5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Michaux State Forest near Bendersville offers primitive equestrian camping at designated parking lot sites that serve dual purpose for horse camping. The Teaberry parking area includes a few hitching posts and a two-step mounting block for riders. Camping permits are free but required for these motorized camping areas, which remain open year-round with seasonal fire restrictions from March 1 to May 25. Horse camping is permitted at several designated sites throughout the forest, though these lack drinking water, electric hookups, or restroom facilities. Most equestrian sites feature basic fire rings and some include picnic tables. The parking areas accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment, making them practical for overnight stays with horses.
The forest's trail system provides extensive riding opportunities with varied terrain through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest areas. Some sections offer open prairie and sparsely wooded meadow riding experiences. Riders must bring all supplies including water for horses, as no drinking water is available at the sites. While primitive in nature, the campgrounds are well-maintained and provide adequate space for both horses and camping equipment. Cell service varies significantly throughout Michaux, with some areas having strong coverage while others remain completely disconnected. Pets are allowed as long as they remain under control and don't disturb others or wildlife. The forest sits at the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic views along the trails despite being more foothill than mountain at this latitude.
"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."
"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
"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
from $10 / night
"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 $26 - $151 / 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 provides tent, RV, and equestrian camping options within its 85,000 acres of forested land. Located at an elevation between 750 and 2,100 feet in Adams County, this area experiences cold winters with occasional heavy snowfall and mild summers averaging 80-85°F. The forest's extensive trail network connects to the Appalachian Trail and several mountain bike routes through diverse terrain.
Hiking at Colonel Denning State Park: Access the challenging 6-mile round-trip Flat Rock Trail with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. "We made the trek up the Flat Rock Trail to the overlook. A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views," writes Nate & Erika L. The park offers multiple well-maintained trails of varying difficulties.
Winter camping in Michaux: Experience the forest in its quiet season with fewer visitors. "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. You can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations or park at other trail heads," notes John S. from Michaux State Forest.
Historical exploration at Gettysburg: Visit the nearby battlefields for day trips from forest camping. "The campground is only a mile and a half from town which was awesome and direct access to battlefield trails right there," reports Peter K. about Artillery Ridge Campground, making it convenient for history enthusiasts camping near Bendersville.
Clean facilities and accessible stream: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathhouses. "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," reports Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park Campground.
Fire rings and picnic areas: Most designated sites include fire rings with seasonal restrictions. "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," explains Tiff T., highlighting the availability of more secluded options.
Trail access from campsites: Many appreciate direct access to trails from camping areas. "We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head," notes Casey L., referencing Colonel Denning's convenient layout that allows campers to start hiking without driving.
Cell service variability: Coverage changes dramatically throughout the region. "AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground," reports Dave B. from Artillery Ridge Campground.
Seasonal restrictions and permit requirements: Free permits are required for motorized camping. "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," explains Jen S.
Horse camping considerations at Teaberry: The parking area accommodates trailers but has limited amenities. "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," notes j A. about Teaberry Parking Area Campsites.
Swimming options: Some parks offer swimming facilities for children. "They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad!" shares Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Ranger programs: Take advantage of educational opportunities. "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," reports Nate & Erika L.
Proximity to amenities: Consider campgrounds closer to town for family convenience. "Very fun family friendly getaway for the weekend. Close to Gettysburg Battleground," notes Matthew K. from Gettysburg Campground, which offers more developed facilities than forest camping.
Site selection at equestrian areas: Choose sites carefully at horse camping locations. "If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms," advises Casey L., noting the tradeoff between water proximity and bathroom access.
Space limitations: Some campgrounds have tight spacing for RVs. "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," warns Shirley M.
Water access for horses: No drinking water is available at horse camping areas, so bring sufficient water for your animals. Seasonal equestrian sites require planning ahead for water needs, especially during hot summer months when horses require more hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bendersville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bendersville, PA is Gettysburg Campground with a 4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bendersville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Bendersville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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