6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Equestrian campers at Michaux State Forest must use designated motorized parking lot sites, which serve as the forest's horse camping areas. The Teaberry site features hitching posts and a two-step mounting block to accommodate riders and their horses. These primitive campsites require a free online permit, available year-round, though they lack hookups, water sources, and restroom facilities. The forest maintains a pack-in, pack-out policy for horse waste. While the forest does not offer dedicated horse corrals, the spacious parking areas provide adequate room for horse trailers, and the sites are positioned to allow easy access to trailheads.
Located within Pennsylvania's northern Blue Ridge Mountains, Teaberry offers direct access to miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding. The trails wind through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest with some open meadow sections perfect for riding. Water for horses must be carried in or collected from natural sources such as creeks, which should be treated before use. During late summer, lanternflies can be problematic at these sites, particularly at Teaberry, so protective measures for horses may be necessary during peak insect seasons. Alcohol is permitted at campsites, though fires are prohibited from March 1 to May 25 and during high fire danger periods. The primitive nature of these equestrian camping areas appeals to experienced horse campers who appreciate self-sufficient backcountry experiences.
"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
"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."
"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 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
"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
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
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.
Equestrian camping near Orrstown, Pennsylvania encompasses more than just Michaux State Forest's options. Located in Franklin County at approximately 700 feet elevation, this region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing. The surrounding terrain features rolling hills and valleys with limestone geology that creates natural water sources throughout the area.
Trail riding at Michaux State Forest: The forest offers diverse terrain for riders beyond Teaberry site. "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," notes John S. about Michaux State Forest.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Orrstown provide fishing access. "The lake is awesome to relax on, fishing, boating... tons of hiking trails, lots of history, never fails to be a great time!!" shares Lisa L. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Historic exploration: The area's rich history extends beyond recreational trails. "Close to historic Gettysburg battleground. Fantastic horse rescue on the campground. You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback," reports Zack about Artillery Ridge Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "Amazing!!! Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," reports Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park Campground.
Quiet atmosphere: The region's less-developed campgrounds offer peaceful settings. "Very nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool, mini golf and live music were great," writes Brett D. about Artillery Ridge Campground.
Water activities: Nearby waterways provide recreation beyond horseback riding. "We enjoyed our stay here — 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," shares melissa about Ferryboat Campsites.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions throughout the year. "It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking. porta potties were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain," notes Kelly J. about Gettysburg Campground.
Permit requirements: Different forests have varying reservation systems. "Michaux State Forest campgrounds have vault toilets and the sites are well-maintained. I went in late fall and was the only camper at the area I stayed in. Unfortunately you cannot reserve sites online and it's a little tricky, but it's free..." explains Jen S.
Insect issues: Beyond lanternflies, other seasonal pests may affect equestrian camping. "Relates to Teaberry Site Only. The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic," warns j A.
Scout accessible trails: Find horse trails suitable for younger riders. "The park itself is definitely on the smaller side but packs in a lot. Lots of great trails and the beach would be great (close due to bacteria overgrowth) the michaux forest is 30 minutes away and has a lot more outdoor activities," advises Tiff T.
Consider proximity to amenities: Some sites offer better facilities for families with horses. "The camp host was knowledgeable and friendly. We stayed in site 42, which was not the greatest layout (electric was on the wrong side of the site for our door and canopy to open to the fire ring), but our time there more than made up for it," explains Nate & Erika L. about Colonel Denning State Park.
Plan for varying weather: The region's weather can change quickly. "Appalachian mountain range, not bad with 4wheel drive. Stayed first at camp, moved to atv parking. Very remote and atvs in and out. Clean and we'll maintained," shares Carolyn K. about Michaux State Forest.
Site selection for horse trailers: RV campers with horses should carefully choose locations. "If you're looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn't it. If you are looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you," explains Jim G. about Gettysburg Campground.
Hookup availability: Many equestrian sites have limited services. "Amazing location surrounded by the national park. The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don't feel crowded. The only issue is there is a lot of construction at the moment. No pool, no mini golf, and a lot of sites are closed," notes Sean M. about Ferryboat Campsites.
Access considerations: Some horse-friendly campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites," reports paula M. about Artillery Ridge Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Orrstown, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Orrstown, PA is Michaux State Forest with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Orrstown, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Orrstown, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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