14 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several horse-friendly campground options exist near Frenchville, Pennsylvania. North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest provides sites for equestrians and their horses, located in Penfield approximately 20 minutes from Frenchville. The campground features reservable sites with picnic tables and fire rings where pets are allowed. While no horse corrals are listed in the facilities, the equestrian-specific designation indicates accommodation for horses and trailers. Sites at Black Moshannon State Park, though not specifically designated as equestrian, allow pets in selected areas and offer spacious campsites with trailer parking.
Two additional equestrian campgrounds are available within driving distance. Dark Hollow Equestrian Campground in Elk State Forest (Emporium) and Gaswell Equestrian Campground also in Elk State Forest offer primitive camping with toilets but no showers. Both campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables and are pet-friendly. Trail access from these equestrian campgrounds connects riders to extensive forest trail systems. Horse owners should note that drinking water is not available at the equestrian-designated sites, so bringing water for horses is necessary. The spacious sites accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers with ample room for setting up temporary containment systems. Most equestrian campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during peak summer and fall seasons when foliage viewing attracts more visitors.
"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. "
Available this weekend
from $20 - $87 / night
"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."
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"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!"
Available this weekend
from $20 - $29 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
"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."
from $15 - $30 / night
TravelerThey 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.
GuideSite 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.
TravelerIve 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.
GuideWe love the lower loop! We were there on a Monday night and there were 4 sites occupied on our loop. Great stars. Clean bathrooms!
TravelerFirst 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.
GuideIn 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.
GuideGetting 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.
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.
ScoutThe site and facilities were very well kept and clean. The night we arrived there was several other campers but cleared out for the weekend so we basically got the whole lower camp ground to ourselves which was great. Sites are well spaced so you don’t feel like it’s crowded. Would definitely visit again!
Black Moshannon State Park and the surrounding state forests near Frenchville, Pennsylvania offer extensive equestrian camping options with trail access to forest systems at elevations between 1,600 and 2,300 feet. The Pennsylvania Wilds region features over 500 miles of horseback riding trails connecting multiple equestrian-friendly campgrounds. The area's mixed hardwood forests and mountain terrain create varied trail conditions suitable for different riding skill levels.
Trail riding through state forests: The Moshannon State Forest trail system connects to North Run Equine Camping Area, providing riders with multiple loop options ranging from 2 to 12 miles. The forest features moderate elevation changes and well-maintained bridle paths.
Stargazing from campsites: Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "Super place for the family and everyone... Wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing," notes camper Denise D. The park's higher elevation and minimal light pollution create optimal conditions.
Waterfront activities: The dark-water lake at Black Moshannon provides unusual paddling experiences. "Nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," reports Clay P. Shoreline fishing for bass and panfish is productive in spring and fall.
Spacious sites for horse trailers: Dark Hollow Equestrian Campground in Elk State Forest features extra-wide parking areas designed specifically for trucks with horse trailers. The primitive sites include sturdy hitching posts and space for portable corrals.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a standout feature. "Bathhouse was very clean. Had a good time fishing at the lake and stopping for ice cream at the beach shop is a must!" shares Michelle L. about Lyman Run State Park Campground.
Peaceful atmosphere: The remote location ensures quiet camping experiences. "Very peaceful and well maintained, plan to go back again for sure! The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc.," writes Lisa L. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Terrain considerations: Forest roads accessing some equestrian sites involve moderate grades and turns. Approach routes may be challenging during wet conditions, particularly at Gaswell Equestrian Campground where clay-based access roads can become slippery.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites require advance booking, especially during fall foliage season when demand peaks. Campgrounds like Snow Shoe Sites in Sproul State Forest fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays.
Water availability: No horse-specific campgrounds provide drinking water for animals. Riders must transport water for horses at all equestrian sites, with the nearest refill stations typically located at state park facilities 5-15 miles away.
Limited services: "It's a beautiful place to visit. Has some good fishing hiking camping. Great area to take long drives," says Danielle W. about Lyman Run, but notes services are minimal. Cell service is unreliable at most sites, and supply stores require significant travel from campgrounds.
Lake activities: "The lake has lots to offer. Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing," reports Denise D. about Black Moshannon's water recreation options suitable for various ages.
Educational opportunities: Rothrock Roadside Campsites offer access to environmental programs. "Nice spot to camp in the mountains," writes Scott I., adding that the private overlook provides excellent wildlife viewing for children.
Site selection: For family camping near equestrian areas, choose sites with buffer zones. "The sites are situated nicely, your neighbors are not 'right there'," advises Sandi G. This spacing helps reduce conflicts between horse camping areas and family campers.
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations create cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, even in summer. "Despite the cold wet weather this trip, we had a wonderful weekend!" shares James B. about Black Moshannon, highlighting the need for extra layers year-round.
Navigation challenges: GPS directions to horse campgrounds often lead through difficult routes. "Our only trouble was our GPS brought us in the most difficult way. We suggest avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road," warns Sandi G. about approaches to the area.
Site leveling: Most equestrian sites require significant leveling for RVs. "Sites are clean and spacious, bath house is very well kept," notes Lisa L., but RVers should bring extra leveling blocks for the uneven terrain common at horse-friendly campsites.
Limited hookups: While some sites offer electrical connections, water and sewer hookups are rare at equestrian-specific campgrounds. The trade-off is worth it for trail access, according to regular visitors to horse campgrounds near Frenchville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Frenchville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Frenchville, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Frenchville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Frenchville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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