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Shawnee State Park Campground near Ligonier accommodates horses in its established campgrounds while providing a range of facilities for both equestrians and their mounts. The campground features pet-friendly sites and accommodates various camping styles including tent, RV, cabin, yurt, and glamping options. Horse owners can access the campground via multiple entry points including drive-in, boat-in, and walk-in access. The campground maintains a distinctive smell of horse manure throughout, indicating regular equestrian use. Campsites include standard amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, with many sites offering electric hookups for those requiring power for horse-related equipment.
The trails surrounding Shawnee State Park provide moderate riding opportunities with varying terrain suitable for different experience levels. Riders can enjoy the scenic loop around the lake, which offers beautiful views and relatively flat terrain appropriate for leisurely rides. Horse trailer parking is available near the campground entrance, though some sites have awkward approaches that make maneuvering larger rigs challenging. The campground operates year-round, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities. While the park does not feature dedicated horse corrals, the spacious campsites provide adequate room for portable corrals or highlines. Water access is available throughout the campground, though not at every individual site. The proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike creates some background noise but provides convenient access for horse trailers traveling to the area.
"Campground reeks of horse manure 24/7. Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private."
"The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
from $10 - $55 / night
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TravelerCampground reeks of horse manure 24/7. Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood. Hiking loop around lake is beautiful. Jean bonnet tavern nearby recommended for a great meal in a historic setting.
TravelerI had made plans to stay at SSP-PA as my first stopover spot, post leaving my beach friends on the East Coast. The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride. Shawnee is a lovely state park and I was really pleased with my brief stay. 'Though we were only sleeping the one night, I found the staff to be pleasant and the site spacious. It might have helped that the doggo and I were about the only ones in our campground loop, aside from the campground hosts but the area felt well-maintained and well-proportioned. We had a good night's rest, after enjoying a post-dinner campfire and getting to breathe in the fresh, woodsy air. While sitting fireside, I got to enjoy the local wildlife, from birds to young deer, around the edges of my campsite. The campground restroom was clean and a fair size. I would definitely recommend it and I will certainly look into another reservation, the next time I roadtrip through Pennsylvania.
GuideShawnee State Park is about 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh, and it has pretty much everything: swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and fairly decent hiking. It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there. I was trekking on the very wild Mid-State Trail, nearby, when I opted for a night at the conventional campground in Shawnee. No regrets. I usually avoid car-camping because I don't want to listen to other people's classic rock in the woods. But this place was great. I came midweek, so I had the campground mostly to myself. The showers are hot and clean. The lake is beautiful with a nice swimming beach. The area around the park has all the scenic and historic attractions of central PA: covered bridges, big stone farmhouses, quaint towns. My only complaint is that the PA Turnpike screams a little too close by. Also, the sites are pretty close together, so be sure to look at a campground map beforehand to reserve one of the more isolated ones.
LegendGeneral: 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.
Site Quality: Varies by type and location within the park. I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. A Monday in mid-October had many open sites. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one. 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. Some roads in the campground were paved but a few were not.
Bath/Shower House: was clean. Did not use the shower.
Activities: A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground. We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season.
As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise. This was just an overnight stay for us. We’ve been to many stellar Pennsylvania state park campgrounds, but this one was not as good as many others.
RangerWe stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted. Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out. There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site. The fire ring is at an angle so cooking on it proved to be a challenge (we bring a grill grate with us just in case, and had to use it). 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 (make sure you push the button once before you get in so its warm if no one else is showering at that time). Bring shower shoes. We were able to hear a small bit of traffic from the highway, but nothing that disturbed us. There are several stores within a 20 minute drive (Walmart, etc) and a mall an hour away. Camp wood at the entrance is $5 and is tiny; our biggest piece was a foot long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick! It was okay to start a fire, but we went into the woods and picked up dead wood that we cut into manageable logs. There weren't any roadside stacks of seasoned wood, so be prepared if it rains. The picnic table was saturated and too heavy to move, so we ate sitting in camp chairs. We would stay again.
ScoutThis is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds. The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks. Clean and well maintained. The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals
LegendWe 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! We moved over one site and it made all the difference. 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.
ScoutThis is a nice park, close to home with a lake. We like to picnic and go fishing. There are nice trails, volleyball areas, and playgrounds.
TravelerYou have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. Frankly, the bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream. Mosquitos are something of an issue, but by no means awful; and it is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek. It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking.
Shawnee State Park Campground provides equestrian camping facilities within a 300-acre area approximately 10 miles from Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The campground sits at an elevation of 1,600 feet in the Laurel Highlands region, creating distinct seasonal riding conditions. Horse campgrounds near Ligonier typically experience mild summers with average temperatures around 75°F and cold winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing, affecting trail conditions for equestrian use.
Fishing opportunities: The lake at Shawnee State Park offers fishing for various species. According to visitor Casey S., "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating." Many equestrian campers combine riding with fishing activities during their stay.
Memorial visits: When camping at Shawnee State Park Campground, consider exploring nearby historical sites. Rachel L. notes, "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial." This national memorial is approximately 30 minutes from the horse camping areas.
Water recreation: The lake provides swimming and boating options during warmer months. "There is a ton of parking and easy access points," reports Brittany V., making it convenient to visit the lake after a morning ride. Kayak rentals are seasonally available for campers.
Morning atmosphere: Early risers appreciate the natural beauty of the region. Melanie Z. from Shawnee State Park Campground describes, "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites." These conditions create ideal photography opportunities for equestrian campers.
Stream access: At Big Run State Park Campground, approximately 60 miles from Ligonier, campers appreciate the natural water features. Katie H. shares, "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds." This provides horses with natural water sources during day rides.
Spacious camping: Horse campers require additional space, which many sites provide. Andy C. found Big Run particularly accommodating: "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek." Similar spacious sites accommodate horse trailers and temporary corrals.
Site selection considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs typical for horse transportation. Gerard from Shawnee State Park Campground advises, "Many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them." Horse owners should request specific sites suitable for trailers.
Terrain challenges: Some camping areas present difficulties for setting up horse equipment. As Kaley R. notes, "There are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear." This applies equally to portable corrals and other horse equipment.
Water availability: While most equestrian camping areas provide water access, arrangements vary by location. Nathan S. shares that at Big Run, "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park." Horse owners should plan accordingly for watering animals.
Beach activities: Families can combine horse camping with beach time. According to Lee D., "A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground. We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals." This provides alternative activities for family members who aren't riding.
Playground access: For families with younger children, Shawnee offers recreational facilities. Lee D. notes, "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop." This provides entertainment options for non-riding family members while others tend to horses.
Wildlife observation: The streams at Big Run State Park Campground offer wildlife viewing opportunities for all ages. Nathan S. observed the "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish." Children can explore these natural features while adults manage horse care responsibilities.
Seasonal considerations: RVers with horse trailers should consider timing their visits. Danielle S. reports from Shawnee, "We stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted. Site 258 on loop D is quiet." Shoulder seasons often provide more availability for larger equestrian setups.
Hookup options: Horse campers requiring electricity for water pumps or other equipment should note available connections. Danielle S. observed, "There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site." These electrical options support extended stays with horses.
Campsite placement: RVers with horse trailers should prioritize level sites. Mark K. explains that at Big Run, "The bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream." This spacing provides better accommodation for equestrian setups than tightly packed campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ligonier, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ligonier, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
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