Nancy B.
Ranger
RangerShawnee State Park Campground
Well maintained
The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
Equestrian Camping near Penn Run, PA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Shawnee State Park Campground offers limited equestrian facilities with pet-friendly sites spread across multiple camping loops. The campground accommodates tent campers, RVs, and cabin stays throughout the year, though horses require trailer parking in designated areas. Many sites feature electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with several loops allowing pets, though specific horse amenities are minimal. The campground reeks of horse manure 24/7 despite its proximity to highways, creating a distinct atmosphere for equestrian campers.
Trails connect to the main park area where a 451-acre lake provides additional recreation opportunities for campers and their horses. Water access points along the lake trail allow horses to drink after rides, though riders should bring portable water containers for overnight stays. The 5-mile loop trail around the lake accommodates horses and is excellent for biking, with well-marked paths for multi-use recreation. Visitors should reserve sites well in advance during summer months, as the 300+ site campground fills quickly, especially on weekends. Big Country Campground offers an alternative location with similar pet-friendly policies and trail access, though with more limited hookup options for extended equestrian camping trips.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Penn Run (3)
1. Shawnee State Park Campground
"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."
80 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
2. Big Country Campground
"Lots of activities, tons of nearby attractions, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Great store and owners, a nice place to visit."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
3. Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 33 min from Johnstown, PA
- 43 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr 4 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 1 hr 19 min from State College, PA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Penn Run, PA
30 Reviews of 3 Penn Run Campgrounds
- SScott I.
TravelerRothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest
Nice spot to camp in the mountains
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. This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.
This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from. This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.
The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking. There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table. There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.
Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below. The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road. Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time. At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).
No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here. Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon).
These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night. You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.
Brittany V.
LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Double check site booked
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! 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.
Lee D.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Huge state park
General: 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.
- JJennifer R.
ScoutShawnee State Park Campground
Loved the park but not the site
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
Rick G.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Met our Needs Perfectly
Booked for 5 nights to have an opportunity to explore the Bedford, PA area. Great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, Fort Bedford Historic Fort, and many other attractions. Loop D was quiet with ample space between sites that provided privacy. Bathhouse was clean and used for showers. Dump and water fill station easy to access on your way in or out. Verizon signal good enough for streaming.
Christina V.
GuideShawnee State Park Campground
Large, accompdating campground- Quiet on the weekdays!
Shawnee State Park is a very large campground (319 campsites with mixed electric and non-electric, some pet friendly, some not) about 10 minutes off highway 76 and 20 minutes from the Flight 93 National Memorial.
My fiancé and I visited on August 21, 2022- a Sunday. We did not have a reservation and utilized the campground’s honor system envelopes to reserve our site. We drove all over the entire campground (which is, again, quite large) and decided that sites 22 and 34 were both well suited for our Sprinter van 144 and not too crowded for our reactive dog.
The park employees were very helpful and accommodating, though we only needed limited assistance with our arrival since we didn’t have a reservation. A campsite list is posted at the entrance that displays the list of available sites for that night.
There is a loop that can accommodate larger RVs but most of those were full- the remaining sites are not necessarily level, and only about 1/4 of them appear to have electricity. Our site, 34, is not an electric site.
The campground appears well maintained, though the $33.50 fee is a little more expensive than we are used to paying. But the price of the site was worth it for us for a safe and quiet place to stop for the night on our way to the Flight 93 Memorial and Pittsburgh.
A note that traffic and highway noise can be heard from the campground but it isn’t incredibly loud- you do get nature sounds that drown out the highway noise at times, as the bugs here are very loud, but if the sound of the highway in the background will bother you, this might not be your ideal campground.
This campground clearly gets very busy during some weekends, so definitely plan a visit during the week if you’re like us and prefer a more private camping experience.
Gina I.RangerShawnee State Park Campground
Beautiful
Nice campground. Some of the campsites are a little bit too close together with no privacy. Our site/47 was too sunny. No shade, no privacy. But during the week was not too crowded, nice and quiet. The bathrooms were nice and kept clean. We had to ride our bikes or walk to get to the beach, that was more then a mile away or just felt like it was more, because it wasn’t mostly flat and for the kids was hard to ride they’re bikes . But when we got there we were pleased. Large,clean beach with sand , no rocks or aquatic plants in the water. I will do more day trips to the beach in the future.
