Shawnee State Park Campground and Big Run State Park Campground provide options for horse enthusiasts near Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. Shawnee State Park Campground allows pets and offers electric hookups with 30-amp and 50-amp service for those traveling with horse trailers. The campground can accommodate large rigs, making it suitable for equestrian campers with sizeable horse trailers. The campground frequently smells of horse manure according to visitor accounts, suggesting regular equestrian use. Facilities include reservable sites with picnic tables, sanitary dump stations, showers, and toilets. Water hookups are available for both camper and horse needs.
Big Run State Park Campground offers primitive camping in a more natural setting for those seeking a rustic equestrian experience. Located near the Savage River reservoir, this park provides access to streams where horses can be watered. Sites are widely spaced, offering ample room between camping areas for those with horses. The park's primitive nature means no electric hookups are available, and only pit toilets are provided. Potable water is accessible for both campers and horses. The campground connects to natural areas with streams and woodland, providing natural terrain for short rides. Most visitors note the peaceful setting and privacy between sites, ideal for camping with horses away from crowded facilities. Trail access for horses is available, though riders should be prepared for limited amenities compared to more developed equestrian campgrounds.
$20 - $110 / night
"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."
$10 - $55 / night
"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. "
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.
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.
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.
Equestrian camping near Meyersdale, Pennsylvania offers options in the Allegheny Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,800 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with average summer temperatures around 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Trail systems throughout the area connect to larger networks including portions of the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail, providing varied terrain for horse riders.
Lake activities at Shawnee: The 451-acre lake at Shawnee State Park provides multiple recreation options beyond horseback riding. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," reports Casey S. Fishing is also popular with accessible shorelines and boat launches.
Creek exploration: Sites along the stream at Big Run State Park Campground offer a different water experience. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," notes Nathan S. The running water creates natural white noise while providing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Visit nearby memorials: The region contains significant historical sites accessible from campgrounds. "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial," recommends Rachel L. from Shawnee State Park Campground.
Stream-side camping: Waterfront sites rank among the most popular for their natural ambiance. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" writes Zoe H. These sites often fill quickly during peak season.
Wide spacing between sites: The campground layout at Big Run provides privacy not found at more developed facilities. "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful," reports Aakansha J., noting the natural buffer zones between camping areas.
Convenience to stores: Despite the rural setting, campers appreciate access to supplies. "There are several stores within a 20 minute drive (Walmart, etc) and a mall an hour away," notes Danielle S., making it practical for extended stays or forgotten necessities.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain requiring careful site selection. "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time," shares Lee D. "Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level."
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall camping brings fog that can impact views and activities. "We were planning a breakfast on the lake but the fog hid the lake view," reports Tiffany K., describing April conditions that are common in the mountain region.
Insect preparation: The wooded and stream-side locations create ideal conditions for insects. "The mosquitos sucked," warns Aakansha J. Campers should pack appropriate repellents and screen shelters, particularly during summer months.
Playground access: Families with children should note playground locations when selecting sites. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground," mentions Lee D., highlighting amenities within walking distance.
Stream play opportunities: Natural water features provide entertainment for children. "The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing!" shares Andy C. about his family's experience at Big Run State Park Campground, where the shallow creek areas offer safe exploration.
Beach access: The sandy beach at Shawnee provides a designated swimming area. "The lake is gorgeous and has a large, sandy beach," notes Gerard, though he adds that seasonal timing affects water activities and rentals.
Double check site dimensions: RV campers should verify site specifications before booking. "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked," cautions Brittany V. Site measurements listed online may not account for terrain obstacles or approach angles.
Consider maneuverability challenges: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs despite being designated for RVs. "As we drove through the rest of the RV park area we noted that many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," warns Gerard.
Look for pull-through options: Pull-through sites offer easier setup for less experienced drivers. "We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up," reports Gerard, who stayed in a 32-foot trailer and found the site "easily accessed."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Meyersdale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Meyersdale, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
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