Shawnee State Park Campground provides horseback riding opportunities through its network of trails and specialized camping areas. Located near Schellsburg in southwestern Pennsylvania, this facility sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the Appalachian foothills. The park's mix of wooded terrain and lake access creates varied riding conditions throughout the year, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures for equestrian activities.
What to do
Trail riding around the lake: Riders at Shawnee State Park Campground can access multiple trail options. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," notes Kaley R., suggesting the same trails work well for horses and other recreational users.
Visit historical sites: The surrounding area offers cultural riding destinations. "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too. Easy access from the PA Turnpike," shares Melanie Z., highlighting proximity to local points of interest for day trips on horseback.
Water activities after riding: The lake provides cooling options after trail rides. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating. The campground was nice, quiet and clean," reports Casey S., describing opportunities to combine horseback riding with water recreation during summer visits.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Park infrastructure supports horse camping needs. "Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained. Nice lake where you can fish, canoe/kayak, etc.," according to Kaley R., emphasizing the park's attentive management practices.
Variety of campsite types: Shawnee State Park offers multiple accommodation options. "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," explains Lee D., highlighting options for different equestrian camping preferences.
Accessible natural features: The terrain facilitates direct trail access. "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," notes Brittany V., mentioning amenities relevant to horse owners with trailers.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Finding level sites requires planning. "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level," advises Lee D., providing insights critical for horse trailers.
Environmental factors: Weather conditions affect site usability. "The picnic table was saturated and too heavy to move, so we ate sitting in camp chairs. We would stay again," reports Danielle S. from Shawnee State Park Campground, indicating how rain impacts the camping experience.
Noise considerations: Despite natural surroundings, expect some ambient sound. "As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise," notes Lee D., warning horse owners about potential disturbances for sensitive animals.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Recreational options exist for children. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground," says Lee D., mentioning facilities that complement equestrian activities for families.
Site positioning: Rothrock Roadside Campsites offer alternative settings. "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," explains Scott I., describing layouts that accommodate family camping setups.
Multi-use activities: Combined recreation options enhance family experiences. "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," notes Scott I., highlighting viewing areas suitable for families with horses.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Horse trailer compatibility varies by location. "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," observes Lee D., providing specifics for equestrian campers with trailers.
Maneuvering challenges: Shawnee State Park requires careful navigation. "Many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," warns Gerard, detailing access issues relevant to horse trailers and towing vehicles.
Double-check reservations: Site specifications may not match actual conditions. "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!" shares Brittany V., emphasizing the importance of verifying site dimensions for horse trailers.
