Equestrian camping near Allenwood, Pennsylvania centers around several state forests with trail access for riders and their horses. The region sits within the Allegheny Plateau and features diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet. Seasonal considerations include summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing, making spring and fall optimal for horseback riding excursions.
What to do
Trail exploration with horses: Pennsylvania's state forests offer extensive bridle trail networks for equestrian camping enthusiasts. Stony Fork Creek Campground provides access to nearby trails and activities beyond just riding. According to one visitor, "Stony Fork Creek is beautiful and offers nearby hiking trails, a lake, and activities" while noting that "other campers did not respect quiet hours and it took the campground staff too long to ask them to quiet down."
Riverside activities: Ferryboat Campsites provides direct river access for multiple activities beyond riding. A camper notes, "We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. If it weren't for that this would not be the campground for us. The weather was hot so lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river — we loved to sit out and watch the water go by."
State park recreation: When not riding, campers can take advantage of state park facilities. At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, one visitor shared, "The down side is they are across the street. I recommend you drive across because the road is a high speed limit and might not be safe to cross. They offer nice trails to hike. There is a large lake for fishing! You can rent boats there! There is a pool!"
What campers like
Campground upkeep: Many equestrian campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, a recent visitor stated, "The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times. Plenty of space to spread out and walk. All of the roads were paved and sites were very large."
Space for trailers: Stony Fork Creek Campground offers ample room for equestrian needs. One camper reported, "Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers... Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level."
Wildlife observation: Beyond riding, the natural setting offers wildlife viewing. Little Buffalo State Park campers report, "Wildlife is everywhere and there is even an eagle nest in the park and you can see the pair and often their young." The same reviewer noted the park is "pet friendly," making it suitable for riders traveling with dogs.
What you should know
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Most state forest equestrian camping areas offer minimal facilities. Primitive sites typically have no drinking water, showers, or toilets. The multiple Tiadaghton State Forest sites (East Run Road, Fourth Gap Road, Walters Road, Sand Spring Road) provide only basic accommodations with picnic tables and fire rings.
Variable water conditions: River conditions can change rapidly near Ferryboat Campsites, affecting camping plans. As one camper warned, "Storms with heavy rain in the area made the river rise. We were told the campground is susceptible to flooding, so check the weather when you come!"
Firewood availability: Campers should plan ahead for firewood needs. A visitor to Ferryboat Campsites noted, "Wood at the camp store is incredibly expensive — they don't sell to nightly campers by anything more than the small bundle ($8) — thankfully a lien seasonal let us buy some of his stock, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to afford more than one fire over the weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access considerations: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers swimming facilities, but with limitations. A camper advises, "No food allowed in the pool but you can bring picnic lunch for outside the pool. Tons of picnic tables! There is a snack bar! 2nd downfall, you have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!!!"
Distance management: When camping with children at Little Buffalo, logistics require planning. One family shared, "Nice for a smaller campground. Only downfall is we have smaller children and we could not bike from the campground to the pool, it was too far and the hill to get back was too big for them to ride up. Pool was great once you got there."
Animal interactions: Some campgrounds offer animal experiences beyond just horses. Ferryboat Campsites features accessible wildlife. A visitor reported, "There is a small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats and the camp is extremely pet friendly as long as they are on a leash."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Finding suitable sites for RVs with horse trailers requires research. At Ferryboat Campsites, a camper noted, "We stayed at a Susquehanna river view site with full hookups for 2 nights. Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors. Most sites were occupied by permanent or seasonal residents."
Shower access for tent campers: At Ferryboat Campsites, tent campers should note facility locations. One camper advised, "The showers are located in the RV section of the campground, so you will have to walk a bit if you are tent camping." This is particularly relevant for equestrian campers who may be staying in tent sites with their horses.
