18 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several horse-friendly campgrounds surround Karthaus in central Pennsylvania's state forests. North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest offers primitive campsites specifically designed for equestrian use, with parking areas that accommodate horse trailers. Dark Hollow and Gaswell Equestrian Campgrounds in Elk State Forest both feature horse-friendly facilities with toilet access and designated areas for horses and equipment. These equestrian sites typically require advance reservations through the Pennsylvania DCNR reservation system, with clean facilities maintained throughout the camping season.
Trail access directly connects these equestrian campgrounds to extensive bridle path networks throughout Pennsylvania's state forests. Riders can access miles of forested trails directly from their campsites without trailering horses to separate locations. The mountainous terrain provides varied riding experiences through dense forests and across streams. Horse-friendly campsites in these areas remain primitive with no running water, requiring campers to bring water for themselves and their horses. Portable corrals or highlines are recommended as permanent corrals are limited or nonexistent at many sites. Campgrounds typically operate seasonally, with some areas closing during winter months or hunting seasons.
"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. "
Available this weekend
from $20 - $87 / night
"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
from $10 / night
"The surrounding area is loaded with things to do as well if you feel like venturing out. Cherry Springs Dark Park is just up the road but the view from our tent was just as good."
"Our trip was for astrophotography purposes, and Lyman Run is only a 10 minute drive away from the Cherry Springs viewing area. Totally worth it!"
Available this weekend
from $20 - $29 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
TravelerThey have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
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.
TravelerIve camped at Black Moshannon State Park many times both in a tent and our camper. The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean. The bathhouses are nice and well maintained. The Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing. Hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc. I've never had a bad time at Black Moshannon and will keep coming back.
GuideWe love the lower loop! We were there on a Monday night and there were 4 sites occupied on our loop. Great stars. Clean bathrooms!
TravelerFirst 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.
GuideIn the middle of the woods vibe. The sites had good privacy and it was just a pretty area. Neighbors were respectful and relatively quiet.. There was zero cell service at this campground. Bathrooms were clean.
GuideGetting to the park had some sharp turns and windy roads. Small campground but nicely equipped. 2 bath houses were dated but clean. Nice playground at the campground and also one at the beach. Small camp concessions with a few camping items as well as ice cream cones. 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. The site sat down off the road but once you were backed in the spot it was pretty level. This site also had a separate tent pad located down a few stone steps. Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non existent. Every once in a while a text would come in or send but very spotty. Sorry I failed to get a pic of the site in the daylight. It was spacious and we had plenty of room for our 30' trailer, truck, and easy up over the table. 6+ chairs around the fire pit, cooking ring could have been better. Grassy area for cornhole or playing.
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.
ScoutThe site and facilities were very well kept and clean. The night we arrived there was several other campers but cleared out for the weekend so we basically got the whole lower camp ground to ourselves which was great. Sites are well spaced so you don’t feel like it’s crowded. Would definitely visit again!
Horse riders exploring Pennsylvania's state forests can find several camping facilities near Karthaus with convenient access to the region's extensive trail networks. Most sites in this area sit at elevations between 1,600-2,100 feet, experiencing mild summers and cold winters. State forest campgrounds maintain primitive conditions while private campgrounds offer more amenities for riders and their horses.
Trail riding exploration: Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers access to surrounding forest trails that accommodate horseback riding, with direct access to the lake for scenic rides. "Nice campground, wooded sites and most were okay for tent camping... Big Lake and a few miles of hiking and biking trails right from the campground," notes Travis S. from Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The night sky viewing in this region provides excellent conditions for astronomical observation with minimal light pollution. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early... big sky view for star gazing," advises Denise D. about Black Moshannon.
ATV trail access: Many equestrian camping areas connect to motorized trail systems for those who bring both horses and ATVs. "This park we learned is actually open all year round, so if you come at the right season, it can be magically scenic... having ATV trails that lead out of the park," shares Joshua L. from Lyman Run State Park Campground.
Dark sky visibility: The region around Karthaus sits within Pennsylvania's premier dark sky region. "We love staying at Lyman Run since Cherry Springs gets filled pretty quickly... nice hiking trails, beach area by lake, fishing and then the stars! One of my favs," notes Peggy S. about Lyman Run State Park.
Varied terrain for different riding abilities: The mountainous landscape provides diverse riding conditions suitable for different experience levels. "This campground is so beautiful with plenty to do for everyone, tons of hiking along the whole park. Spaces are clean and spacious, bath house is very well kept," reports Lisa L. from Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Equestrian campers frequently report spotting wildlife during their rides. "Beautiful area to get away... beautiful overlooks. No cell service, so you really get to get away from everything," shares Katie S. about Lyman Run.
Seasonal access limitations: Many equestrian campgrounds have restricted access during hunting seasons and winter months. "ATV trails, hiking, beautiful overlooks. No cell service, so you really get to get away from everything," notes Katie S. from Lyman Run State Park.
Water considerations: Riders need to plan for water supplies at primitive sites. "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," explains Travis S. about streams near Black Moshannon.
Site selection strategy: Campsite layout varies significantly across locations in this region. "We were at the Lower Campgrounds. It was perfect. It was so quiet and peaceful, did not even notice other campers around," describes Michelle L. from Lyman Run State Park.
Water recreation options: "There is a lake to do many activities, and a beach there. ATV trails, hiking, beautiful overlooks," mentions Katie S. about Lyman Run State Park, providing activities when not riding.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs specifically for families. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc.," shares Lisa L. about Black Moshannon.
Cabin alternatives: For families not ready for tent camping with horses, cabin options exist. "My family and I stayed here one night during a motorcycle trip. We rented 1 of the cabins they have on the property and it was great all of us fit comfortably we were able to have a campfire out front," reports Danielle W.
Access route planning: Narrow forest roads can present challenges for larger trailers or RVs. "Our only trouble was our GPS brought us in the most difficult way. We suggest avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road," warns Sandi G. from Black Moshannon State Park.
Off-season availability: Fall and spring seasons offer better RV site availability at equestrian campgrounds. "Pulled in on friday of Labor Day weekend without a reservation but there were a couple open sites. Stayed one night before moving on in our travels," reports Courtney S.
Limited amenities: Most horse camping facilities have basic RV accommodations. "This campground is nestled within the gold level dark sky area... There are two loops, with one loop catering to the mostly RV crowds and the remaining one for tents," describes Bill G. about Rothrock Roadside Campsites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Karthaus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Karthaus, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Karthaus, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Karthaus, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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