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North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest offers primitive camping sites for horse owners in central Pennsylvania. This dedicated equestrian campground provides essential accommodations for trail riders with horses, though amenities are limited. Sites feature picnic tables and fire rings, with reservations required. The area permits pets alongside horses and provides some electric hookups and water access. Campground sites at Shawnee State Park near Entriken sometimes reek of horse manure, indicating regular equestrian use despite not having dedicated horse corrals according to visitor reports.
The trails surrounding North Run Equine Camping Area connect riders to extensive backcountry routes through Moshannon State Forest. Horse owners can access miles of trails directly from their campsites, making this location practical for multi-day riding adventures. While facilities are basic, the emphasis remains on trail access rather than amenities. The primitive nature of these sites suits experienced horse campers prepared for self-sufficient trips. Trailer parking is available, though space may be limited during peak seasons. Riders should bring their own water supplies and equipment for securing horses overnight as no permanent corrals are provided. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays when equestrian groups frequently utilize the 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."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $20 - $87 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
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Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / night
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TravelerCampground 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. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood. Hiking loop around lake is beautiful. Jean bonnet tavern nearby recommended for a great meal in a historic setting.
TravelerSome reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information. Despite their proximity, Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks are NOT considered State Forest land, and have completely different amenities, availability, and regulations.
Michaux State Forest sites fall in to 4 categories:
1. Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving
2. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round
3. Primitive backpacking sites, open year-round (no permit required, should be at least 1 mi from a trailhead, and only 1 night per site allowed)
4. Primitive Cabins, which are on State Forest land but are managed by and booked through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
None of the sites available in Michaux have:
-electric or water hookups. If you used/saw one, you were in a State Park, not Forest.
-drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)
-restrooms (a very small number of sites have outhouses within 1/4 mi or so, but don't count on it)
All designated sites have some sort of fire ring, whether stones or metal.
Some, but not all, designated sites have picnic tables.
Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars.
Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high.
Alcohol is permitted, except in picnic areas.
Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available.
Pets are allowed as long as they are under control at all times and are not disturbing others. If your dog's recall is anything but perfect, they haven't earned the privilege. Use a leash or long line; remember that if your out-of-control dog gets into a fight with an aggressive but leashed dog, the fault is yours. It's not worth two sets of vet bills.
This is my go-to local place for camping and hiking alike. Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same. Like much of the state, it's a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections.
TravelerI had made plans to stay at SSP-PA as my first stopover spot, post leaving my beach friends on the East Coast. 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. Shawnee is a lovely state park and I was really pleased with my brief stay. 'Though we were only sleeping the one night, I found the staff to be pleasant and the site spacious. It might have helped that the doggo and I were about the only ones in our campground loop, aside from the campground hosts but the area felt well-maintained and well-proportioned. We had a good night's rest, after enjoying a post-dinner campfire and getting to breathe in the fresh, woodsy air. While sitting fireside, I got to enjoy the local wildlife, from birds to young deer, around the edges of my campsite. The campground restroom was clean and a fair size. I would definitely recommend it and I will certainly look into another reservation, the next time I roadtrip through Pennsylvania.
GuideShawnee State Park is about 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh, and it has pretty much everything: swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and fairly decent hiking. It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there. I was trekking on the very wild Mid-State Trail, nearby, when I opted for a night at the conventional campground in Shawnee. No regrets. I usually avoid car-camping because I don't want to listen to other people's classic rock in the woods. But this place was great. I came midweek, so I had the campground mostly to myself. The showers are hot and clean. The lake is beautiful with a nice swimming beach. The area around the park has all the scenic and historic attractions of central PA: covered bridges, big stone farmhouses, quaint towns. My only complaint is that the PA Turnpike screams a little too close by. Also, the sites are pretty close together, so be sure to look at a campground map beforehand to reserve one of the more isolated ones.
LegendGeneral: 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.
RangerWe stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted. Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out. There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site. The fire ring is at an angle so cooking on it proved to be a challenge (we bring a grill grate with us just in case, and had to use it). Bathroom and showers were clean, bright, and there is a dish washing sink outside. Showers were push button but pressure was great and the water was hot (make sure you push the button once before you get in so its warm if no one else is showering at that time). Bring shower shoes. We were able to hear a small bit of traffic from the highway, but nothing that disturbed us. There are several stores within a 20 minute drive (Walmart, etc) and a mall an hour away. Camp wood at the entrance is $5 and is tiny; our biggest piece was a foot long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick! It was okay to start a fire, but we went into the woods and picked up dead wood that we cut into manageable logs. There weren't any roadside stacks of seasoned wood, so be prepared if it rains. The picnic table was saturated and too heavy to move, so we ate sitting in camp chairs. We would stay again.
