Nancy B.
Ranger
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
Equestrian Camping near Dysart, PA
6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest provides primitive camping for riders seeking direct trail access near Dysart, Pennsylvania. Located in Penfield, this drive-in campground accommodates horses with basic amenities. The campground features picnic tables and permits campfires, but does not offer horse corrals as standard facilities. The sites are reservable and pet-friendly, allowing campers to bring additional animals beyond their horses. The camping area connects directly to the extensive trail system throughout Moshannon State Forest, making it convenient for day rides. Fires are allowed at designated fire rings within the camping area.
The forest trail system provides diverse terrain for riders of all experience levels. Trails wind through dense woodland and connect to broader state forest paths. Riders should pack sufficient water for horses as drinking water is not provided at the camping area. The campground does not offer electric hookups, water hookups, or sanitary facilities for humans or horses. Campers must bring their own feed, water containers, and portable corrals or highlines if needed for overnight horse containment. Manure management requires campers to scatter or pack out waste according to Leave No Trace principles. The primitive nature of this camping area appeals to experienced horse campers who value direct trail access over amenities.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Dysart (7)
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. "
44 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $24 - $145 / night
2. 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."
105 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
3. 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
4. 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
5. North Run Equine Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
6. Yellowsnake Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
7. North Block — Tuscarora State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 19 min from Altoona, PA
- 44 min from Johnstown, PA
- 54 min from State College, PA
- 1 hr 56 min from Chambersburg, PA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Dysart, PA
55 Reviews of 7 Dysart Campgrounds
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- JJennifer R.
ScoutShawnee 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 Dysart
North Run Equine Camping Area provides essential facilities for horse owners seeking trail access in central Pennsylvania. Located in Moshannon State Forest near Penfield, this primitive camping area connects directly to forest trails suited for riders of various experience levels. The campground operates on a reservation basis and accommodates both horses and additional pets, with designated fire rings for campfires throughout the area.
What to do
Trail riding through Moshannon State Forest: The extensive trail network offers diverse terrain for riders exploring the forest. Unlike Black Moshannon State Park Campground where visitors note "hiking along the whole park," the North Run area focuses specifically on equestrian access with minimal amenities.
Visit nearby Black Moshannon State Park: The park features a distinctive lake that draws visitors for various water activities. "Great camping area stop a mountain...nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," mentions Clay P. about Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Explore fishing opportunities: The region offers several fishing locations within short driving distance. Matthew U. notes that Black Moshannon provides a "quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding" for those seeking water activities beyond horseback riding.
What campers like
Secluded forest setting: Horse campgrounds near Dysart, Pennsylvania provide quiet surroundings amid dense woodland. The Yellowsnake Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest offers a similar forest experience with primitive amenities for those seeking solitude.
Access to extensive trail systems: The direct connection to forest trails remains the primary attraction for equestrian campers. At Shawnee State Park Campground, Casey S. highlights that "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," showcasing the region's trail connectivity beyond equestrian use.
Pet-friendly accommodations: The ability to bring both horses and additional pets appeals to many visitors. Rothrock Roadside Campsites in Rothrock State Forest similarly welcomes pets while providing primitive camping options.
What you should know
Primitive facilities only: The equine camping area lacks water hookups, corrals, and sanitary facilities. Visitors must bring all necessary supplies for both horses and humans. At Yellowsnake Camping Area, similar primitive conditions apply, requiring self-sufficiency from campers.
Reservation requirements: Secure your spot in advance as availability may be limited during peak riding seasons. Danielle S. advises about regional camping: "We stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted," indicating the importance of planning ahead for holiday weekends.
Water management: No drinking water exists on site for horses or humans. Pack sufficient water or prepare to filter from natural sources if available. The local water has distinctive characteristics, as Travis S. notes about a nearby area: "The Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red."
Tips for camping with families
Pack additional entertainment: While horse activities dominate this campground, families should bring supplemental activities for children. At North Block in Tuscarora State Forest, similar primitive conditions mean families need self-contained entertainment options.
Plan day trips to nearby attractions: Consider excursions to neighboring parks with more amenities. James B. shares about nearby camping: "Despite the cold wet weather this trip, we had a wonderful weekend!" showing how proper planning can overcome challenging conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Dysart, PA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dysart, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dysart, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Dysart, PA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dysart, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Dysart, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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