Equestrian Camping near Mechanicsburg, PA

Little Buffalo State Park Campground sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level in the scenic ridge and valley region of Pennsylvania. Located within Perry County, the park experiences seasonal temperature fluctuations with cooler nights, even in summer months. Trail riders will find several equestrian options in the surrounding state forest lands with proper permits.

What to do

Lake activities: The 42-acre Holman Lake offers fishing opportunities for warm-water species including bass, panfish, and trout during stocked seasons. At Colonel Denning State Park Campground, campers appreciate the water access. One visitor notes, "Wide open area to swim that was very clean and well kept."

Hiking trails: Multiple trails connect from the campground to surrounding forest areas, with terrain varying from easy walks to challenging climbs. A camper at Colonel Denning shared, "Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!" Many trails accommodate horses with proper permissions.

Historical exploration: The area contains several historical sites relating to Pennsylvania's industrial past. At Gettysburg Campground, visitors can access nearby historical attractions. As one camper mentioned, "If you're looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you."

What campers like

Clean facilities: The bathhouses receive consistent praise for their cleanliness and maintenance. At Ferryboat Campsites, a reviewer noted, "Bathrooms and grounds were very clean. Rates are reasonable for what you get, and they offer discounts."

Water features: Stream access at several campgrounds provides cooling recreation during summer months. One Colonel Denning visitor shared, "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day!"

Quiet atmosphere: Many campsites offer a peaceful environment away from urban noise. A camper at Starlite Camping Resort said, "We have been camping at Starlite with Dave and family for 15+ years. The facilities are spotless and the campground is maintained to the highest standards I have seen."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Campground operations and amenities change throughout the year, with some areas closed during winter. At Michaux State Forest, a visitor explains, "Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving."

Horse-friendly options: While not all campgrounds accommodate horses, several state parks and forests permit equestrian camping with proper planning. Proper containment and cleanup is mandatory at all sites accepting horses.

Booking requirements: Reservation systems vary between state parks and private campgrounds. One camper at Colonel Denning shared, "We chose this campground based on the reviews from another Dyrt member and decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Several parks feature swimming areas appropriate for various ages. A Little Buffalo visitor mentioned, "They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!"

Playground access: Campgrounds with play equipment provide activity options for younger visitors. A camper at Artillery Ridge Campground noted, "The camp store has everything that any camper could need, and the game room is really nice."

Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs during peak seasons. A visitor to Michaux State Forest shared, "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose sites based on rig size and required turning radius. At Artillery Ridge, one camper advised, "We stayed in the 400 section which was separate from the main campground. Very easy check in. Did it online and just pulled up to the little shack they have and grabbed our packet."

Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between campgrounds, with some offering only 30-amp and others providing 50-amp connections. A visitor at Starlite Camping Resort reported, "We had two sites this trip with water and electric, but they do have quite a few full hook-up sites."

Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature hilly terrain that can complicate access for larger vehicles. As one Starlite visitor explained, "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed."