7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Horse camping sites near New Kingstown, Pennsylvania are limited. Michaux State Forest provides rustic camping options while accommodating horses, though no designated horse corrals are available. The forest requires camping permits and accepts pets, with sites accessible by vehicle. Camping is free at Michaux, making it economical for equestrians bringing their own portable corrals or highlines. Bathhouses and facilities are minimal, with no showers or toilets available at most forest sites. The campground maintains several trails suitable for horseback riding through wooded terrain.
Tuscarora State Forest's South Block Campground offers another option for horse owners, with basic camping facilities and trail access. Electric hookups are available at select sites, though horse-specific amenities are limited. Riders must bring all necessary equipment for securing their horses overnight. The trail system connects to broader forest paths, providing varied terrain for day rides from camp. Both forests follow Pennsylvania state regulations requiring negative Coggins tests for all horses. During peak season, reservations are recommended as the limited number of suitable sites fill quickly. Water access points for horses exist along several trails, though campers should bring sufficient water for horses at the campsites themselves.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $151 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $38 / night
"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or ventureœ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"If youâre looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isnât it."
"With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild."
"Lots to do very close to water and many things to do in and around camp ground. Stayed for a few days would go back."
from $30 - $100 / night
"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
from $10 / night
"Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."
"The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
ScoutStaff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
LegendWe spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincolnâs Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.Â
WHAT I LIKED:Â
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenienceâjust 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.Â
The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character.Â
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.Â
WHAT I DIDNâT LIKE SO MUCH:Â
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the dayâbut it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here.Â
WOULD WE COME BACK?Â
ScoutFlat grounds, level campsites, nice pool, kids have tons of fun!
RangerGreat park, alittle close together than I like. I wish I had picked 1-12 sites by the creek, but I donât think I had much choice when I booked anyway. Bathrooms were clean. My site was more of an rv and I felt like I was at the neighbors for supper.
RangerBeautiful park, pool and lake. Great for boating and fishing, running or hiking and swimming. In may, it wasnât busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
GuideThe weather wasnât too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldnât be happier.
TravelerNice clean and open sites but 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. We didnât use the bathhouse but it was very clean. A little older and could probably use a little updating. The campground is only a mile and a half from town which was awesome and direct access to battlefield trails right there. The only complaint we had was the WiFi was awful. Maybe it was because of the section we were in but once the campground filled up it was useless.
Camping options near New Kingstown, Pennsylvania span across state forests and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at the northern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. Fall camping season brings temperatures between 40-65°F with limited rainfall, creating favorable conditions for outdoor activities across the region's mixed deciduous forests.
**Hiking trails: Explore the Flat Rock Trail at Colonel Denning State Park Campground, with a challenging 1,200-foot elevation gain. "Amazing!!! Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites. Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!!" notes Casey L.
Fishing opportunities: Little Buffalo State Park Campground provides lake fishing with boat rentals available seasonally. "Its an amazing little quite camping ground. Super clean. Lots of easy hiking trails and tons of fishing," reports Brandon C., highlighting the accessibility for anglers of all skill levels.
Historical exploration: Artillery Ridge Campground offers direct access to Gettysburg's historical sites. "Amazing location surrounded by the national park. The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don't feel crowded," shares Sean M., emphasizing the convenience for history enthusiasts.
Clean facilities: Colonel Denning State Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms. "The bathrooms were the absolute cleanest bathrooms we've seen in a state park," mentions Nate & Erika L., noting this distinguishes the park from other state facilities.
Family programming: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers ranger-led activities. "We did have a nice bat spotting walk with a Ranger when we were there and there's an interesting historic mill you can tour," reports Christopher E., highlighting educational opportunities for families.
Water recreation: Multiple campers note Ferryboat Campsites provides direct river access. "We enjoyed our stay here â 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," explains melissa.
Permit requirements: Michaux State Forest camping requires free permits for designated sites. "Camping is free in several areas throughout Michaux State Forest (as well as other PA State Forests), BUT you usually need to have a camping permit (also free) and you can only stay in designated campsites," clarifies Jen S.
Limited facilities: Many forest campsites lack basic amenities. "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," explains Bridget D., also noting the absence of drinking water and restrooms at most sites.
Reservation systems: Different reservation procedures exist across the region. "You can book your site on line and go straight to your site! No check in required. If you are passing through and there are sites you can sign in by the honor envelops!" explains Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Pool access: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers swimming facilities separate from camping fees. "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! There are 2 slides for fun!" shares Amanda H., though she notes "you have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!!!"
Playground considerations: Gettysburg Campground offers family-friendly amenities with some limitations. "Very fun family friendly getaway for the weekend. Close to Gettysburg Battleground," says Matthew K., though Paula R. warns about accessibility issues: "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."
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities. "Wildlife is everywhere and there is even an eagle nest in the park and you can see the pair and often their young," shares Dawn N. about Little Buffalo State Park, while Ferryboat Campsites provides a "small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats."
Trailer access: Teaberry Parking Area in Michaux State Forest accommodates horse trailers. "It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced," notes j A., making it suitable for equestrian camping near New Kingstown, Pennsylvania.
Horse facilities: Michaux State Forest's Teaberry site provides basic equestrian accommodations. "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," explains Bridget D., noting these amenities for horse owners.
Seasonal considerations: Horse camping areas have specific seasonal restrictions. According to Bridget D., "Designated motorized sites require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving," while "Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round" provide options for winter equestrian camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New Kingstown, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near New Kingstown, PA is Little Buffalo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near New Kingstown, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near New Kingstown, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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