Shawnee State Park Campground accommodates equestrian visitors with trails and facilities suited for horse riders. The 319-site property includes numerous electric hookups, full-hookup sites, and non-electric options spread across multiple camping loops. While several amenities cater to all campers, those with horses benefit from the extensive trail network accessible directly from the grounds. The campground connects to longer routes through wooded terrain, providing varied riding experiences for equestrians at different skill levels.
What to do
Lake activities: Shawnee State Park features a 451-acre lake with a sandy beach area for swimming during summer months. Boat rentals are available seasonally for kayaking and small watercraft exploration. As one visitor noted about Big Run State Park Campground: "The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks."
Trail exploration: Numerous hiking paths wind through the wooded surroundings, including a scenic lake loop appropriate for all skill levels. The trail system includes routes designated for horseback riding, connecting directly to camping areas. A visitor observed the park has "good hiking trails and a nice lake view."
Fishing opportunities: The lake supports various fish species accessible from shore or boat. Access points around the water provide casting locations for anglers. One camper mentioned: "Nice fishing lake and can be remote," while another noted streams in the region are "lively with trout and crayfish."
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: Campsites near water features offer soothing background sounds that enhance the outdoor experience. One camper at Big Run State Park Campground appreciated the "sound of the river as white noise" while another enjoyed sleeping with "nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek."
Spacious sites: Many campsites provide adequate separation between neighbors, particularly in non-electric areas. A visitor mentioned: "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage" while another noted "tons of space between sites" at nearby facilities.
Clean facilities: Bathroom buildings receive regular maintenance throughout the camping season. A camper reported: "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."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campsites sit on uneven terrain, particularly in non-electric areas. Choose carefully when making reservations. One camper at Shawnee State Park Campground warned: "there are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear."
Seasonal variations: Facilities and services change throughout the year, with some only available during peak season. A visitor noted: "We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season."
Horse-friendly environment: The trail system accommodates equestrian use with connecting paths from the campground. Riders should check trail conditions before heading out, especially after rain. The campground receives frequent equestrian visitors using the trail system.
Road noise present: Despite the rural setting, highway sounds reach certain camping areas. A camper observed: "As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: The lake beach area provides swimming opportunities with gradual entry points suitable for children. Kids can also explore shallow creek areas at certain campsites. One visitor shared: "The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing!"
Playground access: A play area exists within Loop A, though equipment shows some age. A camper mentioned: "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop."
Site research: Review site maps carefully when booking with children to ensure adequate space and reasonable bathroom proximity. One camper advised: "Double check site booked. We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as many sites feature sloped terrain. A visitor at Shawnee State Park Campground noted: "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."
Site dimensions: Verify your RV will fit in your selected site before arrival. One camper shared: "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked."
Hookup variations: Sites offer different utility options ranging from no hookups to full service. A visitor explained: "There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site" while another mentioned some sites had "very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them."
