Horse camping near Crooked Creek Lake, Pennsylvania is limited, with no facilities specifically offering horse corrals or equestrian camping in the immediate area. Riders planning horse camping trips in this region will find that the three main campgrounds have varying amenities that may accommodate visitors with horses, but none specifically advertise horse-related facilities. Big Country Campground in Brookville permits pets and offers accommodations for RVs with thirty-amp hookups and sewer connections, though without dedicated equestrian facilities. This campground remains open from April 15 to December 15 and provides full-service campsites with electric, water, and sewer hookups.
Trail access for riders near Crooked Creek Lake includes surrounding public lands that permit horseback riding, though specific equestrian trails are limited. Moraine State Park, located approximately 30 miles from Crooked Creek Lake, offers group camping areas and cabins, but no individual campsites for recreational vehicles or tents. The park features extensive trail systems, though riders should verify which trails permit horses before planning trips. Danner Primitive Campground provides free primitive camping with toilets and access to spring water, but requires hiking or paddling to reach the sites. Horse owners planning camping trips to this region should contact campgrounds directly about accommodating horses, as specific equestrian amenities are not prominently featured at any of the listed facilities.
"It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit."
"In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking"
"The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."
$20 - $30 / night
"Lots of activities, tons of nearby attractions, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Great store and owners, a nice place to visit."
ScoutI have been camping at Moraine State Park since I was 5 years old (so about 14 years). While I was in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts we used the 5 Points Group Camping Area a lot. It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit.
RangerI have not yet camped here but passed it on my hike the other day and knew I hadn’t seen it in the Dyrt yet, so I wanted to add it for others. This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also. This is meant more to be a stop along a paddling or hiking trip than a destination camping trip - you must get a permit to stay more than one night. They are first come first serve. There are 8 sites spread out along the edge of the river, some being closer together than others. They are level and clear, each with a new picnic table and nice fire rings with adjustable grates. A few of the sites had stairs to the water for paddler access. The first 2 sites had wheelchair friendly picnic tables, so I'm not sure if you can arrange to be able to drive back for that situation or what other reason they would put them there. That's nice if the case, I'm just not sure as there is a gate locked at the trailhead that's only opened during hunting season. Plus there's no pavement or gravel down at the sites so I imagine it could be difficult to access. But something to investigate. There are vault toilets that were clean and well maintained, with hand sanitizer. There is a spring for water which says to boil before drinking. There is also a big display board with state forest info and maps. Another thing to note, while the travel in makes it feel very remote, there are cabins all along the opposite site of the river, including directly across from the campsites. This could be a positive or negative depending on your thoughts, I personally would like it because it would make me feel a little safer. All in all, it’s a nice little campground, in better shape than some of the regular bigger campgrounds I’ve seen.
RangerThis is a great place just of interstate 79. Been going there since I was a kid. In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking
TravelerMoraine is a really large state park with a huge lake, nice beaches, and tons of trails. The north country trail runs for over a dozen miles from end to end. This review is of the shelter sites, of which there is one, for backpacking along the trail. There are three shelters which are all very mouse infested. I believe this is because the site does not have a bear pole or bear box, so I think most people probably don't hang their food like they should and thus the mice move in to forage. Of the 3, the Hilltop shelter 2, which we stayed in is the nicest and private. There is a rustic vault toilet but no water at the site. I asked the lady at the park office if there was water nearby and she said yes, just hike down to the access road and over to the group tenting site to fillup. I'll tell you, this is not close - easily a 2-3 mile round trip.
GuideMoraine is a great park, but camping here is limited. As I understand it, this park was created so that Pittsburghers would have a place to go sailing--so camping has never been its primary draw. But it's a scenic park that has a beautiful, meandering lake with lots of coves and estuaries. There are bike trails and hiking trails all throughout, plus a bike rental shop, and two swimming beaches. The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) has an Adirondack shelter and small tenting area within the park that's reserved for backpackers. But what's to say you're not just a one-day backpacker, doing a small portion of the trail, who needs a place to spend the night? You could hike into the backpacking campground known as the Link Road Overnight Shelter and set up your tent. It would have to be primitive camping; there are no facilities of any kind. The only other way to camp at Moraine is to reserve one of the two rustic group tenting areas--which are actually very pleasant despite the absence of showers. In order to see if your group qualifies to use the group tenting area, go to this website.
TravelerLots of activities, tons of nearby attractions, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Great store and owners, a nice place to visit.
