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Christopher P.
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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Clearville, PA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Shawnee State Park Campground permits horses throughout the 3,983-acre park with designated riding areas and trails connecting to nearby equestrian routes. While the campground itself does not feature dedicated horse corrals or stalls, riders can use designated areas for temporary containment during day visits. The park accommodates both tent and RV camping with electric hookups available at select sites. Campsites are spacious with ample tree coverage, though some are positioned on slopes that may challenge level setup. Restroom facilities include hot showers and clean toilets. The campground periodically experiences the distinct smell of horse manure, confirming its regular equestrian use.
Trail riding opportunities extend throughout the park with connections to several regional bridle paths. Riders access the lake loop trail directly from the campground, offering scenic water views and varied terrain suitable for different experience levels. Horse trailer parking is available in designated lots near trailheads. Water access for horses includes several natural sources along trails, though riders should bring portable water containers during drier seasons. The park's proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike makes it easily accessible for horse trailers and larger vehicles, though highway noise is sometimes audible from certain campsites. Sites located in Loop D provide more privacy and a quieter experience for those camping with horses. Seasonal restrictions may apply to certain trails, particularly during hunting seasons or after heavy rainfall.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Clearville (6)
1. Shawnee State Park Campground
"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."
100 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
2. The Cove Campground
"Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone. The bathrooms are ok. "
"Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
3. Vagabond Isle
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / night
4. Big Run State Park Campground
"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. "
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $55 / night
5. Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
6. Peggy's Hill Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 50 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 3 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 9 min from Chambersburg, PA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Clearville, PA
52 Reviews of 6 Clearville Campgrounds
- SSteve B.
ScoutThe Cove Campground
Excellent Campground
Was looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
Nancy B.
RangerShawnee State Park Campground
Well maintained
The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
- SScott I.Traveler
Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest
Nice spot to camp in the mountains
First 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.
Brittany V.
LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Double check site booked
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. 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.
- KKarl S.Scout
The Cove Campground
Good little get away
You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. There are several different camping areas, and depending on where you end up, you might have a short walk to reach the best fishing spots. It’s worth noting that cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind.
One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place.
The campground is clean, the staff is friendly, and the fishing is solid. Whether you’re there to relax, explore, or cast a line, it delivers the rustic experience you’re probably looking for.
Lee D.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Huge state park
General: 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.
- JJennifer R.Scout
Shawnee State Park Campground
Loved the park but not the site
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
Rick G.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Met our Needs Perfectly
Booked for 5 nights to have an opportunity to explore the Bedford, PA area. Great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, Fort Bedford Historic Fort, and many other attractions. Loop D was quiet with ample space between sites that provided privacy. Bathhouse was clean and used for showers. Dump and water fill station easy to access on your way in or out. Verizon signal good enough for streaming.
Guide to Clearville
Shawnee State Park Campground offers extensive equestrian facilities spread across nearly 4,000 acres of Pennsylvania woodland. The park sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the Appalachian foothills, creating varied terrain for riders. Trail conditions remain manageable most of the year except during heavy spring rains when certain paths become restricted due to erosion concerns.
What to do
Lake recreation: Big Run State Park Campground provides stream access for fishing enthusiasts. "The stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," notes Nathan S. The park connects to Savage River reservoir, offering additional water activities. "It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking," mentions Mark K.
Target shooting: The Cove Campground maintains an outdoor shooting range alongside other recreational options. "With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer," says Victoriana P. The range attracts visitors from surrounding areas seeking recreational target practice.
Mountain biking: Trail networks throughout the region accommodate various skill levels. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend!" reports Kaley R. about Shawnee State Park. Trail maps available at most ranger stations identify beginner-friendly routes versus technical sections.
What campers like
Private overlooks: Rothrock Roadside Campsites provides elevated camping spots with valley views. "The site has their own private overlook to the valley below," explains Scott I. These sites require advance reservations, especially during fall foliage season when demand increases.
Waterside campsites: Several campgrounds feature streamside sites with natural sound barriers. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" shares Zoe H. about Big Run. These water-adjacent sites typically fill first, particularly during summer weekends.
Spacious sites: Most campgrounds in the region prioritize privacy between camping spaces. "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage," notes Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park. Site dimensions vary significantly, with some accommodating multiple tents and larger camping setups.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote campsites often requires navigating unpaved roads. "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," Christopher K. mentions about The Cove. Similarly, Scott I. warns about Rothrock sites: "This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion."
Site levelness: Many campsites in the region sit on uneven terrain. "Many of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level," reports Lee D. about Shawnee State Park. Bringing leveling blocks for trailers and tents is strongly recommended.
Cell coverage: Connectivity varies throughout the area. "Cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind," notes Karl S. about The Cove. Some higher elevation sites maintain better signals than valley locations.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: The Cove Campground offers unique interactions with domesticated animals. "Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun," says Nancy L. This unexpected feature adds entertainment value for younger campers.
Beach access: Several parks maintain swimming areas with sandy beaches. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," notes Casey S. about Shawnee. Similarly, Karl S. mentions The Cove has "a small beach" where families can relax.
Playground options: Park facilities often include play structures for children. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop," mentions Lee D. regarding Shawnee State Park. Most established campgrounds maintain designated play areas, though equipment quality varies considerably.
Tips from RVers
Site verification: Shawnee State Park Campground requires careful attention to site dimensions when booking. "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked," warns Brittany V. Site descriptions sometimes fail to accurately represent approach angles and pad lengths.
Dump station accessibility: Most primitive campgrounds lack onsite waste disposal. "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," notes Nathan S. regarding Big Run. Planning dump schedules accordingly prevents inconvenient backtracking.
Electrical options: Check amperage availability before arrival. "There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site," explains Danielle S. about Shawnee's loop D. Many sites offer variable electrical connections, with full hookups concentrated in specific camping sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Clearville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Clearville, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Clearville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Clearville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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