8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Michaux State Forest offers designated motorized parking lot sites that serve as equestrian sites for horse camping near Newville. The forest accommodates horse camping with hitching posts and a two-step mounting block available at the Teaberry location. Horse owners must obtain a free online permit before camping, with these equestrian-friendly parking lot sites open year-round unlike the standard motorized sites which close after the third Sunday following Thanksgiving. Pets including horses must be under control at all times to avoid disturbing other campers or wildlife. The campsites provide fire rings, with some also featuring picnic tables for visitor use.
The Appalachian Trail runs through portions of Michaux State Forest, providing extensive riding opportunities on horse-permitted trails. Located in the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the terrain offers varied riding experiences through young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open prairie and meadow sections suitable for horses. Trail conditions remain primitive, with no drinking water available at sites, though some areas feature creeks that can serve as water sources for horses after proper treatment. Cell service varies significantly throughout the forest, with some areas having excellent coverage while others have none without a substantial drive or hike. Fires are prohibited from March 1 to May 25 and during high fire danger periods, which affects camping plans for equestrians visiting during spring months.
"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
"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
"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 $22 - $92 / night
"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 you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."
"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 venture½ 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."
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"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
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(Lincoln’s Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.
WHAT I LIKED:
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenience—just 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.
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.
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the day—but 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.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
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 don’t 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 wasn’t busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
GuideThe weather wasn’t 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 couldn’t 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 didn’t 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.
Michaux State Forest provides a range of camping opportunities throughout its 85,500 acres spanning Cumberland, Franklin, and Adams counties. The forest contains extensive trail networks with varied terrain, mostly between 1,000-2,000 feet elevation. Camping options near Newville include primitive sites, designated parking lot areas, and motorized sites that offer different levels of accessibility depending on vehicle type and camping equipment.
Hiking trails: Explore the extensive trail system in Colonel Denning State Park Campground, which connects to wilderness areas. "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," writes Casey L.
Historical exploration: The Gettysburg area provides opportunities to immerse in Civil War history just a short drive away. "We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded," notes MJ B.
Water activities: Some campgrounds offer swimming and fishing opportunities in natural settings. "The lake is awesome to relax on, fishing, boating, swimming in the pool, tons of hiking trails, lots of history, never fails to be a great time!!" shares Lisa L. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Secluded tent sites: Campers appreciate the walk-in sites that provide more privacy. "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. The site was not far from our parking spot, maybe a hundred yards but there was a slight hill," explains Tiff T.
Winter accessibility: For equestrian camping opportunities near Newville, some sites remain open year-round. "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. You can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations or park at other trail heads," reports John S. about Michaux State Forest.
Riverside camping: Sites along waterways provide natural sound barriers and recreational opportunities. "We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. The weather was hot so lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river — we loved to sit out and watch the water go by," shares Melissa about Ferryboat Campsites.
Permit requirements: Free permits must be obtained for many forest camping areas. "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," explains Jen S.
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds have constraints for larger equipment. "We have a small 19" travel trailer which was almost impossible to park due to very tight sites. Sites are almost on top of each other - we had a group of people with tents next to us that were basically on top of us," warns Shirley M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Newville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Newville, PA is Colonel Denning State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Newville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Newville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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