11 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Multiple equestrian camping options exist near Duncannon, Pennsylvania. The campgrounds in this region permit horses but do not feature dedicated corrals or specialized equine facilities. Michaux State Forest allows free primitive camping with horses on designated sites throughout its extensive trail system. While these sites lack formal equine amenities, riders appreciate the direct access to forested riding paths. Little Buffalo State Park Campground allows pets but requires horses to remain in designated areas only. Ferryboat Campsites along the Susquehanna River offers primitive tent sites suitable for overnight stays with horses, though trailer parking is limited.
Trail access varies considerably between locations. The extensive network at Michaux State Forest connects to multiple wilderness areas and offers varied terrain for both novice and experienced riders. Permits are required for overnight stays with horses and must be obtained before arrival. Weather conditions significantly impact trail quality, with spring often bringing muddy sections that may be difficult for horses to navigate. Water access points for horses are limited at most campgrounds, so riders should plan to bring sufficient water supplies. Proper manure management is required at all facilities, with pack-in, pack-out policies strictly enforced at primitive sites.
"A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."
"The driving path is gravel with a steep hill at the end so if you can help it I would avoid sites 32,34,36 as they are VERY difficult to back into with larger rigs."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $151 / night
"With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild."
"Lots to do very close to water and many things to do in and around camp ground. Stayed for a few days would go back."
from $30 - $100 / night
"Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
"We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $38 / night
"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or ventureœ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"If youâre looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isnât it."
from $10 / night
"Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."
"Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail."
from $10 / night
"Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."
"The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
ScoutStaff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
LegendWe spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincolnâs Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.Â
WHAT I LIKED:Â
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenienceâjust 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.Â
The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character.Â
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.Â
WHAT I DIDNâT LIKE SO MUCH:Â
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the dayâbut it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here.Â
WOULD WE COME BACK?Â
ScoutFlat grounds, level campsites, nice pool, kids have tons of fun!
RangerGreat park, alittle close together than I like. I wish I had picked 1-12 sites by the creek, but I donât think I had much choice when I booked anyway. Bathrooms were clean. My site was more of an rv and I felt like I was at the neighbors for supper.
RangerBeautiful park, pool and lake. Great for boating and fishing, running or hiking and swimming. In may, it wasnât busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
GuideThe weather wasnât too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldnât be happier.
TravelerNice clean and open sites but we stayed in the 400 section which was separate from the main campground. Very easy check in. Did it online and just pulled up to the little shack they have and grabbed our packet. We didnât use the bathhouse but it was very clean. A little older and could probably use a little updating. The campground is only a mile and a half from town which was awesome and direct access to battlefield trails right there. The only complaint we had was the WiFi was awful. Maybe it was because of the section we were in but once the campground filled up it was useless.
Equestrian camping near Duncannon, Pennsylvania offers diverse terrain options within the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. The region sits at elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet, with most horse-friendly campgrounds located along river valleys or forest access points. Spring temperatures fluctuate significantly, with nighttime lows often dropping to the 30s even when daytime highs reach the 70s.
Trail riding at Colonel Denning State Park: The park features connections to longer forest trails suitable for day rides. "Amazing!!! Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites. Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!!" notes Casey L. at Colonel Denning State Park Campground.
Riverside trail access: Riders can access paths along the Susquehanna River with varying terrain difficulty. "We had a site right on next to the trail going to Stangler Farm. The whole campground was clean and well kept. The battefields are very close as well," reports Dave B. about Artillery Ridge Campground.
Historical trail exploration: Many horse-friendly trails connect to historical sites and battlefields. "If you're looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you," notes Jim G. about Gettysburg Campground.
Secluded forest camping: State forest camping provides more isolation for equestrian groups. "Michaux State Forest campgrounds have vault toilets and the sites are well-maintained. I went in late fall and was the only camper at the area I stayed in," shares Jen S. about Michaux State Forest.
Riverside paddock areas: Some campgrounds offer direct water access beneficial for cooling horses after rides. "Great spot. Nice creek with ducks. Close to battlefield," writes Jenny P. about Gettysburg Campground.
Site spacing: Horse-friendly campsites typically offer more room between neighbors. "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. 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," explains Craig F. about Starlite Camping Resort.
Permits required: Most state forest equestrian camping requires advance permits. "Camping is free in several areas throughout Michaux State Forest, BUT you usually need to have a camping permit and you can only stay in designated campsites," explains Jen S.
Site features vary widely: Confirm equestrian amenities before booking. "We had a water/electric site with almost no blocks needed. There is no internet, but we had good cell phone service," reports Craig F.
Seasonal closures affect horse camping: Many equestrian sites close during winter months. "Designated motorized sites require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving," explains Bridget D. about Michaux State Forest.
Stream access sites: Choose sites with water features for both horses and children. "Little buffalo has a lot to offer! The campsites are spacious. The bathrooms are clean. It is nice and dark at night! Little buffalo does offer a variety of activities," shares Amanda H. from Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Campground layouts: Select sites based on bathroom proximity when camping with children and horses. "If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms," notes Casey L.
Evening activities: Plan for limited nighttime entertainment options. "It's a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania," explains Craig F.
Access road considerations: Horse trailers face challenges on some campground approach roads. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," warns Chris G. about Ferryboat Campsites.
Hookup availability: Many equestrian sites lack full utilities for RVs with living quarters. "This is a small campground but worth going to. Very nice park and clean bath house," explains Dawn T.
Site leveling: Horse trailer parking areas often require additional stabilization. "The sites were very clean, no trash, and pretty level. The staff were very helpful," shares Greg W. about Artillery Ridge Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Duncannon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Duncannon, PA is Little Buffalo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Duncannon, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Duncannon, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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