- ddavid C.Traveler
Shawnee State Park Campground
Nice
Nice campground Need more hook up sites
Guide to Penn Run
Shawnee State Park Campground provides horse-friendly camping options in the Schellsburg area, approximately 25 miles from Penn Run, Pennsylvania. The 300+ site campground includes a mix of full hookup, electric, and non-electric sites across multiple camping loops with select areas designated for equestrian use. This state park encompasses a 451-acre lake with multiple access points and trails designed for multi-use recreation, including horseback riding. Sites range from 20 to 115 feet in length with varying degrees of levelness across the camping areas.
What to do
Trail riding around the lake: The 5-mile loop trail surrounding Shawnee State Park lake accommodates horses with designated water access points. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," notes Kaley R. from Shawnee State Park Campground.
Fishing in multiple locations: Anglers can access the lake from various points near the campground. "Nice fishing lake and can be remote," reports Dustin R., who frequently visits the park. The fishing opportunities extend beyond the main lake with additional water features accessible from the trails.
Swimming at the beach area: During warmer months, the sandy beach area provides swimming access for families. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," shares Casey S. from Rothrock Roadside Campsites, who recommends visiting between late May and early September when water temperatures are most comfortable.
What campers like
Spacious sites with natural separation: Many equestrian campers appreciate the layout of certain camping loops. "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit," explains Brittany V. about her experience at Big Country Campground, which offers similar site configurations to Shawnee State Park.
Clean facilities despite heavy use: The bathroom and shower buildings receive regular maintenance. "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," reports Danielle S., noting the practical amenities available for overnight horse campers.
Proximity to historical attractions: The area surrounding the equestrian camping options includes significant historical sites. "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too. Easy access from the PA Turnpike," mentions Melanie Z., highlighting the convenient location for travelers combining horse camping with historical exploration.
What you should know
Site selection matters for level ground: Horse trailers require careful consideration when booking. "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," cautions Brittany V. from Shawnee State Park Campground.
Highway noise varies by campsite location: Despite the rural setting, some sites experience traffic sounds. "As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise," explains Lee D., recommending loops further from the main roads for quieter overnight stays with horses.
Limited firewood quality at park stores: Campfire materials may require supplementation. "Camp wood at the entrance is $5 and is tiny; our biggest piece was a foot long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick," reports Danielle S., suggesting visitors collect additional deadfall or purchase wood from local vendors before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve well in advance for summer weekends: Popular equestrian camping areas fill quickly during peak season. "The park has lots of activities for the day, including a beach, fishing, hiking, group picnic areas," notes Tiffany K., emphasizing the importance of securing reservations 3-6 months ahead for family horse camping trips.
Check tent site terrain before setting up: Non-electric sites present challenges for level placement. "There are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear," warns Kaley R., suggesting families request specific site recommendations when making reservations.
Pack shower shoes and dish washing supplies: Shared facilities require appropriate accessories. "Bring shower shoes. We were able to hear a small bit of traffic from the highway, but nothing that disturbed us," advises Danielle S. from Rothrock Roadside Campsites, highlighting practical considerations for multi-day family stays.
Tips from RVers
Assess maneuverability before committing to sites: Large rigs face access challenges in certain camping loops. "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," cautions Gerard from Shawnee State Park Campground.
Consider seasonal timing for optimal experience: Off-peak visits offer advantages for equestrian RVers. "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," shares Lee D., noting the flexibility available during shoulder seasons.
Look for full hookup options when available: Water and sewer connections enhance longer stays. "Lots of activities, tons of nearby attractions, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Great store and owners, a nice place to visit," notes Michael L. from Big Country Campground, highlighting the combination of conveniences and recreation options available to RVers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Penn Run, PA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Penn Run, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Penn Run, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Penn Run, PA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Penn Run, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Penn Run, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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