Equestrian Camping near Leeper, PA

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    Gaswell Equestrian Campground and Dark Hollow Equestrian Campground in Elk State Forest offer dedicated camping areas specifically for visitors with horses. Both campgrounds provide electric hookups with fifty-amp and thirty-amp service, water hookups, and sewer connections for RVs. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with fires permitted throughout the camping areas. Trail riders frequently note the well-maintained sites with ample space for both camping equipment and horse trailers. The campgrounds require reservations and allow pets, though neither features dedicated horse corrals on the property.

    Located approximately 50 miles from Leeper in Emporium, these equestrian campgrounds connect directly to the extensive trail system throughout Elk State Forest. Sizerville Road provides the main access point to both facilities, with the campgrounds positioned near popular riding routes. While the campgrounds do not offer drinking water directly at the sites, water hookups are available for RVs and horse owners typically bring portable water containers for their animals. The terrain surrounding both camping areas consists of wooded forest land with varied trail difficulty levels suitable for different riding experiences. Horse trailer parking is available directly at the campsites, eliminating the need to disconnect and park separately.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Leeper (10)

      1. Hearts Content Recreation Area

      4.2(9)23mi from Leeper27 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania's only National Forest and a gem of a location for outdoor recreation."

      "Go to nearby town of Warren or Tidouette for supplies. (Stop at the store just outside of Tidouette just across from DG- they have the best deli sandwiches around)"

      from $12 - $80 / night

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      2. Kelly Pines Campground

      5.0(2)17mi from Leeper9 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This equestrian campground also has 2 non-equestrian sites, one which is reservable. There is no potable water but there is a river and a non-potable pump."

      "There is a hiking trail that follows the river around the campsite. There are free showers and potable water stations."

      from $15 - $30 / night

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      3. Big Country Campground

      5.0(1)16mi from LeeperRVs, Tents

      "Lots of activities, tons of nearby attractions, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Great store and owners, a nice place to visit."

      from $20 - $30 / night

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      4. Oil Creek Family Campground

      4.9(7)23mi from LeeperRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "They have a large pool; a few llamas that the kids can feed and pet; a 27-hole disc golf course (recently expanded from 18 hole) primarily in the woods near and around the campground property; a small"

      "Its become our goto campground that's only an hour away from Erie."

      5. Two Mile Run County Park

      4.8(6)25mi from LeeperRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Couple beautiful walk in tent sites right on the water. Plenty of nice hiking trails. Great beach for kids."

      "Located deep in a county park in the forested rolling hills of PA. Every site is huge and mostly private. Combination of paved main roads and gravel dirt camp loops."

      6. Danner Primitive Campground

      5.0(2)28mi from LeeperTents

      "The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."

      7. Starr Farm

      5.0(1)34mi from Leeper3 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This campsite was close to an archery tournament for me. It is a huge campsite that is remote and peaceful. I will try to get this place again next year."

      from $50 / night

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      8. Group Camping and Cabins — Moraine State Park

      4.2(9)48mi from LeeperCabins

      "It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit."

      "In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking"

      9. Gaswell Equestrian Campground — Elk State Forest

      Be the first to review49mi from Leeper5 sites

      from $10 / night

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      10. Dark Hollow Equestrian Campground — Elk State Forest

      Be the first to review49mi from Leeper10 sites

      from $10 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Leeper, PA

    37 Reviews of 10 Leeper Campgrounds


    • D
      Oct. 21, 2021

      Kelly Pines Campground

      Off the grid, lots to explore!

      This equestrian campground also has 2 non-equestrian sites, one which is reservable. There is no potable water but there is a river and a non-potable pump. There is a permanent toilet usually stocked with TP. Carry out all garbage. No electrical hookups.

      Traditional camp sites have space for multiple tents and 2 cars. Each has a picnic table and a fire pit with moveable cooking surface. We’ve never had an issue with bears or other wildlife where food and trash are concerned but we store in the cars at night to be safe. The area is usually damp so don’t count in being able to find much dry wood - we stop before driving in for wood.

      Trails galore! Mushrooms everywhere! Quiet and no cellular to distract.

