13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest provides overnight accommodations for riders and their horses near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. While the campground does not offer dedicated horse corrals, the equestrian-focused camping area includes sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Reservations are required, and pets are permitted alongside horses. The camping area offers drive-in access suitable for horse trailers, with each site featuring electric hookups, including 30-amp and 50-amp options. Water hookups are available, though drinking water is not provided at individual sites. Campground reviews note that some horse camping areas in the region can have a persistent manure odor, particularly at more heavily used facilities.
Rothrock State Forest offers primitive camping opportunities for equestrians on its extensive trail network. Located closer to Huntingdon, Rothrock Roadside Campsites provide tent camping options with picnic tables and fire rings, accessible via drive-in access suitable for smaller horse trailers. While these sites lack dedicated equine facilities, they serve as convenient base camps for riders exploring the forest's trail system. Michaux State Forest, though farther from Huntingdon, permits alcohol at its equestrian-friendly camping areas, unlike most state park facilities in the region. The forest's designated motorized parking lot sites double as equestrian sites where horse camping is permitted. Teaberry area includes hitching posts and a two-step mounting block for riders, making it particularly suitable for overnight horse camping excursions.
"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 Availabilityfrom $10 / 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 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
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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!
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.
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.
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.
Huntingdon County encompasses rolling landscapes with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet in central Pennsylvania. The region features diverse terrain from the Allegheny Plateau to the Ridge and Valley province, creating natural boundaries for numerous waterways and forested areas. Seasonal temperatures vary significantly, with summer averages around 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing.
Fishing and boating: Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers a 250-acre lake ideal for fishing and non-motorized boating. "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding," notes Matthew U. The park's water has a distinctive coloration from past iron ore mining operations, as Travis S. explains: "The Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red which is why its called the Red Mo with the locals."
Hiking trails: Colonel Denning State Park Campground features challenging but rewarding trails with scenic views. "There were some great trails in the area. Our family of six made the trek up the Flat Rock Trail to the overlook. A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views," shares Nate & Erika L. This state park provides access to several trail systems with varying difficulty levels.
Swimming: During summer months, many area campgrounds maintain swimming facilities. "The pool here is top notch and it's good for fishing but the hiking isn't super great," says Christopher E. about Little Buffalo State Park. Some parks maintain natural swimming areas while others offer developed pool complexes with additional features for children.
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently praise the well-designed sites at many campgrounds near Huntingdon. "The sites are mostly level, gravel, and good sized for averaged sized RV's," notes Craig F. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground. The campground layout often provides natural separation between sites.
Clean facilities: Shawnee State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "The campground restroom was clean and a fair size. I would definitely recommend it," reports DL W. Another camper, Danielle S., confirms: "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."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the region offer opportunities to observe local wildlife in natural settings. "While sitting fireside, I got to enjoy the local wildlife, from birds to young deer, around the edges of my campsite," shares DL W. The diverse ecosystems around Huntingdon support various species including deer, turkey, and numerous bird species.
Reservations recommended: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early," advises Denise D. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Site selection matters: Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers various site configurations that affect camping experience. "The sites are situated nicely, your neighbors are not 'right there'," explains Sandi G. At some campgrounds, terrain variations can impact site usability, as Kaley R. notes: "There are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Huntingdon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Huntingdon, 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 Huntingdon, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Huntingdon, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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