming options: Several nearby parks offer swimming facilities when not riding. "Super place for the family and everyone. The lake has lots to offer. Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing," writes Denise D. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Quiet environment: Shawnee State Park Campground provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude with their horses. "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage," reports Brittany V.
Clean facilities: Colonel Denning State Park Campground maintains exceptionally well-kept facilities. "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," notes Casey L., highlighting the park's commitment to maintenance.
Spacious sites: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds in the region feature larger-than-average sites to accommodate trailers and equipment. "Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!! Wide open area to swim that was very clean and well kept," adds Casey about Colonel Denning State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping areas require advance booking, especially during peak seasons from May through October. Sites with electric hookups fill quickly during summer months.
Manure management: Horse owners must follow proper waste handling protocols. Each campground has specific rules about manure disposal and site cleanliness.
Water availability: Little Buffalo State Park Campground and other parks have seasonal water sources that may not be active year-round. "Little buffalo has a lot to offer! The campsites are spacious. There are standard tent sites available and there are water/electric site available. There is a dump station available for the end," explains Amanda H.
Trail conditions: Trail difficulty varies significantly throughout the region. Some routes may be temporarily closed after heavy rainfall or during forestry operations.
Safety precautions: When bringing children around horses, establish clear rules about approaching animals and maintain designated safe zones for play away from horse areas.
Alternative activities: Rothrock Roadside Campsites provide access to family-friendly adventures beyond horseback riding. "This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below," describes Scott I., highlighting scenic opportunities even non-riders can enjoy.
Educational programs: Many state parks offer ranger-led activities that teach children about local wildlife and ecosystems. "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods," shares Nate & Erika L. about their experience at Colonel Denning State Park.
Site selection: When bringing an RV to equestrian camping areas, carefully research site dimensions and access. Many horse-friendly sites are designed for trailers but may have challenging approaches for larger motorhomes.
Hookup considerations: North Block — Tuscarora State Forest and similar campgrounds offer limited electric hookups that may not support all RV systems simultaneously. Plan power usage accordingly when using air conditioning alongside other appliances.
Leveling challenges: Many equestrian camping areas have uneven terrain designed primarily for horse trailers rather than recreational vehicles. Bring extra leveling blocks and stabilizers to ensure comfort during extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alexandria, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alexandria, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Alexandria, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Alexandria, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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