    • D
      Aug. 22, 2017

      Oil Creek Family Campground

      Ranger Review: Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce at Oil Creek Family Campground

      Campground Review

      I can honestly say that Oil Creek Family Campground is the best private campground that we have ever camped at. Especially if you’re camping with kids, it offers everything that you would want for a ‘great American summer’ style camping experience, without being a cookie-cutter big-name private campground chain. They have a large pool; a few llamas that the kids can feed and pet; a 27-hole disc golf course (recently expanded from 18 hole) primarily in the woods near and around the campground property; a small pond for sunfish / bass fishing; a dog ‘playground’ (enclosed area with some obstacles); a well-maintained hedge maze; a pavilion with ping pong, a pool table, and foosball; a DVD rental program at the main office with about 300 movies; and a small camp store with a small selection of books that you can borrow. They also provide weekly entertainment for the kids, e.g. rock painting or special guests. This weekend, for instance was ‘Jungle Terry and his amazing exotic animal family.’ We don’t typically spend a ton of time actually AT the campgrounds when we’re camping, but we did this weekend - and we had a blast on the disc golf course, fishing in the pond, and playing ping pong. The kids had an awesome time in the pool for hours and running around with the other kids in the maze. And everyone agreed that it was a perfect way to wrap up the summer before the school year starts.

      We have a pop-up and my parents (whom we were camping with for the weekend) use a tent, so we had two water+electric sites in the tent camping area away from the RVs: sites A7 and A8. The sites in this area are well-maintained and LARGE, with plenty of room for a pop-up or multiple tents plus one or two vehicles, plus lots of room around the fire ring. There are smaller bathrooms placed around the campground as well as a center bathhouse located adjacent to the pavilion with 2 shower stalls and an additional toilet per gender.

      We chose this campground due to its proximity to Oil Creek State Park. The state park itself does not have a campground, and OCFC is right next door - in fact, the campground hiking trail loop has a very short connecting piece to the 36-mile Gerard hiking trail that runs through the park. The park is beautiful with a lot of history (it is the site of the world’s first commercial oil well, and where the oil industry began in the United States around 1860) and Oil Creek - which is really a river - runs right down the middle of the park. It is a stocked creek and it’s great for both trout and bass fishing. Some parts of the creek also have a lot of northern water snakes (we saw 4 near the Blood Farm day use area) which was cool to see.

      Overall: fantastic campground in a beautiful part of Pennsylvania - and we will absolutely be back.

      Product Review

      As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get occasionally receive products to test or gift cards for new companies to check out.  Over the past weekend, we tried out one of the Mountain House favorites, freeze-dried Lasagna with Meat Sauce in the #10 can. Lasagna is not exactly a typical camping food, so the fact that we could easily make enough lasagna to feed a group of six people (4 adults and 2 kids) just by heating up some water was wonderful! We made the entire can (boil 8 cups of water, pour it into the can itself, stir a lot to mix up all of the freeze-dried ingredients, and let it sit for ten minutes - EASY) along with some crescent-roll wrapped hot dogs over the fire and it was like a gourmet camping meal. Everyone loved the lasagna - even the two picky kids!

    • Casey L.
      Apr. 11, 2022

      Danner Primitive Campground

      Nice Primitive Campground

      I have not yet camped here but passed it on my hike the other day and knew I hadn’t seen it in the Dyrt yet, so I wanted to add it for others. This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also. This is meant more to be a stop along a paddling or hiking trip than a destination camping trip - you must get a permit to stay more than one night. They are first come first serve. There are 8 sites spread out along the edge of the river, some being closer together than others. They are level and clear, each with a new picnic table and nice fire rings with adjustable grates. A few of the sites had stairs to the water for paddler access. The first 2 sites had wheelchair friendly picnic tables, so I'm not sure if you can arrange to be able to drive back for that situation or what other reason they would put them there. That's nice if the case, I'm just not sure as there is a gate locked at the trailhead that's only opened during hunting season. Plus there's no pavement or gravel down at the sites so I imagine it could be difficult to access. But something to investigate. There are vault toilets that were clean and well maintained, with hand sanitizer. There is a spring for water which says to boil before drinking. There is also a big display board with state forest info and maps. Another thing to note, while the travel in makes it feel very remote, there are cabins all along the opposite site of the river, including directly across from the campsites.  This could be a positive or negative depending on your thoughts, I personally would like it because it would make me feel a little safer. All in all, it’s a nice little campground, in better shape than some of the regular bigger campgrounds I’ve seen.

    • M
      Aug. 8, 2019

      Group Camping and Cabins — Moraine State Park

      Beyond the Great Outdoors

      I have been camping at Moraine State Park since I was 5 years old (so about 14 years). While I was in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts we used the 5 Points Group Camping Area a lot. It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit.

    • M
      Jul. 22, 2022

      Hearts Content Recreation Area

      Quiet, Fairly Remote, Pleasant National Forest Campground

      Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania's only National Forest and a gem of a location for outdoor recreation. Hearts Content itself is a well-maintained, very quiet campground with some of the most private sites we've experienced in 15 years of regular car camping.

