7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Michaux State Forest permits equestrian camping at designated motorized parking lot sites that accommodate horse trailers. The parking lot campsites at Teaberry serve as equestrian sites with several hitching posts and a two-step mounting block available for riders. Free camping permits can be obtained online, with sites available year-round. Teaberry's large gravel lot contains five well-spaced sites positioned along one side, offering direct access to forest trails. These primitive sites include fire rings, though no water hookups, restrooms, or drinking water are available. The parking areas provide ample room for horse trailers, though some campers note the experience feels somewhat like camping in a parking lot with trees on one side.
Trails throughout Michaux State Forest connect to the Appalachian Trail system, providing extensive riding opportunities through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest terrain. The forest sits at the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering varied terrain with some open meadow sections suitable for riding. Horse owners must keep their animals under control at all times and are responsible for proper waste management. During camping season from April through late November, equestrians should be aware that fires are not permitted from March 1 to May 25 and are also banned during high fire danger periods. The nearby Gettysburg Campground offers more amenities including water and electric hookups for those seeking less primitive accommodations, though specific horse facilities are more limited there.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $38 / night
"Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."
"Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail."
from $10 / night
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."
"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $92 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild."
"Lots to do very close to water and many things to do in and around camp ground. Stayed for a few days would go back."
from $30 - $100 / night
from $10 / night
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
ScoutStaff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
LegendWe spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincoln’s Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.
WHAT I LIKED:
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenience—just 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.
The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character.
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the day—but it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
ScoutFlat grounds, level campsites, nice pool, kids have tons of fun!
RangerGreat park, alittle close together than I like. I wish I had picked 1-12 sites by the creek, but I don’t think I had much choice when I booked anyway. Bathrooms were clean. My site was more of an rv and I felt like I was at the neighbors for supper.
RangerBeautiful park, pool and lake. Great for boating and fishing, running or hiking and swimming. In may, it wasn’t busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
GuideThe weather wasn’t too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldn’t be happier.
TravelerNice clean and open sites but we stayed in the 400 section which was separate from the main campground. Very easy check in. Did it online and just pulled up to the little shack they have and grabbed our packet. We didn’t use the bathhouse but it was very clean. A little older and could probably use a little updating. The campground is only a mile and a half from town which was awesome and direct access to battlefield trails right there. The only complaint we had was the WiFi was awful. Maybe it was because of the section we were in but once the campground filled up it was useless.
Michaux State Forest and surrounding areas offer multiple equestrian camping options across central Pennsylvania. Horse campers can secure free permits for designated sites through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website. Located in the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 750 to 2,100 feet, this region experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season.
Trail riding through varied terrain: Michaux State Forest connects to numerous trail systems beyond the Appalachian Trail. As one rider noted: "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail... Water is easily found and views like Sunset Rocks are simply gorgeous" (Michaux State Forest).
Visit historic Gettysburg: Located 30 miles southwest of Amberson, the battlefields provide riding opportunities with historical context. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts" (Artillery Ridge Campground).
Fishing at multiple locations: The region offers several fishing spots within 45 minutes of equestrian camping areas. "Little buffalo has a lot to offer! There is a large lake for fishing! You can rent boats there!" (Little Buffalo State Park Campground).
Well-maintained forest roads: Most horse trailer parking areas in Michaux State Forest have graded gravel surfaces suitable for larger vehicles. "Appalachian mountain range, not bad with 4wheel drive. Stayed first at camp, moved to atv parking. Very remote and atvs in and out. Clean and we'll maintained" (Michaux State Forest).
Quiet camping atmosphere: Many equestrian sites offer a peaceful experience away from crowded areas. "We chose this campground based on the reviews from another Dyrt member and decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint. This is a smaller SP campground, just one loop and a few sites along a creek. The camp host was knowledgeable and friendly" (Colonel Denning State Park Campground).
Easy access to multiple trail systems: Horse-friendly sites connect to extensive trail networks. "This was our third stay here on our somewhat annual family meetup in Gettysburg. I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area" (Gettysburg Campground).
Permit requirements vary by location: While Michaux requires free permits for motorized sites, other regulations differ by property. "Michaux State Forest camping is free in several areas throughout Michaux State Forest (as well as other PA State Forests), BUT you usually need to have a camping permit (also free) and you can only stay in designated campsites" (Michaux State Forest).
Seasonal restrictions: Seasonal fire bans affect all horse campgrounds near Amberson. "The campground was very quiet in the loop (the creek sites tended to be a bit noisier) and the bathrooms were the absolute cleanest bathrooms we've seen in a state park" (Colonel Denning State Park Campground).
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Most equestrian parking areas offer minimal amenities. "Relates to Teaberry Site Only... It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty, parking on the edge of the sites in the parking lot felt a lot like just being in a parking lot with a view of trees on one side" (Teaberry Parking Area Campsites).
Consider non-primitive alternatives: For families with young children, campgrounds with more amenities might work better than forest sites. "We have a small 19" travel trailer which was almost impossible to park due to very tight sites. Sites are almost on top of each other - we had a group of people with tents next to us that were basically on top of us" (Colonel Denning State Park Campground).
Plan for limited cell service: Many horse camping areas have spotty coverage. "AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground. The camp store has everything that any camper could need, and the game room is really nice" (Artillery Ridge Campground).
Book well ahead for summer weekends: Horse-friendly sites fill quickly during peak season. "Small sites but some are along the creek. Playground and mini golf available. Close to battlefields" (Gettysburg Campground).
Verify trailer size limits: Not all horse camping areas can accommodate larger rigs. "The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don't feel crowded. The only issue is there is a lot of construction at the moment. No pool, no mini golf, and a lot of sites are closed" (Artillery Ridge Campground).
Bring leveling blocks: Many forest parking areas aren't perfectly level. "If you are looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn't it. If you are looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you" (Gettysburg Campground).
Consider water access carefully: Horse campgrounds near Amberson typically don't provide water hookups, requiring advance planning. "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" (Ferryboat Campsites).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Amberson, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Amberson, PA is Colonel Denning State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Amberson, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Amberson, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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