Traveler"Camping is prohibited in the park." (That is directly off the DCNR website.)
I am not reviewing Moraine State Park (which is awesome). I am reviewing the CAMPING options at Moraine State Park. Which brings me back to the DNCR website. It says "No Camping" and "Camping is prohibited in the park. Private campgrounds nearby offer camping."
It DOES list cabins, group tenting, and a backpacking shelter, which is available by reservation only.
But this park is not where somebody looking for CAMPING would want to be.
Scout
ScoutI loved this place! We stayed at a group tent camping site. It was very quiet and secluded feeling, yet not far from the restrooms, bike trail, water/fishing area. Looking forward to going back and getting to explore more!
Camping options near Crooked Creek Lake, Pennsylvania include primitive and established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region's rolling Appalachian foothills create varied terrain with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with higher humidity levels and frequent afternoon thunderstorms that campers should prepare for.
Biking on dedicated trails: Moraine State Park features extensive bike trails and rental facilities. "Moraine State Park is beautiful... It's right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake," notes Mitchel R., who has camped at the park's 5 Points Group Camping Area for years.
Paddling opportunities: The waterways around Crooked Creek Lake connect to multiple primitive camping options. "This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also," explains Casey L. about Danner Primitive Campground.
Multi-day hiking: The North Country National Scenic Trail runs through the region, with designated backpacking accommodations. "The north country trail runs for over a dozen miles from end to end. This review is of the shelter sites, of which there is one, for backpacking along the trail," states Matt R. about the trail through Moraine State Park.
Private group sites: The secluded nature of group camping areas provides a quieter experience. "It was very quiet and secluded feeling, yet not far from the restrooms, bike trail, water/fishing area," describes Alice M. about her stay at Moraine State Park's group tent camping area.
Multiple water activities: Lakes in the area support various water recreation. "Kayaking/Canoeing, Motor boating 15hp or less, Sailboats... Great Fishing Spots, Swimming Area," lists Mitchel R. about the activities available at Moraine State Park.
Accessible spring water: Some primitive sites offer natural water sources. "There is a spring for water which says to boil before drinking. There is also a big display board with state forest info and maps," notes Casey L. regarding the amenities at Danner Primitive Campground.
Limited traditional camping: Despite the area's natural attractions, standard camping options are restricted. "Moraine State Park doesn't allow camping within the park and there is no campground affiliated with park. The one exception is along the North Country Trail, there are 2 rustic shelters that must be reserved through the park office," explains Greg K.
Equestrian-friendly alternatives: While dedicated horse campgrounds near Crooked Creek Lake are scarce, Big Country Campground in Brookville offers pet-friendly spaces with full hookups that may accommodate horses by arrangement. Open from April 15 to December 15, this location serves as a base for visiting nearby equestrian trails.
Primitive site permits: Free camping options require permits for extended stays. "This is meant more to be a stop along a paddling or hiking trip than a destination camping trip - you must get a permit to stay more than one night. They are first come first serve," advises Casey L. about Danner Primitive Campground.
Mouse awareness at shelters: Take precautions with food storage at backpacking sites. "There are three shelters which are all very mouse infested. I believe this is because the site does not have a bear pole or bear box, so I think most people probably don't hang their food like they should," warns Matt R. about Moraine State Park's backpacking shelters.
Water access planning: Factor in distance to water sources when camping with children. "I asked the lady at the park office if there was water nearby and she said yes, just hike down to the access road and over to the group tenting site to fillup. I'll tell you, this is not close - easily a 2-3 mile round trip," cautions Matt R. about the Hilltop shelter at Moraine State Park.
Family-centered activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreation. "Lots of activities, tons of nearby attractions, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Great store and owners, a nice place to visit," recommends Michael L. regarding the family-friendly environment at Big Country Campground.
RV site availability: RV camping near Crooked Creek Lake requires careful planning. "This is a great place just of interstate 79. Been going there since I was a kid... This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking," says Jim L. about Moraine State Park, though noting it lacks RV sites.
Hookup considerations: When traveling with horses and RVs near Crooked Creek Lake, private campgrounds offer the best amenities. Big Country Campground provides thirty-amp hookups and sewer connections for RVs, though without specific equestrian facilities.
Seasonal planning: The best time for RV camping in the area falls between April and October when most campgrounds are fully operational and trails are accessible. Winter seasons may find limited facility access and closed campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crooked Creek Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crooked Creek Lake is Group Camping and Cabins — Moraine State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crooked Creek Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Crooked Creek Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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