      Site A02 is very nice for privacy, one of the three front sites which means a bit of road traffic for other arriving campers, but covered by dense old-growth forest on all three sides and well set off the road. Ample tree coverage means an excellent shade canopy, but not-so-great if you're powering your rig with solar.

      Clean, good-tasting drinking water at several community water spigots are available, and the central grassy area even contains a clean and well-maintained playground.

      The campground itself is actually across the road from the Recreation Area. The Recreation Area is home to 3 nice hiking trails, including one all-season trail that converts to a cross-country skiing trail in the snowy months, as well as some picnic tables and a restroom.

      The campground has a couple pit toilets that have been very well maintained by campground hosts each year we've been there. Zero smell or problems here, they appear to be looked after daily. They are still pit toilets so this is not exactly a luxury affair, but as pit toilets go, these definitely suffice.

      ---

      INTERNET: One bar of usable Verizon 4G LTE and T-Mobile 4G LTE suitable for slow web browsing and e-mail, but little else. Because of the very dense tree cover here, Starlink is not really a viable option. The most southern facing sites have more of a clearing which may work for Starlink, but are smaller, less private, and also face the group campsite which is well trafficked by Boy Scout troops and other summer camp gatherings, so you're upping your noise quite a bit.

      ---

      MAJOR PROS: This is a great campground to just enjoy camping. Set some 15 miles back in old growth forest, the most private of the campsites provide a very pleasant wilderness experience but still some well-maintained amenities like fresh drinking water and good pit toilets. In our experience camping here several times over several years, weekdays are very quiet at this location, perhaps the quietest of any campground of this size and caliber we've experienced anywhere. It's only really Friday evenings and Saturdays where you'll see more than 3-4 other campers in this place.

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      The closest nearby town is Warren, PA a small but service-rich town set on the Allegheny River that provides all the necessary stuff - a Wal Mart,  a Lowes, and plenty of restaurants and little shops. Warren is the longtime home of a refinery of some sort and on days when the downwind is blowing especially strong, you can catch the faint whiff of a funky but ambiguous smell of…something?

      Cell service kicks up to 5G on T-Mobile in Warren itself, but you're still stuck on 4G with Verizon, as of summer 2022.

      Back to the campground, I would highly recommend this place for people who can get out there on weekdays and enjoy peace and quiet. Firewood is available for sale at the Camp Host campsite, but there's so much downed wood behind just about every site that purchasing wood really isn't necessary: you can keep a hot fire going all night, for free, just by cleaning out the underbrush.

      This is such a pretty, quiet campsite that during weekdays the area deer will often approach from the woods behind the campsites to feast on low hanging leaves. We've seen dozens of them who will get within 10-20 yards of you for a snack later into the night. While never getting too close, it does make for a pleasant wildlife viewing opportunity.

      We really like this place. No showers or other running-water facilities and limited internet service prevent this place from being a perfect 5. It is also a bit of a drive into town for provisions or daily ingress if you need these amenities. That aside, tent, trailer or RV, you are likely to enjoy your experience here if you enjoy camping at all.

    • Jim  L.
      Jun. 26, 2020

      Group Camping and Cabins — Moraine State Park

      Great park but no rv sites

      This is a great place just of interstate 79. Been going there since I was a kid. In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking

    • J
      Oct. 26, 2020

      Oil Creek Family Campground

      Great family campground

      Oil F.C. is a hidden gem nestled in the woods not far from Oil Creek State Park. They have a great playground, a maze, a catch and release pond. Lots of things to do to keep the kids, or in our case the grandkids occupied. They have a well stocked camp store, in case you don't want to make the 4 mile ride into town. Their firewood prices are very reasonable. Rachel is a great in accommodating her campers. We were there 3 times this year. Its become our goto campground that's only an hour away from Erie.

    • Bill  G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 31, 2018

      Hearts Content Recreation Area

      Central to everywhere within Allegheny National Forest

      Small and limited, Hearts Content offers serene quiet evenings.i was lucky enough to get a site that provided an additional shelter that provided cover from the extensive rain we received one night. The canopy is dense here. The tent sites are moderately sized and there would be no problem bringing the largest of tents. Though I stayed here alone with just me and the two dogs, there is enough room at some for entire families. Water is available. Showers are not. Bathrooms are if the privy type but are well kept by the host. Firewood and ice is also available from the host. The great thing about this site is it lends availability to the rest of the National Forest. I spent a week here and barely scratched the surface on what was available for hiking and discovering. Go to nearby town of Warren or Tidouette for supplies. (Stop at the store just outside of Tidouette just across from DG- they have the best deli sandwiches around)

    • J
      Aug. 13, 2023

      Two Mile Run County Park

      Underated Park and Campground

      We stayed in site C6 one of the reservable sites. Every site has plenty of room. Campground overall is quiet. And most if not all of the full hookups are pull throughs. But seems many of the tent sites are on grades. Couple beautiful walk in tent sites right on the water. Plenty of nice hiking trails. Great beach for kids.


