Equestrian camping near Lewisburg, Pennsylvania offers access to state forests and riverfront accommodations within the Susquehanna River Valley. The region sits at approximately 450-600 feet elevation with moderately humid summers and cold winters that can limit trail access. Fall camping provides optimal conditions with cooler temperatures and colorful foliage across the region's mixed hardwood forests.
What to do
Horseback trail exploration: Tuscarora State Forest provides primitive camping options that serve as excellent base camps for equestrians exploring central Pennsylvania. One visitor notes, "There are trails throughout the forest but tall grass filled with ticks. Dog friendly!! Found a couple of large black rat snakes near our campsite. There are rattle snakes in the region I've been told too."
Water recreation: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers a large lake with multiple activity options near camp. A visitor shares: "There is a large lake for fishing! You can rent boats there! There is a pool! The pool is very nice! They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad!"
Historic site visits: The region features several preserved historic locations accessible from campgrounds. As one camper at Tuscarora State Park Campground mentions: "Off the beaten path in the middle of 'pennsyl-tucky'. No cell service at all unless you drive up to the top of the mountain." The isolation provides an authentic historical context for exploring local heritage sites.
What campers like
River access: Ferryboat Campsites provides direct water access that campers consistently rate highly. A visitor reports: "We stayed at a Susquehanna river view site with full hookups for 2 nights. Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors. Most sites were occupied by permanent or seasonal residents."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Lewisburg offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. A camper at Little Buffalo State Park notes: "Wilderness at it's best...giant lake to fish and boat on, hiking for all experience levels, great fishing, lots of space, wildlife is everywhere and there is even an eagle nest in the park and you can see the pair and often their young."
Natural tranquility: Many campgrounds in the region provide quiet, secluded settings. One camper comments about the area: "I absolutely love camping here! If you want to be disconnected, literally because there is no cell service, then this is the place for you. Best of all it is free! You just have to get a pass from the office."
What you should know
Remote locations: Many equestrian-friendly camping areas near Lewisburg have minimal services. A visitor to Tuscarora notes: "No cell service at all unless you drive up to the top of the mountain. It is free to camp at one of the spots but you must call the respective ranger station ahead of time and let them know your car name etc and they issue you a permit free of charge."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal variations that affect camping conditions. As one camper at Ferryboat Campsites advises: "Storms with heavy rain in the area made the river rise. We were told the campground is susceptible to flooding, so check the weather when you come!"
Trail conditions: State forest trails vary significantly in maintenance levels. A visitor notes: "The trails are awesome and the swimming pool is great for the kids in the summer!" while another cautions about "tall grass filled with ticks" in more primitive areas.
Tips for camping with families
Pool accessibility: Some campgrounds require additional travel to reach water amenities. A camper at Little Buffalo notes: "Nice for a smaller campground. Only downfall is we have smaller children and we could not bike from the campground to the pool, it was too far and the hill to get back was too big for them to ride up. Pool was great once you got there."
Educational opportunities: Tuscarora State Park offers structured activities for children. A visitor mentions: "A group of us stayed here over Memorial Day weekend. The sites were super spacious and private. There was enough room for a full overlanding setup, three vehicles, a hammock, two dogs and a two person tent with plenty of room to spare."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. One visitor notes: "There is a playground for kids to play in that is well maintained. There are hiking trails in the back side of the park, from the main entrance."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers various utility options but limited full-hookup sites. A camper reports: "We camped here over Columbus Day weekend. We wanted a quiet escape. We had one of the few full hook up sites. Very quiet and peaceful. Lots to do at the lake if you want or quiet enough to just kick back."
Site spacing: RV campsites at many locations offer limited separation between neighbors. One camper at Ferryboat Campsites notes: "We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. If it weren't for that this would not be the campground for us. The weather was hot so lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have significant seasonal resident populations. A visitor observes: "This is a wonderful little campsite primarily catering the seasonal RVer. With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper field."
