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Shawnee State Park Campground accommodates equestrians with spacious sites suitable for horse trailers. Located near Schellsburg, PA, this campground features both tent and RV camping options with electric hookups available at most sites. Horse owners should note the campground offers accessible trails for riding, though no dedicated horse corrals are listed among the amenities. The smell of horse manure occasionally permeates certain areas of the campground, indicating regular equestrian use despite the lack of formal horse facilities.
Trails around Shawnee Lake provide riding opportunities with connections to local bridle paths. Riders appreciate the relatively level terrain and scenic wooded areas surrounding the campground. The park maintains clean facilities with bathhouses and toilets accessible to all campers. Trailer parking is available throughout the campground, though some sites have awkward approaches that may challenge larger horse trailers. Water access for horses is available, but equestrians should check with park staff regarding specific watering locations and any seasonal restrictions. Most horseback riders find the park's location convenient, positioned approximately 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh with good access from the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
"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
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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.
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.
Shawnee State Park encompasses 3,983 acres of wooded terrain in Pennsylvania's Bedford County, with 293 campsites and 16 modern cabins available for visitors. The park surrounds the 451-acre Shawnee Lake at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-35°F, while summer temperatures average 70-85°F with higher humidity levels that can affect camping conditions.
Lake activities: Shawnee Lake provides multiple recreation options including a 400-foot sand beach for swimming, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," notes Casey S. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Trail exploration: Visitors can hike or bike the well-maintained paths circling the lake. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," according to Kaley R.
Historical sites: The nearby town of Schellsburg offers historical attractions within a short drive. As Melanie Z. mentions, "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too. Easy access from the PA Turnpike."
Spacious campsites: Many sites at Shawnee offer good separation and ample room. "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit," reports Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Waterside camping: Sites near creeks and water features are particularly popular. At Big Run State Park, Katie H. notes, "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
Quiet atmosphere: Peaceful settings with natural white noise enhance the experience. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" comments Zoe H. about Big Run State Park Campground.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have uneven sites that require careful selection. "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," reports Lee D. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Seasonal considerations: The region experiences distinct seasons with varying camping conditions. Water access may be limited during colder months, and some amenities close seasonally. "We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season," notes Lee D.
Facilities vary widely: Campgrounds range from primitive to full-service. At Big Run, Nathan S. explains, "Pit toilets were pretty clean. Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground," mentions Lee D. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Stream exploration: Shallow creeks provide safe water play for children. Andy C. shares about Big Run: "It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
Wildlife viewing: The streams and lakes support diverse aquatic life for children to observe. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," notes Nathan S. about Big Run State Park Campground.
Site length verification: Double-check that your site can accommodate your RV length before booking. "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!" advises Brittany V.
Approach angles: Some sites have challenging access for larger rigs. Gerard notes about Shawnee: "Many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them."
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited but available at some campgrounds. "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," shares Gerard about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hollsopple, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hollsopple, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
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