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Big Run State Park Campground allows horses in a primitive camping environment along the creek. Located in Swanton, Maryland, the campground features tent sites with wide spacing between campsites and access to stream-side locations. The park provides pit toilets that are generally well-maintained, though no showers are available on-site. Pets are permitted throughout the campground. While no dedicated horse corrals are present, the spacious sites and natural setting accommodate equestrians who bring their own containment systems. The campground experiences minimal traffic and maintains a quiet atmosphere for visitors and their horses. Sites near the creek offer natural white noise that helps keep horses calm during overnight stays.
Trail access is available directly from the camping area, with connections to surrounding forest lands suitable for horseback riding. Water access from the stream provides natural watering opportunities for horses, though riders should bring their own drinking water as no hookups are available. The campground remains open year-round and accommodates various access types including drive-in and hike-in approaches. Nearby New Germany State Park, approximately 10 minutes away, offers water and dump station facilities that complement Big Run's primitive setup. Horse owners frequently mention the peaceful environment and lack of restrictions as major benefits. The large, open sites accommodate trailers without difficulty, making this location practical for weekend trail rides.
"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"The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
from $10 - $55 / night
Check Availability
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.
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.
ScoutThis is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds. The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks. Clean and well maintained. The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals
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.
ScoutThis is a nice park, close to home with a lake. We like to picnic and go fishing. There are nice trails, volleyball areas, and playgrounds.
TravelerYou have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. Frankly, the bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream. Mosquitos are something of an issue, but by no means awful; and it is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek. It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking.
Big Run State Park Campground provides primitive horse camping along a scenic creek in western Maryland. Located within the Savage River State Forest area, this rustic campground maintains substantial spacing between sites, with several positioned directly adjacent to flowing water. The area sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the Appalachian Mountains, creating cool overnight temperatures even during summer months. Creek access points are shallow enough for horses to drink safely.
Trail riding access: Riders can access multiple forest trails directly from Big Run State Park Campground, with routes that connect to the broader Savage River State Forest system. "This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream," notes Katie H.
Fishing opportunities: The creek running through the campground contains native trout populations accessible for catch-and-release fishing. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," reports Nathan S., highlighting the water quality and ecosystem health.
Water activities: The nearby Savage River Reservoir provides flatwater paddling options for campers. According to Mark K., "It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking." Boat rentals are available seasonally at a nearby camp store.
Creek-side campsites: The sound of running water provides natural white noise for both campers and horses. Zoe H. mentioned, "beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!"
Site spacing: The campground layout offers substantial privacy between campsites. "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful," reports Aakansha J., though she cautions about mosquitos during warm weather periods.
Natural setting: The undeveloped nature of the campground appeals to those seeking a more rustic experience. "You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. Frankly, the bare campsites are nicer," explains Mark K.
Facility limitations: The campground offers only basic amenities with pit toilets located at central points. Nathan S. reports, "Pit toilets were pretty clean. Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park."
Site variations: Sites along the stream tend to be most popular for horses due to natural water access. "The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks," notes Katie H., indicating site selection should be based on specific needs.
Trailer accommodations: Many sites can handle horse trailers of moderate size. Andy C. reports using "lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek."
Water play options: The shallow creek provides safe areas for children to explore. "The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing," mentions Andy C., making this a good option for families with young children interested in stream ecology.
Weather preparation: Pack for cooler nights even in summer months due to elevation. Temperatures can drop significantly after sunset, requiring appropriate clothing layers and sleeping gear for children.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species visible from campsites. Morning hours offer the best wildlife observation opportunities, particularly along the stream corridor.
Larger rig considerations: While not designed for big rigs, several sites can accommodate moderate-sized trailers. "Many other sites/options for 26ft ish size camper. Highly recommend!" notes Andy C., suggesting this campground works for those with smaller to mid-sized horse trailers.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require substantial leveling for trailers. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended as terrain can be uneven, particularly after rainy periods.
Water access planning: Since there are no hookups, RVers should arrive with full water tanks. The nearest water fill and dump station is located at New Germany State Park, approximately 10 minutes away by vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Garrett, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Garrett, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
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