Equestrian camping near Dornsife, Pennsylvania offers several options within a 50-mile radius of this central Susquehanna Valley location. Located at approximately 650 feet elevation in Northumberland County, the region features rolling hills transitioning to steeper mountain terrain to the east. The area's mixture of state forests and private campgrounds provides varied terrain for trail riding, with many sites open from April through October due to the region's cold winter climate.
What to do
Explore local hiking trails: At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, campers can access numerous trails of varying difficulty. "The trails are awesome and the swimming pool is great for the kids in the summer!" notes Kelly M. This park offers both water recreation and land-based activities within a short drive from Dornsife.
Fishing opportunities: The region's waterways provide excellent fishing spots for anglers. "The lake is awesome to relax on, fishing, boating, swimming in the pool, tons of hiking trails, lots of history, never fails to be a great time!!" says Lisa L. about Little Buffalo State Park. Most campgrounds with water access allow fishing, though you'll need a Pennsylvania fishing license.
Historic site exploration: Local parks often include historical attractions. Brandon C. mentions that Little Buffalo has "tons of fishing" while others note the historic mill on-site that demonstrates grinding corn. These educational opportunities make for good day trips when taking breaks from riding trails.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Colonel Denning State Park Campground. "We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head," shares Casey L. The park's layout provides good separation between campsites, giving horse owners space to set up proper camp.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the cleanliness of bathhouses and grounds. "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," says Casey L. about Colonel Denning. Clean bathroom facilities are particularly important for longer horse camping trips.
Scenic views: Starlite Camping Resort receives praise for its panoramic vistas. One reviewer mentions "the best view we have seen" while Chris G. notes "a great view of the surrounding countryside because it's up on a big hill." These elevated viewpoints can provide good orientation for planning riding routes.
What you should know
Limited dedicated horse facilities: True equestrian camping with built-in corrals or paddocks is limited in the immediate Dornsife area. Most horse-friendly sites require bringing portable corrals or high-lines for securing horses overnight.
Terrain considerations: Some campgrounds feature challenging terrain. Chris G. warns about Starlite: "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills." This is particularly important when towing horse trailers to camping locations.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Ferryboat Campsites runs "from April to end of October" according to their listing. Melissa notes, "We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water," highlighting the importance of checking amenities that matter to your group.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly water features: Campgrounds with swimming areas provide entertainment after riding. "There is the typical camp store, and in addition there is the icecream store next to the river," notes Avery M. about Ferryboat Campsites, making it suitable for mixed family groups with riders and non-riders.
Choose sites with accessibility to bathrooms: When traveling with children, proximity to facilities matters. At Colonel Denning, "If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms," advises Casey L., information particularly useful for families with younger children.
Consider activity variety: Tuscarora State Park Campground offers multiple recreation options. "Beautiful lake, great hiking and interesting historical sites," writes Chelsea K., adding that "the historical mill was well worth the trip." These additional activities keep non-riding family members entertained.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers should prepare for varied terrain. At Starlite Camping Resort, Craig F. reports, "the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," despite the overall hilly nature of the grounds.
Hook-up variations: Check specific campground utilities before booking. "We had two sites this trip with water and electric, but they do have quite a few full hook-up sites," shares Craig F. about Starlite, information critical for RVers bringing horses who need reliable water access.
Site spacing: Unlike many private campgrounds, Starlite provides good separation. Craig F. notes, "Too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors, but at Starlight, the sites felt very secluded." This spacing is valuable when camping with horses that need additional room.
