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North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest serves tent and RV campers with horses near Hesston, Pennsylvania. Located approximately 75 miles from Hesston, this primitive campground provides basic amenities including electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground is specifically designated for equestrian use, making it ideal for trail riders seeking access to the state forest trails. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the facilities, the camping area allows pets and accommodates horses with adequate space for trailer parking. Sites must be reserved in advance through the Pennsylvania state forest reservation system. Trails surrounding the equestrian camping area remain relatively uncrowded even during peak seasons.
Riders access miles of forest trails directly from North Run Equine Camping Area, connecting to the broader Moshannon State Forest trail system. The trails wind through dense woodland terrain and offer varied difficulty levels suitable for both novice and experienced equestrians. Potable water is not available at the campground, so campers must bring sufficient water for themselves and their horses. Black Moshannon State Park, located nearby, offers additional facilities including showers and sanitary dump stations that equestrian campers may access. The primitive nature of the horse camping area maintains a quieter experience compared to more developed campgrounds. Pennsylvania state forests typically require proper manure management and adherence to Leave No Trace principles when camping with horses. Seasonal considerations include limited access during winter months and potential trail closures during hunting seasons.
"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"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"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 Availability"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
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.
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.
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.
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.
North Run Equine Camping Area serves as the primary horse-friendly campground in the region, located in the forested hills of central Pennsylvania. The surrounding Moshannon State Forest sits at elevations between 1,000 and 2,300 feet, with a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and cold winters. Trail riders at equestrian campgrounds near Hesston, Pennsylvania often experience moderate to difficult terrain through mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple, and cherry trees.
Trail riding through multiple forests: Black Moshannon State Park offers horseback riding access to both state park and surrounding state forest trails. "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," notes camper Graham S. at Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Explore historical sites: The region features restored iron furnaces and mills that tell the story of Pennsylvania's industrial past. "The historical mill was well worth the trip. By the far the highlight of ours as well. Especially since they engaged the wheel and actually ground corn!" reports Chelsea K. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Visit nearby memorials: The Flight 93 Memorial is accessible from several nearby camping areas. "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial," recommends Rachel L. about Shawnee State Park.
Well-maintained trail systems: Michaux State Forest features extensive trail networks for horses and hikers. "These trips are what gave me the experience, and confidence, to go from tent camping to tarp camping," shares John S. about his January trips to Michaux State Forest.
Clean facilities at equine-friendly areas: Horse campers appreciate the attention to maintenance at designated equestrian sites. "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," notes Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park Campground.
Variety of camping options: The region offers everything from primitive horse camping to sites with hookups. "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," explains Bridget D. about Michaux State Forest.
Permit requirements vary: State forests typically require free permits while state parks charge fees. "Camping is free in several areas throughout Michaux State Forest (as well as other PA State Forests), BUT you usually need to have a camping permit (also free) and you can only stay in designated campsites," explains Jen S.
Water availability is limited: Most equine camping areas lack potable water sources. "We had to bring sufficient water for ourselves and our horses since no potable water is available at the site," notes a visitor to Rothrock Roadside Campsites.
Seasonal closures affect access: Many forest roads close during winter months. "This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion," warns Scott I. about Rothrock Roadside Campsites.
Look for parks with amenities beyond riding: Some parks offer multiple recreational options. "The lake has lots to offer. Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing," suggests Denise D. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Consider walk-in sites for more privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options away from main camping areas. "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," shares Tiff T. about Colonel Denning State Park.
Check swimming options: Not all parks have swimming areas, but those that do provide relief during hot weather. "The pool is very nice! They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!" reports Amanda H.
Verify site dimensions before booking: Horse trailer combinations require adequate space. "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!" warns Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park.
Check road conditions for large rigs: Forest access roads vary in quality and width. "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. We have a 32 foot trailer. The site we were assigned was easily accessed and had a nice view of the campground. However, as we drove through the rest of the RV park area we noted that many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," cautions Gerard about Shawnee State Park.
Look for dump stations at nearby facilities: Most primitive horse camping areas lack sanitary dumps, but nearby state parks often provide them. "Camp wood at the entrance is $5 and is tiny; our biggest piece was a foot long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick! Easy access to the dump station as you exit," notes Danielle S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hesston, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hesston, PA is Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hesston, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Hesston, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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