Nancy B.
Ranger
RangerShawnee State Park Campground
Well maintained
The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
Equestrian Camping near Hopewell, PA
7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Michaux State Forest provides equestrian access through its network of trails and primitive campsites near Hopewell, Pennsylvania. The forest has free dispersed camping sites that accommodate both horses and riders. Trails wind through the 85,000-acre forest, offering varied terrain for horseback riding with access points near designated camping areas. Horse trailer parking is available at several forest road entrances and recreation areas. Permits are required for overnight camping and can be obtained from the forest district office. The campground allows pets, making it suitable for riders traveling with dogs in addition to horses. Sites lack defined horse facilities such as corrals or stalls, requiring riders to bring portable containment systems or high-lines for their animals.
Located approximately 30 miles from Hopewell, the forest connects to multiple trail systems suitable for day rides from established campsites. Water sources for horses are limited to natural streams and ponds, so campers should bring additional water supplies during dry periods. Manure management follows Leave No Trace principles, with riders responsible for spreading or packing out waste. The primitive nature of the camping areas means no electric hookups, running water, or dedicated equestrian amenities are available. Rothrock State Forest offers similar primitive horse camping options with connecting trails approximately 45 minutes from Hopewell. Most equestrian campers report moderate to challenging trail conditions with rocky sections and elevation changes typical of the Appalachian region. Fall offers optimal riding conditions with cooler temperatures and scenic foliage views along the network of bridle paths.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Hopewell (9)
1. Shawnee State Park Campground
"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."
100 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
2. Colonel Denning State Park Campground
"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."
26 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $24 - $38 / night
3. Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
4. Michaux State Forest
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
5. Vagabond Isle
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / night
6. Teaberry Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
7. North Block — Tuscarora State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
8. South Block — Tuscarora State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
9. Peggy's Hill Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 38 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr from Chambersburg, PA
- 1 hr 4 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 7 min from Hagerstown, MD
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hopewell, PA
45 Reviews of 9 Hopewell Campgrounds
MsTrailBlazerRangerColonel Denning State Park Campground
Snakes! 🐍 🥰
Great park, alittle close together than I like. I wish I had picked 1-12 sites by the creek, but I don’t think I had much choice when I booked anyway. Bathrooms were clean. My site was more of an rv and I felt like I was at the neighbors for supper.
Etzer D.
GuideColonel Denning State Park Campground
Great creekside spot
The weather wasn’t too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldn’t be happier.
- SScott I.
TravelerRothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest
Nice spot to camp in the mountains
First 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.
Brittany V.
LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Double check site booked
We 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.
Lee D.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Huge state park
General: 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.
Tiff T.
ScoutColonel Denning State Park Campground
Awesome!
We had a great time visiting the park! 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. The site was not far from our parking spot, maybe a hundred yards but there was a slight hill. There are even more isolated campsites further up the hill.
The park itself is definitely on the smaller side but packs in a lot. Lots of great trails and the beach would be great( close due to bacteria overgrowth) the michaux forest is 30 minutes away and has a lot more outdoor activities.
Will stay here again in the future.
- JJennifer R.Scout
Shawnee State Park Campground
Loved the park but not the site
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
- jj A.Scout
Teaberry Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
Insane Lanternflies (temporarily)
Relates to Teaberry Site Only. The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic. Still trying to de-louse our rig and possessions so we can leave the area. Other than that is might be a better site for rent camping than an RV. It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty, parking on the edge of the sites in the parking lot felt a lot like just being in a parking lot with a view of trees on one side. Also some traffic from people turning around etc. Wouldn’t want to have Site A.
Guide to Hopewell
Michaux State Forest offers dispersed camping options about 30 miles from Hopewell, Pennsylvania, with multiple designated sites available by permit. The forest spans over 85,000 acres with elevation ranging from 650 to 2,150 feet, creating varied terrain for recreational activities. Winter camping is permitted at select parking lot sites, while most regular motorized sites close from late November until early April.
What to do
Trail hiking: Michaux State Forest has extensive hiking opportunities, including access to the Appalachian Trail. "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. You can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations or park at other trail heads. Water is easily found and views like Sunset Rocks are simply gorgeous," notes John S.
Lake recreation: Shawnee State Park offers water activities from spring through fall. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," reports Casey S. The park features a large, sandy beach area and boat rentals when in season.
Mountain biking: Trail networks throughout the area support various skill levels with rocky sections and elevation changes. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," shares Kaley R. about Shawnee State Park.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Colonel Denning State Park offers walk-in sites for greater privacy. "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. The site was not far from our parking spot, maybe a hundred yards but there was a slight hill," describes Tiff T.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained amenities at established 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.
Free or low-cost options: Most state forest sites have minimal 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.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Many forest sites close during winter months. "Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round," clarifies Bridget D. about Teaberry Parking Area Campsites.
Site conditions vary: Pay attention to descriptions when booking. "Many 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," notes Lee D. about Shawnee State Park.
Permit requirements: State forest camping requires permits obtained in advance. "To obtain a permit, find out where the designated sites are, and/or find out what designated campsites are available, you have to contact the State Forest District Office for the forest you would like to camp in," advises Jen S.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Rothrock Roadside Campsites in Rothrock State Forest provide access to mountain streams and hiking trails. "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," explains Scott I.
Educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities during peak seasons. "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods," shares Nate & Erika L. from Colonel Denning State Park.
Dog-friendly sites: Many areas welcome pets with proper management. "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day! We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head," says Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For horse campgrounds near Hopewell, Pennsylvania, carefully check site descriptions 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! We moved over one site and it made all the difference," advises Brittany V. from Shawnee State Park.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. "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," shares Gerard about Shawnee State Park.
Seasonal pest awareness: Be prepared for seasonal insects at equestrian camping facilities. "The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic," reports j A. from Teaberry Parking Area Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hopewell, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hopewell, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hopewell, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Hopewell, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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