    Guide to Leeper

    Elk State Forest offers multiple equestrian camping options near Leeper, Pennsylvania. Located in the Allegheny Plateau region at elevations between 1,500-2,300 feet, this area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Trail riders can access over 200 miles of multi-use trails through mixed hardwood forests where spring temperatures range from 40-65°F, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F.

    What to do

    Trail riding on forest paths: Hearts Content Recreation Area connects to multiple riding trails that wind through old-growth forest. "The canopy is dense here. The tent sites are moderately sized and there would be no problem bringing the largest of tents," notes camper Bill G., who describes the campground as a "central to everywhere within Allegheny National Forest."

    Fishing in nearby creeks: Multiple water access points within 10 miles of Leeper provide fishing opportunities. At Kelly Pines Campground, "There is a river and a non-potable pump. There is a permanent toilet usually stocked with TP," explains camper Debra D., who adds "Trails galore! Mushrooms everywhere! Quiet and no cellular to distract."

    Mountain biking on forest trails: The trail systems throughout the region offer varied terrain for cyclists. "We came here for a mountain bike race and enjoyed riding the trails!" shares Robyn S. about Two Mile Run County Park, where riders find both technical and beginner-friendly routes.

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of camping areas. "We really liked it and wish we could've stayed longer. Would definitely go back if we're back in the area," mentions Rachel S. about her stay at Oil Creek Family Campground, which offers well-separated sites.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested setting provides chances to see native animals. At Hearts Content Recreation Area, campers report that "during weekdays the area deer will often approach from the woods behind the campsites to feast on low hanging leaves. We've seen dozens of them who will get within 10-20 yards of you for a snack later into the night."

    Dark night skies: The relative remoteness from urban centers creates good stargazing conditions. According to Travis S., some areas provide "very quiet and no light pollution from a town or city, providing great moonlit nights."

    What you should know

    Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout horse campgrounds near Leeper. At Hearts Content Recreation Area, expect "one bar of usable Verizon 4G LTE and T-Mobile 4G LTE suitable for slow web browsing and e-mail, but little else. Because of the very dense tree cover here, Starlink is not really a viable option."

    Water availability concerns: Unlike the equestrian campgrounds with hookups, primitive camping areas require water planning. At Danner Primitive Campground, "There is a spring for water which says to boil before drinking," according to Casey L., who noted this hike-in or paddle-in campground has "vault toilets that were clean and well maintained."

    Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can be significant. Brannon M. notes about camping in the region, "It was early April, the snow had just fallen week before, and it got pretty cold during the night. Still, the hiking trails were in great condition!"

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer built-in entertainment for children. At Oil Creek Family Campground, "They have a great playground, a maze, a catch and release pond. Lots of things to do to keep the kids, or in our case the grandkids occupied," explains Jim C.

    Seek out beginner-friendly trails: For families with younger children, Ian B. recommends Hearts Content Recreation Area: "Good for young kids and new campers. Taking my three oldest boys camping 8, 6 and 5. So far it has been enjoyable."

    Consider accessibility needs: Some campgrounds offer more accessible options. At Starr Farm, camper Daniel notes it's "a huge campsite that is remote and peaceful," with drive-in access that makes it easier for families with gear.

    Tips from RVers

    Site size verification: Confirm your rig will fit before booking. Jennifer K. advises about Hearts Content Recreation Area: "26 various sized sites, some large with plenty of space for our 22 foot tow behind and truck + some for extra vehicles. Other smaller sites for tents or vans."

    Water pressure considerations: When filling tanks, allow extra time at some locations. "Water pressure was very low and took a while to fill tank," notes one RVer about Hearts Content Recreation Area.

    Electrical hookups: Equestrian campgrounds near Leeper offer better services for larger rigs. While most primitive campgrounds have no hookups, the specialized horse campgrounds provide both 30-amp and 50-amp service along with water and sewer connections.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Leeper, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Leeper, PA is Hearts Content Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Leeper, PA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Leeper, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.