k
keith R.
Scout
ScoutStony Fork Creek Campground
Great location
Second trip here. Everything you need. Peaceful, large open areas with sites in sun and shade nestled in small valley surrounded by forest,
Equestrian Camping near Driftwood, PA
16 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Dark Hollow Equestrian Campground and Gaswell Equestrian Campground in Elk State Forest offer established camping areas specifically designed for visitors with horses. Both campgrounds provide toilet facilities and fire rings in designated sites where pets are welcome. Trail access directly connects riders to the extensive trail system throughout Elk State Forest. Sites accommodate standard horse trailers with adequate parking space for vehicles and equipment. The campgrounds maintain a rustic atmosphere with basic amenities rather than full-service facilities.
Located approximately 45 minutes from Driftwood, the Horsey Hilton Equestrian Campground in Susquehannock State Forest provides another option for riders seeking forest camping experiences. The drive-in access accommodates horse trailers and camping vehicles on maintained forest roads. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with designated areas for securing horses. Reservations are required for all equestrian camping sites in Pennsylvania state forests. Water access for horses exists at certain locations along trails, though campers should verify seasonal availability. The natural forest setting offers miles of riding opportunities with minimal development, creating a genuine backcountry experience for horse enthusiasts.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Driftwood (21)
1. Black Moshannon State Park Campground
"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. "
56 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $87 / night
2. Lyman Run State Park Campground
"The surrounding area is loaded with things to do as well if you feel like venturing out. Cherry Springs Dark Park is just up the road but the view from our tent was just as good."
"Our trip was for astrophotography purposes, and Lyman Run is only a 10 minute drive away from the Cherry Springs viewing area. Totally worth it!"
14 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $24 - $33 / night
3. Snow Shoe Sites — Sproul State Forest
"A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
4. Yellowsnake Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
5. Dark Hollow Equestrian Campground — Elk State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
6. Gaswell Equestrian Campground — Elk State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
7. Cooks Run Rd Sites — Sproul State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
8. Stony Fork Creek Campground
"Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers."
"Stony Fork Creek is beautiful and offers nearby hiking trails, a lake, and activities."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $45 / night
9. Horsey Hilton Equestrian Campground — Susquehannock State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
10. Kelly Pines Campground
"This equestrian campground also has 2 non-equestrian sites, one which is reservable. There is no potable water but there is a river and a non-potable pump."
"There is a hiking trail that follows the river around the campsite. There are free showers and potable water stations."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 14 min from State College, PA
- 1 hr 26 min from Williamsport, PA
- 1 hr 29 min from Altoona, PA
- 2 hrs 12 min from Johnstown, PA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Driftwood, PA
60 Reviews of 21 Driftwood Campgrounds
- A
Adam O.
TravelerLyman Run State Park Campground
Nice State campground.
They have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
michael R.
GuideSnow Shoe Sites — Sproul State Forest
SS007
Site SS007 sits roughly two miles off pavement along a fairly rough access road. A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions.
The location offers excellent views of the Susquehanna River and exceptionally clear night skies with strong stargazing opportunities. There was no existing fire ring on site, so we built one using nearby stones. The site does not include a picnic table or other amenities, making it a primative experience.
Cell service was limited but usable, averaging about one bar with AT&T and two bars with T-Mobile.
Overall, it is a quiet, scenic roadside site best suited for campers comfortable with minimal facilities and no other people around.
Graham S.TravelerBlack Moshannon State Park Campground
Great campground at a beautiful park
Ive camped at Black Moshannon State Park many times both in a tent and our camper. The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean. The bathhouses are nice and well maintained. The Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing. Hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc. I've never had a bad time at Black Moshannon and will keep coming back.
Dana M.GuideLyman Run State Park Campground
Quiet, Quaint and Clean!
We love the lower loop! We were there on a Monday night and there were 4 sites occupied on our loop. Great stars. Clean bathrooms!
- SSteveGuide
Black Moshannon State Park Campground
Beautiful spot
In the middle of the woods vibe. The sites had good privacy and it was just a pretty area. Neighbors were respectful and relatively quiet.. There was zero cell service at this campground. Bathrooms were clean.
