North Run Equine Camping Area caters specifically to riders with horses, allowing direct access to miles of trails through Moshannon State Forest. This primitive camping area sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation and experiences seasonal closures during winter months. Trail systems range from gentle grades to more challenging terrain with some creek crossings.
What to do
Hiking at Flat Rock overlook: Colonel Denning State Park offers a challenging but rewarding hike with a 1,200-foot elevation gain. "The Flat Rock Trail to the overlook is a six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views," shares Nate & Erika L..
Kayaking and water activities: Black Moshannon State Park provides distinctive dark-colored water for paddling enthusiasts. "Great camping area stop a mountain...nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," reports Clay P..
Wildlife viewing: Little Buffalo State Park offers opportunities to observe native species in their natural habitat. "Wildlife is everywhere and there is even an eagle nest in the park and you can see the pair and often their young," notes Dawn N..
What campers like
Private overlooks: Rothrock State Forest roadside campsites provide secluded viewpoints. "Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below," writes Scott I. about site 002 on Colerain Road.
Clean facilities: Colonel Denning earns praise for its maintenance standards. "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," according to Casey L..
Educational programming: State parks near Boalsburg offer ranger-led activities. "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 one visitor to Colonel Denning.
What you should know
Trail access considerations: For equestrian camping near Boalsburg, roadside campsites typically connect directly to trail systems, but site access varies. "This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from," notes a Rothrock camper.
Water safety: Local lakes have seasonal water quality issues. "The beach would be great (close due to bacteria overgrowth)," mentions a recent Colonel Denning visitor.
Reservation requirements: Most horse camping sites in state forests require advance booking. "These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night. You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing," advises a Rothrock camper.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Ferryboat Campsites offers river access for warm-weather activities. "We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. The weather was hot so lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river," shares melissa.
Pool facilities: Some parks feature swimming pools with child-friendly areas. "They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun," notes a Little Buffalo visitor.
Site selection for children: Choose locations with terrain appropriate for kids. "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 a Colonel Denning camper, important information for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site layout challenges: Check site configurations before booking. "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," cautions Shirley M. about Colonel Denning State Park.
Utility placement: Confirm hookup locations relative to your rig setup. "We stayed in site 42, which was not the greatest layout (electric was on the wrong side of the site for our door and canopy to open to the fire ring)," notes a Colonel Denning visitor.
Road access limitations: State forest campgrounds often have restricted access. "This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion," advises a Rothrock camper about the Colerain Road site approach.
Guide