RangerAmazing!!! Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites. If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms. Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!! Wide open area to swim that was very clean and well kept. Hope to revisit soon!
LegendWe 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.
LegendGeneral: 73-site campground; most have electric hookups, and some are FHU. Pets are only permitted at selected sites. There are also 20 (13 rustic and 6 modern) cabins. Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent (Verizon).
Site Quality: Pads are gravel and most appeared to be level. Site 70 was at the end of the loop which is why we picked it. A picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook complete each site.
Bathhouse: As has been our experience in all PA state parks, the bathhouse was pristine, and the shower (for no additional cost) was clean with plentiful hot water and was very much appreciated.
Activities/Amenities: Coin-operated laundry. A playground is in the campground and there is an additional one at the swimming beach. The swimming beach is open from mid-May to mid-September, from 8 am– sunset. Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season. Permits are required. 24 miles of hiking trails, including two trails directly from the campground to the lake. In the summer, there is a camper store/concession stand. Hunting is allowed in season. There are 4.3 miles of mountain biking trails.
I used to think Oregon State Parks were the best, but Pennsylvania State Parks have them beat by a mile. We have yet to be disappointed by the amenities(especially the clean bathrooms) offered at the half-dozen state parks we have visited so far.
Equestrian camping near Entriken, Pennsylvania offers riders direct access to extensive trail networks through forested mountain terrain. The area sits within the Allegheny Mountain region at elevations ranging from 1,100-2,300 feet, creating varied terrain for horse and rider. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs typically reaching 75-85°F.
Trail riding at Moshannon State Forest: Experienced riders can access miles of backcountry trails from North Run Equine Camping Area in central Pennsylvania. The forest contains interconnected trail systems suitable for day rides or longer excursions.
Hiking with panoramic views: The 6-mile round-trip Flat Rock Trail at Colonel Denning State Park offers a challenging 1,200-foot climb to a spectacular overlook. "A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views," writes Nate & Erika L.
Winter camping for adventurous riders: Some forest roads remain accessible during winter months, though preparation is essential. "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. It's you can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations," notes John S. about Michaux State Forest.
Secluded camping spots: Remote sites provide privacy for horse owners and their animals. At Rothrock Roadside Campsites, "The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road," explains Scott I., who stayed at site 002 Colerain Road.
Clean facilities: Riders appreciate well-maintained bathroom facilities after trail rides. "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," reports Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park Campground.
Water access for horses: Streams and water sources near campsites allow for watering horses without long treks. "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day!" mentions Casey L. about Colonel Denning, which similarly accommodates horses at certain sites.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campsites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. For Shawnee State Park Campground, "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!" reports Brittany V.
Site limitations for larger trailers: Horse trailer parking can be challenging at some campgrounds without dedicated equestrian areas. "While the area is beautiful, we were not impressed with the campground. We have a small 19" travel trailer which was almost impossible to park due to very tight sites," notes Shirley M. about Colonel Denning State Park.
Seasonal water availability: Some primitive equestrian sites lack year-round water sources. For Michaux State Forest, Bridget D. explains, "None of the sites available in Michaux have drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)."
Beach and lake access: Families with children can combine horse camping with swimming opportunities. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," writes Casey S. about Shawnee State Park.
Educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities suitable for younger riders. "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods," reports Nate & Erika L. from Colonel Denning.
Multi-use facilities: Parks with both equestrian trails and family amenities offer something for everyone. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground," notes Lee D. about Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose pull-through sites when possible for easier maneuvering with horse trailers. "My wife and I stayed for two nights at this campground and enjoyed it greatly. We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up," shares Gerard about Shawnee State Park.
Electric requirements: Check amperage availability when booking if you need power for horse-related equipment. "There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site," notes Danielle S. about Shawnee State Park's site 258.
Maneuverability considerations: Forest roads to equestrian campsites may present challenges. "Appalachian mountain range, not bad with 4wheel drive. Stayed first at camp, moved to atv parking. Very remote and atvs in and out," cautions Carolyn K. about accessing Michaux State Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Entriken, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Entriken, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Entriken, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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