2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Shawnee State Park Campground offers limited options for visitors camping with horses near Boswell, Pennsylvania. The campground encompasses several loops with sites for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts. While pets are allowed throughout the campground, there are no dedicated horse corrals or equine-specific facilities mentioned in the available data. The campground provides electric hookups, water hookups, and sewer connections at select sites, though these may not be configured for equestrian use. Some campers have noted that the campground occasionally has a noticeable manure smell despite not being designated for horse camping.
The park features trails around its lake that could potentially be suitable for day rides, though specific bridle paths are not identified in the available information. Located approximately 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh, Shawnee State Park is accessible via the Pennsylvania Turnpike, providing relatively easy trailer access for day visitors. The nearby Flight 93 National Memorial is approximately 20 minutes away, offering an additional destination for visitors. For serious equestrians seeking dedicated facilities, alternative campgrounds with proper horse accommodations would be more suitable. The park's primary recreational focus centers on its lake activities including swimming, fishing, and boating rather than equestrian pursuits.
"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"The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
from $10 - $55 / night
Check Availability
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.
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.
ScoutThis is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds. The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks. Clean and well maintained. The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals
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.
ScoutThis is a nice park, close to home with a lake. We like to picnic and go fishing. There are nice trails, volleyball areas, and playgrounds.
TravelerYou have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. Frankly, the bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream. Mosquitos are something of an issue, but by no means awful; and it is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek. It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking.
Shawnee State Park campground provides opportunities for outdoor recreation approximately 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh. The 300-acre park centers around a lake with swimming, fishing and boating activities. Located near Schellsburg rather than Boswell proper, the park sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet in the ridge and valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. For visitors seeking horse camping near Boswell, Pennsylvania, several alternatives exist within driving distance as Shawnee State Park doesn't offer dedicated equine facilities.
Trail exploration: Big Run State Park offers peaceful stream-side camping with opportunities for hiking. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" notes visitor Zoe H. about the Big Run State Park Campground.
Water recreation: The lake at Shawnee provides multiple water activities during warmer months. According to Casey S., "Shawnee State Park Campground lake and trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating."
Historical sites: Within a 20-minute drive from Shawnee, visitors can explore the Flight 93 National Memorial. The area also contains several historical sites near Schellsburg, creating opportunities for day trips while staying at the campground.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites at Shawnee, particularly in the wooded sections. Brittany V. mentions, "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit."
Lakeside amenities: The beach area receives positive feedback from visitors seeking water activities. Gerard notes, "The lake is gorgeous and has a large, sandy beach. Would love to spend more time there to explore the park further."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly in foggier conditions. "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites," shares Melanie Z.
Site selection challenges: Many RV sites at Shawnee require careful selection due to leveling issues. "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time," explains Lee D., who found that "most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level."
Limited equestrian options: Horse camping near Boswell, Pennsylvania is restricted as neither Shawnee nor the immediate surrounding parks offer dedicated equine facilities such as corrals or specialized campsites.
Seasonal variations: The campground experiences significant seasonal changes in activity levels and amenities. During off-season visits, some facilities like boat rentals may be closed, though the campground remains accessible year-round.
Lake activities: Families particularly enjoy the beach and water recreation options at Shawnee during summer months. Tiffany K. shares, "The park has lots of activities for the day, including a beach, fishing, hiking, group picnic areas."
Playground access: For families with younger children, note the playground location. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop," mentions Lee D., providing a convenient activity option within the campground itself.
Supply planning: Within 20 minutes of Shawnee, campers can access stores for supplies. Danielle S. notes, "There are several stores within a 20 minute drive (Walmart, etc) and a mall an hour away."
Site verification: Double-check site dimensions before booking, especially for larger rigs. Brittany V. warns, "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!"
Electric options: Different sites offer varying electric service. Some sites provide both 20-amp and 30-amp service, while full hookup sites are available in specific loops. Check site details carefully when booking.
Navigation challenges: The campground layout can be confusing for first-time visitors with larger rigs. Gerard observed that "many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Boswell, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Boswell, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
Keep Exploring
