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Big Run State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping in a wooded setting with spacious sites situated along a stream. The campground features pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Pets are allowed throughout the area, making it accessible for campers with animals. Sites are spread out with ample space between each, providing privacy and a quiet camping experience. Water is not available directly at the campground, but can be accessed at nearby New Germany State Park approximately 10 minutes away, which also has a dump station. The campground remains open year-round with basic amenities suitable for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.
The park provides multiple access options including drive-in, boat-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping. Visitors note that sites adjacent to the stream offer natural white noise and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers have observed trout and crayfish in the stream, adding to the natural experience. The campground is maintained in good condition despite its primitive nature. The nearby reservoir offers kayaking and canoeing opportunities, with boat rentals available at the camp store. Some mosquito activity should be expected, particularly near the water. Those seeking electric hookups or shower facilities would need to consider Shawnee State Park Campground instead, which offers more amenities including full hookup sites and shower facilities for a less primitive camping experience.
"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. "
from $10 - $55 / 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
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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.
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.
Big Run State Park Campground provides primitive tent camping opportunities across 29 wooded sites near Ohiopyle. The park sits at approximately 1,450 feet elevation in western Maryland's mountainous region, where summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 80°F. Campers should note the lack of running water directly at sites and prepare accordingly by bringing adequate water supplies or planning trips to nearby facilities.
Kayaking on Savage River Reservoir: The calm waters near Big Run State Park Campground make for excellent flat-water paddling adventures. "The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals," notes Katie H., making it easy for visitors without their own equipment to enjoy the water.
Creek exploration with children: The accessible stream areas provide safe wading opportunities for families. "The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing!" reports Andy C. about their experience at site 73. Stream areas contain small wildlife viewing opportunities without requiring extensive hiking.
Fishing at designated spots: Trout populations thrive in the stream waters throughout the park. Nathan S. observed the stream was "incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," making it productive for anglers seeking native fish species without traveling to more crowded fishing destinations.
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing between camping areas. "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful," mentions Aakansha J., highlighting the privacy factor that distinguishes this campground from more crowded alternatives.
Natural soundscape: The rushing water creates a natural white noise barrier between sites. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" shares Zoe H., pointing out how the stream sounds mask other camping noises for a more immersive natural experience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The stream ecosystem supports diverse aquatic life visible from campsites. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," notes Nathan S., allowing campers to observe native species without special equipment or guided tours.
Water access planning required: No potable water exists directly at the campground. "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," advises Nathan S., requiring campers to fill containers before arrival or plan for daily water runs during extended stays.
Seasonal insect considerations: Mosquito activity increases during summer months, especially near water. Aakansha J. warns "the mosquitos sucked," suggesting campers bring appropriate repellents and protective clothing when camping between May and September.
Site selection strategy: Not all sites offer the same experience or amenities. Mark K. recommends understanding "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."
Stream-adjacent sites for entertainment: Select waterfront sites when traveling with children. Andy C. reports, "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
Plan for bathroom logistics: The primitive facilities require additional planning for families with young children. "The pit toilets were a nice long walk or a short drive away," notes Aakansha J., suggesting families consider bringing portable toilet options for nighttime needs.
Consider alternative lodging for longer stays: For extended trips with children, Shawnee State Park Campground offers more amenities. "The campground was nice, quiet and clean," reports Casey S., noting the "great swimming and kayaking/small boating" options that entertain children for multiple days.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require additional equipment for proper RV leveling. Gerard at Shawnee State Park observed "many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," suggesting campers bring leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Check size restrictions before booking: Verify site dimensions match your equipment needs. "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked," warns Brittany V., highlighting the importance of confirming site specifications before arrival.
Horse campgrounds near Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania: While direct horse camping options are limited in the immediate Ohiopyle area, equestrian campers can find suitable accommodations within an hour's drive. Several private facilities near Ohiopyle provide horse camping opportunities with trailer parking, paddocks, and access to riding trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ohiopyle, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ohiopyle, PA is Big Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
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