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North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest is specifically designed for equestrians visiting Claysburg, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. Located in Penfield, this established campground offers camping facilities where horses are permitted alongside their owners. The site includes designated areas for equestrian use with consideration for both riders and their mounts. Sites are reservable and include picnic tables and fire rings where campfires are allowed. While the campground permits pets alongside horses, riders should note the absence of horse corrals, which requires bringing portable corrals or using tie-out methods.
The trail system connecting to North Run provides access to the extensive Moshannon State Forest trail network, offering varied terrain for different skill levels. Riders should prepare for primitive camping conditions as the facility does not offer showers or toilets. Horse owners must bring their own water for animals, as no drinking water is available on site. For extended trips, Black Moshannon State Park Campground is located nearby with additional amenities including showers and toilets, though it does not offer specific horse facilities. Trail access requires riders to bring appropriate maps as some forest routes may be seasonal or affected by weather conditions. Electric hookups are available at the site for those needing power for horse-related equipment or camping conveniences.
"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"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
"Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. "
from $20 - $87 / night
Check Availability"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
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Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / 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.
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.
LegendGeneral: 73-site campground; most have electric hookups, and some are FHU. Pets are only permitted at selected sites. There are also 20 (13 rustic and 6 modern) cabins. Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent (Verizon).
Site Quality: Pads are gravel and most appeared to be level. Site 70 was at the end of the loop which is why we picked it. A picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook complete each site.
Bathhouse: As has been our experience in all PA state parks, the bathhouse was pristine, and the shower (for no additional cost) was clean with plentiful hot water and was very much appreciated.
Activities/Amenities: Coin-operated laundry. A playground is in the campground and there is an additional one at the swimming beach. The swimming beach is open from mid-May to mid-September, from 8 am– sunset. Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season. Permits are required. 24 miles of hiking trails, including two trails directly from the campground to the lake. In the summer, there is a camper store/concession stand. Hunting is allowed in season. There are 4.3 miles of mountain biking trails.
I used to think Oregon State Parks were the best, but Pennsylvania State Parks have them beat by a mile. We have yet to be disappointed by the amenities(especially the clean bathrooms) offered at the half-dozen state parks we have visited so far.
TravelerFirst I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience. This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.
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. This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.
The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking. There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table. There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.
Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below. The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road. Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time. At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).
No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here. Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon).
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.
GuideGetting to the park had some sharp turns and windy roads. Small campground but nicely equipped. 2 bath houses were dated but clean. Nice playground at the campground and also one at the beach. Small camp concessions with a few camping items as well as ice cream cones. Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. The site sat down off the road but once you were backed in the spot it was pretty level. This site also had a separate tent pad located down a few stone steps. Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non existent. Every once in a while a text would come in or send but very spotty. Sorry I failed to get a pic of the site in the daylight. It was spacious and we had plenty of room for our 30' trailer, truck, and easy up over the table. 6+ chairs around the fire pit, cooking ring could have been better. Grassy area for cornhole or playing.
North Run Equine Camping Area offers essential amenities for riders visiting the Moshannon State Forest region near Claysburg, Pennsylvania. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm summers and cold winters that affect trail conditions. The campground serves as a base for accessing over 200 miles of trails throughout the surrounding forest.
Trail riding expeditions: The extensive trail network connects to multiple forest areas beyond Moshannon. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," notes Casey S. about nearby Shawnee State Park Campground, which offers additional recreation options.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide optimal wildlife viewing along forest edges. "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too," shares Melanie Z. about the region's natural settings.
Water activities: While North Run focuses on equestrian use, nearby Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers water recreation options. "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding," reports Matthew U., making it a good day trip option for equestrians wanting water activities.
Private mountain views: Some nearby forest sites offer exceptional vistas. "Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below," explains Scott I. about a Rothrock Roadside Campsite, providing perspective on the regional landscape.
Forest access: The direct connection to extensive woodland areas appeals to campers. "This campground is so beautiful with plenty to do for everyone, tons of hiking along the whole park," says Lisa L. about Black Moshannon, which connects to similar forest systems.
Spacious sites: The equestrian sites provide adequate room for trucks, trailers and equipment. "The sites are situated nicely, your neighbors are not 'right there'," notes Sandi G. about camping in the region, reflecting the typical site layouts throughout state forest campgrounds.
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations create variable conditions that require planning. "Despite the cold wet weather this trip, we had a wonderful weekend!" shares James B. about camping at North Block — Tuscarora State Forest, highlighting the need for weather adaptability.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps can be challenging. "The road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from. This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion," warns Scott I. about forest roads similar to those accessing North Run.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, securing sites in advance is essential. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early," advises Denise D. about camping in the region.
Educational opportunities: The forest environment provides natural learning experiences. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," mentions Lisa L., highlighting programs available at nearby Vagabond Isle and other regional parks.
Cabin alternatives: For families not equipped for primitive camping with horses, consider nearby facilities with more amenities. "My family and I stayed here one night during a motorcycle trip. We rented 1 of the cabins they have on the property and it was great all of us fit comfortably," shares Danielle W.
Site selection: Carefully review site specifications before booking. "We heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time," explains Lee D., noting the importance of researching specific sites.
Electrical hookups: North Run provides electric connections useful for RVs and horse-related equipment. "We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up," shares Gerard about regional camping options that complement the equestrian facilities.
Approach challenges: Larger rigs require careful navigation. "However, as we drove through the rest of the RV park area we noted that many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," Gerard continues, highlighting access considerations relevant to horse trailers and RVs.
Alternative facilities: When equestrian camping proves too primitive, nearby options offer more conveniences. "We 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," explains Brittany V., emphasizing the importance of site selection for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Claysburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Claysburg, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Claysburg, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Claysburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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