13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Michaux State Forest provides equestrian camping at designated motorized parking lot sites, which double as horse camping areas. The Teaberry site includes several hitching posts and a two-step mounting block for riders. Horses are permitted in specific areas of the forest where motorized camping is allowed. The campground frequently carries the distinct scent of horse manure throughout the grounds. Campers should be aware that while tethering horses is allowed at designated sites, no formal corrals or stables are available. A free online permit is required for all motorized sites, with availability from April through the third Sunday after Thanksgiving, while designated parking lot sites remain open year-round.
Trail riders have direct access to forest paths from the Teaberry parking area in Michaux State Forest. The forest sits at the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering miles of mixed deciduous and coniferous forest trails suitable for equestrian use. Primitive backpacking sites throughout the forest do not require permits but must be located at least one mile from any trailhead. Campground reviews note the heavy presence of horses affects the camping environment, particularly regarding odor. Water for horses must be brought in or sourced from natural springs and creeks, which require treatment before use. The forest's horse camping regulations allow alcohol consumption except in designated picnic areas, and fires are prohibited from March 1 to May 25 and during high fire danger periods.
"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"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"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"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 you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $92 / 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
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / 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.
GuideThis was our third stay here on our somewhat annual family meetup in Gettysburg. 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. The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning. One of the drawbacks of this campground is that a lot of the trees are black walnut trees and the squirrels do not shy away from dropping the walnuts like bombs on your head, car, or table when you're preparing breakfast.
Gear Review: I won a pair of Treadagain sandals for one of my last campground reviews and this was the first camping trip that I took with them. When I initially bought them, they gave me an abrasion cut and I contemplated sending them back, but after wearing them more, they became more comfortable and I have found them to be ideal for walking around in all day since they have thick bottoms.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Camping sites near Fairview, Pennsylvania range from established state parks with full amenities to primitive backcountry locations in state forests. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, the region features rolling hills, mature forests, and abundant waterways. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing with significant snowfall, while summer brings mild temperatures between 60-80°F.
Hiking and trail access: Michaux State Forest offers extensive trail networks suitable for day hikes or backpacking. "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail... Water is easily found and views like Sunset Rocks are simply gorgeous," notes reviewer John S.
Water recreation: Shawnee State Park Campground features a lake with multiple activities. "Shawnee State Park is about 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh, and it has pretty much everything: swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and fairly decent hiking," reports Brian S. The park maintains a swimming beach and boat rental facilities.
Historical exploration: Camp near significant historical sites like Gettysburg. "Gettysburg is a place that I could spend days in and learn all its history. The campgrounds were easy to find and had plenty of room," writes Nick P. The battlefield areas offer interpretive programs throughout summer months.
Equestrian camping options: For travelers with horses, Teaberry Parking Area Campsites in Michaux State Forest accommodates equestrian camping. "Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available," notes Bridget D. These sites serve dual purposes for both motorized and horse camping.
Lakefront access: Campers consistently mention the appeal of waterfront sites. "The tent sites have numerous walnut trees, so there's a bit of a hazard there when walking around trying to dodge the falling nuts," writes Dave G. about Gettysburg Campground, where tent camping areas border a creek.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouse conditions. At Colonel Denning State Park Campground, Casey L. reports "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn N. notes at Little Buffalo State Park Campground, "Wildlife is everywhere and there is even an eagle nest in the park and you can see the pair and often their young." Early morning hours provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
Quiet camping environment: State forest primitive sites offer solitude. "I went in late fall and was the only camper at the area I stayed in," writes Jen S. about Michaux State Forest. These dispersed sites require a free permit available through the State Forest District Office.
Seasonal restrictions: State forest sites have specific season limitations. "Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving," explains Bridget D. regarding Michaux State Forest regulations.
Site flooding concerns: Be aware of potential water issues at certain campgrounds. Jean T. warns about Gettysburg Campground: "This campground is a short drive from the battlefields and has nice enough sites, however being along the water there could be serious flooding. We had to evacuate after the first of our three night stay."
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fairview, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fairview, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fairview, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Fairview, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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