Greg W.TravelerStony Fork Creek Campground
Great experience
We arrived on Saturday and departed the following Friday. The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times. Plenty of space to spread out and walk. All of the roads were paved and sites were very large.
- MJ B.Guide
Stony Fork Creek Campground
Good Camping Option to the Grand Canyon of PA
Stayed at this campsite, taking our pop-up camper on its maiden voyage to the Grand Canyon of PA. Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers. My husband does not like staying in crowded campgrounds with people surrounding you and up all night screaming and singing. We go camping to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Not to listen to people pretending to relive their college days....lol. Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level. The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals. We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park. We had no issues here and would recommend.
Joni P.GuideBlack Moshannon State Park Campground
Beautiful and well appointed park
Getting 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.
Guide to Driftwood
Equestrian camping near Driftwood, Pennsylvania ranges from 1,700 to 2,400 feet in elevation across the region's state forests. The Pennsylvania Wilds area receives approximately 42 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forest conditions that support diverse wildlife including the state's largest elk herd. Trail systems throughout Elk, Susquehannock, and Moshannon State Forests connect to designated camping areas with varying levels of accessibility depending on seasonal conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several trails near Black Moshannon State Park Campground offer wildlife observation points. "Super place for the family and everyone... The lake has lots to offer. Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing," notes camper Denise D.
Stargazing expeditions: The region contains Pennsylvania's premier dark sky viewing locations. At Lyman Run State Park Campground, campers can take advantage of minimal light pollution. "It's nestled within the gold level dark sky area. This means on a clear night and with a waning or new moon, one could see the arm of the Milky Way with millions of stars," reports Bill G.
Trail riding networks: Forest roads and trails connect multiple equestrian-friendly areas allowing for extended rides. Pennsylvania state forests maintain over 200 miles of bridle trails with designated watering points. Water access varies seasonally with some streams drying during summer months.
What campers like
Lakeside activities: The natural water features at state parks provide recreational options beyond trail riding. "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding," writes Matthew U. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Access to multiple recreation areas: The strategic location enables visits to several destinations. "We were able to use Lyman Run State Park Campground as a way station as we visited Kinzua, the PA Grand Canyon, and other sites in the PA Woods area. There's even a chance to watch elk nearby," explains Bill G.
Rustic camping atmosphere: The state forest campgrounds maintain minimal development. At Kelly Pines Campground, "Traditional camp sites have space for multiple tents and 2 cars. Each has a picnic table and a fire pit with moveable cooking surface," reports Debra D.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: All equestrian camping sites in Pennsylvania state forests require advance booking through the state reservation system. Sites can fill quickly during peak riding seasons (May-October).
Limited connectivity: Cell service is virtually non-existent in most areas. "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for," notes Brandon W. about Stony Fork Creek Campground.
Water planning: Bring containers for horse water between designated access points. Most equestrian sites have non-potable water pumps for livestock use but these may be seasonal.
Trailer size limitations: Forest roads leading to equestrian sites have width and clearance restrictions. Standard horse trailers (up to 30 feet) can access most locations, but larger living-quarter trailers may encounter difficulties on some forest roads.
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra supplies: The remote location requires thorough preparation. "There is no potable water but there is a river and a non-potable pump. There is a permanent toilet usually stocked with TP. Carry out all garbage," advises Debra D. about Kelly Pines Campground.
Educational opportunities: State forests offer learning experiences about wildlife habitat and conservation. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," mentions Lisa L. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Consider day trips: Many attractions require driving from camp. "We visited the PA grand canyon while we were there as well as the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA," reports Jean T. about Stony Fork Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Navigational challenges: Forest roads can present difficulties for larger vehicles. "Our only trouble was our GPS brought us in the most difficult way. We suggest avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road," advises Sandi G. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Site selection: Choose locations based on equipment needs. "Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level," notes MJ B. about Stony Fork Creek Campground.
Seasonal timing: Plan visits during shoulder seasons for less crowded conditions. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early. It has sites to accommodate any R.V. and lot of tent sites," recommends Denise D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Driftwood, PA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Driftwood, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Driftwood, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Driftwood, PA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Driftwood, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Driftwood, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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