14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest provides primitive camping accommodations specifically designed for equestrians. Located near Penfield, this horse-friendly campground allows trailer parking and offers basic amenities for both riders and their horses. The campground connects directly to the extensive trail system within Moshannon State Forest, providing miles of riding opportunities through varied terrain. The sites at North Run include picnic tables and fire rings, though no corrals are provided, so campers should bring portable corrals or highlines for securing horses overnight.
Located approximately 50 miles from Mill Creek, Pennsylvania, the equestrian trails near Black Moshannon State Park offer riders access to the Allegheny Front Trail system, which volunteers maintain meticulously with excellent signage. This 40+ mile loop trail features gorgeous views and numerous established campsites with fire rings along the route. Water access is available throughout the trail system, making it ideal for multi-day rides. Horse owners should note that while Moshannon State Forest permits primitive camping with horses in designated areas, proper manure management and adherence to Leave No Trace principles are required. The forest roads throughout the region provide additional riding opportunities and access points to more remote camping locations.
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
"Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. "
from $20 - $87 / night
Check Availability"Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
"We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."
"The driving path is gravel with a steep hill at the end so if you can help it I would avoid sites 32,34,36 as they are VERY difficult to back into with larger rigs."
from $22 - $92 / night
Check Availability"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 Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."
"Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions."
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / 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.
TravelerSome reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information. Despite their proximity, Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks are NOT considered State Forest land, and have completely different amenities, availability, and regulations.
Michaux State Forest sites fall in to 4 categories:
1. Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving
2. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round
3. Primitive backpacking sites, open year-round (no permit required, should be at least 1 mi from a trailhead, and only 1 night per site allowed)
4. Primitive Cabins, which are on State Forest land but are managed by and booked through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
None of the sites available in Michaux have:
-electric or water hookups. If you used/saw one, you were in a State Park, not Forest.
-drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)
-restrooms (a very small number of sites have outhouses within 1/4 mi or so, but don't count on it)
All designated sites have some sort of fire ring, whether stones or metal.
Some, but not all, designated sites have picnic tables.
Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars.
Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high.
Alcohol is permitted, except in picnic areas.
Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available.
Pets are allowed as long as they are under control at all times and are not disturbing others. If your dog's recall is anything but perfect, they haven't earned the privilege. Use a leash or long line; remember that if your out-of-control dog gets into a fight with an aggressive but leashed dog, the fault is yours. It's not worth two sets of vet bills.
This is my go-to local place for camping and hiking alike. Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same. Like much of the state, it's a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections.
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.
RangerAmazing!!! Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites. If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms. Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!! Wide open area to swim that was very clean and well kept. Hope to revisit soon!
GuideSite SS007 sits roughly two miles off pavement along a fairly rough access road. A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions.
The location offers excellent views of the Susquehanna River and exceptionally clear night skies with strong stargazing opportunities. There was no existing fire ring on site, so we built one using nearby stones. The site does not include a picnic table or other amenities, making it a primative experience.
Cell service was limited but usable, averaging about one bar with AT&T and two bars with T-Mobile.
Overall, it is a quiet, scenic roadside site best suited for campers comfortable with minimal facilities and no other people around.
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.
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.
Equestrian camping near Mill Creek, Pennsylvania offers diverse terrain across the Allegheny Front with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,300 feet. The region receives approximately 45 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forest conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, while spring and fall camping brings cooler temperatures between 35-65°F with occasional frost.
Hiking at Black Moshannon State Park: The park features multiple trail systems suitable for day hikes. Camper Graham S. notes that "the Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing, hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc. I've never had a bad time at Black Moshannon and will keep coming back."
Tackle challenging trails at Colonel Denning: The Flat Rock Trail provides exceptional views after a significant climb. According to Nate & Erika L., "Our family of six made the trek up the Flat Rock Trail to the overlook. A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views."
Attend ranger-led programs: Several parks offer educational activities throughout camping season. At Colonel Denning, campers experienced unique wildlife encounters: "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."
Horseback riding in Michaux State Forest: The forest provides specific equestrian camping facilities. Bridget D. explains, "Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available."
Quiet, secluded atmosphere: Many horse-friendly campgrounds offer isolation from crowds. At Michaux State Forest, John S. found solitude: "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. Water is easily found and views like Sunset Rocks are simply gorgeous."
Clean facilities: Black Moshannon State Park Campground receives high marks for maintenance. As Travis S. describes, "Nice campground, wooded sites and most were okay for tent camping... Clean showerhouses and bathrooms. Big Lake and a few miles of hiking and biking trails right from the campground."
Creek access for horses and dogs: Several campsites near Mill Creek provide water access. Casey L. notes about Colonel Denning State Park Campground: "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day! We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head."
Accessible lakeside recreation: Equestrian campers appreciate sites with diversified activities. Denise D. shares that Black Moshannon has "sites to accommodate any R.V. and lot of tent sites. The lake has lots to offer. Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing."
Permit requirements vary: Different forests have different rules. For Michaux State Forest, Bridget D. explains, "Michaux State Forest sites fall into 4 categories: 1. Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving. 2. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round."
Site selection matters for large rigs: At Shawnee State Park Campground, Lee D. warns, "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time... Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level."
Variable cell service: Coverage can be spotty in equestrian camping areas. According to Bridget D., "Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars."
Fire restrictions: Safety regulations impact camping seasons. Bridget D. notes, "Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high."
Choose campgrounds with multiple activities: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers diverse recreation. Amanda H. recommends, "Little buffalo has a lot to offer! They offer nice trails to hike. 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!"
Consider site location relative to facilities: At Little Buffalo, Paula R. advises, "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."
Seek out educational opportunities: Several parks near Mill Creek offer ranger programs. At Colonel Denning, Nate & Erika L. experienced, "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. There was also a chaplain who came around offering a Sunday morning church service at the amphitheater."
Book well ahead for equestrian sites: The limited horse-friendly camping requires advance planning. Denise D. suggests, "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early."
Check site levelness beforehand: Many campgrounds near Mill Creek have challenging terrain. At Rothrock Roadside Campsites, Scott I. notes, "First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience."
Consider site approach for larger rigs: At Shawnee State Park, Gerard observes, "We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up... However, 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."
Verify site measurements: Brittany V. warns about Shawnee State Park: "We 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!"
Prepare for minimal services at equestrian sites: Primitive horse camping areas have limited amenities. According to Bridget D., "None of the sites available in Michaux have: -electric or water hookups. -drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first) -restrooms (a very small number of sites have outhouses within 1/4 mi or so, but don't count on it)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mill Creek, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mill Creek, PA is Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mill Creek, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Mill Creek, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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