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Shawnee State Park Campground accommodates horses with spacious campsites and nearby riding opportunities. The campground features over 300 sites including full hookup, electric, and non-electric options for tents, RVs, and cabins. Campground reeks of horse manure 24/7 according to visitor observations, confirming its active equestrian use. The park maintains select pet-friendly loops where horses are permitted, though not all camping areas allow animals. Trailer parking is available with some sites offering gravel pads ranging from 20 to 115 feet in length. Horse owners should note that site selection is important as many are not level, particularly in the non-electric areas.
The park's lake and surrounding trails provide excellent riding opportunities for equestrians. A hiking loop around the lake offers scenic views and potential riding routes. Located approximately 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh and easily accessible from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the park serves as a convenient base for exploring regional bridle paths. Riders should be prepared for varying terrain and trail conditions. The campground can be busy during weekends, so weekday visits are recommended for a more private camping experience with horses. Water access is available for horses, though specific equine facilities like wash racks or dedicated corrals are limited. Campers report highway noise is audible from some sites, which may affect horses sensitive to traffic sounds.
"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
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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 offers extensive facilities for horseback riding enthusiasts seeking equestrian camping near Champion, Pennsylvania. The park features over 300 campsites across multiple loops with varying terrain and amenities. Located approximately 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh near Schellsburg, the campground provides access to riding trails and a scenic lake surrounded by forested areas. Weather conditions can vary significantly with foggy mornings common in this region of western Pennsylvania.
Trail riding around the lake: Shawnee State Park features a trail that circles the lake, providing scenic views for horseback riders. According to visitor Gerard, "The lake is gorgeous and has a large, sandy beach. Would love to spend more time there to explore the park further."
Kayaking and fishing: The park offers water recreation options when not riding. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," notes Casey S. from Shawnee State Park Campground.
Visit nearby historical sites: The area contains significant landmarks worth exploring. Melanie Z. recommends "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too. Easy access from the PA Turnpike."
Stream exploration with horses: Big Run State Park Campground offers stream access where riders can let horses cool off. Mark K. notes, "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."
Spacious campsites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the room to set up with horses. Brittany V. comments, "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit."
Natural water features: The combination of streams and lake access provides water sources for horses. According to Katie H., "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking less crowded conditions for horses, weekday visits offer more tranquility. Danielle S. from Shawnee State Park Campground shares, "We would stay again. We were able to hear a small bit of traffic from the highway, but nothing that disturbed us."
Site selection is critical: Many sites have challenging terrain for large rigs and horse trailers. Lee D. advises, "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level."
Seasonal considerations: Water and facility availability changes seasonally. One camper observed, "We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season."
Primitive options available: Some areas offer more rustic accommodations for equestrian camping. Nathan S. from Big Run State Park Campground reports, "Nice wide open site. Pit toilets were pretty clean. Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites."
Beach access for cooling off: After riding, families can enjoy water recreation. "There is a lake and beach a short distance from the campground," notes Lee D., making it convenient for children needing a break from horseback activities.
Playground availability: Some loops contain play areas for children. According to reviews, "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop," providing an option for younger family members not riding.
Insect preparation: Some areas have significant mosquito activity, especially near water. Aakansha J. warns, "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful, but the mosquitos sucked," so families should bring appropriate repellent for themselves and horses.
Site verification for trailers: Horse trailers and RVs require careful site selection. Andy C. recommends, "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. Many other sites/options for 26ft ish size camper."
Approach challenges: Some sites have difficult angles for backing in larger rigs. One camper cautions, "Many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," making advance research essential for those traveling with horses and trailers.
Full hookup availability: Select sites offer complete utilities for extended stays. Gerard notes, "We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up. We have a 32 foot trailer. The site we were assigned was easily accessed and had a nice view of the campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Champion, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Champion, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
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