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 Raystown Lake, PA
7 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest accommodates equestrians with tent and RV sites designed specifically for those traveling with horses. The campground features electric hookups with both 30 and 50-amp service options, designated fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. Reservations are required for the equestrian sites, with adequate space for horse trailers and vehicles. The campground does not offer designated horse corrals, so riders should bring portable corral panels or use highlines for securing horses overnight. The campground reeks of horse manure throughout the day, creating an authentic equestrian atmosphere typical of horse camps.
The bridle trails connect directly from the camping area to the broader Moshannon State Forest trail system, providing immediate riding access without trailering. Located approximately 90 minutes from Raystown Lake, the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the forest's extensive network of horse-friendly trails. Water access for horses is available, though campers should verify seasonal availability before arrival. Trailer parking areas accommodate various sizes, from small bumper-pulls to larger living-quarter trailers. Sites are reservable through the Pennsylvania state park reservation system. The trail system around the lake is excellent for biking, with multiple access points and well-maintained paths that connect riders to scenic overlooks and water access points.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Raystown Lake (11)
1. 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
2. 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."
120 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
3. Black Moshannon State Park Campground
"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
"Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. "
56 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $87 / night
4. Colonel Denning State Park Campground
"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."
43 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $38 / night
5. Little Buffalo State Park Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $151 / night
6. Michaux State Forest
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
7. North Block — Tuscarora State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
8. South Block — Tuscarora State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
9. North Run Equine Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
10. New Lancaster Valley Roadside Campsites — Bald Eagle State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 49 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr from State College, PA
- 1 hr 26 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 33 min from Chambersburg, PA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Raystown Lake
88 Reviews of 11 Raystown Lake Campgrounds
MsTrailBlazerRangerColonel Denning State Park Campground
Snakes! 🐍 🥰
Great 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.
- MsTrailBlazerRanger
Little Buffalo State Park Campground
Campground away from park 👍🏻
Beautiful 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.
Etzer D.
GuideColonel Denning State Park Campground
Great creekside spot
The 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.
Graham S.
TravelerBlack Moshannon State Park Campground
Great campground at a beautiful park
Ive camped at Black Moshannon State Park many times both in a tent and our camper. The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean. The bathhouses are nice and well maintained. The Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing. Hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc. I've never had a bad time at Black Moshannon and will keep coming back.
- SScott I.Traveler
Rothrock 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.
- SSteveGuide
Black Moshannon State Park Campground
Beautiful spot
In the middle of the woods vibe. The sites had good privacy and it was just a pretty area. Neighbors were respectful and relatively quiet.. There was zero cell service at this campground. Bathrooms were clean.
Guide to Raystown Lake
North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest sits approximately 90 minutes from Raystown Lake at an elevation of 1,800 feet, providing a cooler retreat during summer months. This dedicated equestrian camping area serves as a gateway to exploring the broader trail systems that extend throughout central Pennsylvania's forested highlands. Trail access directly from campsites allows riders to explore without additional trailering once camp is established.
What to do
Hike challenging trails: Colonel Denning State Park offers demanding hiking experiences with significant elevation changes. "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," notes Casey L. at Colonel Denning State Park Campground.
Fish in stained waters: Black Moshannon State Park features a unique lake with naturally tinted water. "The Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red which is why its called the Red Mo with the locals," explains Travis S. who visited Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Winter exploration: Some trails remain accessible year-round, though winter conditions require preparation. "This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion," cautions Scott I. about Rothrock Roadside Campsites, highlighting the importance of seasonal planning.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain excellent restroom standards. "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.
Affordable primitive options: Rothrock Roadside Campsites offer basic accommodations at reasonable rates. "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," advises Scott I.
Variety of accommodation types: Shawnee State Park Campground provides multiple lodging options. "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," notes Lee D.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Carefully research site dimensions and layout before 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," shares Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park.
Water conditions vary: Lake access doesn't always mean ideal swimming. "Water was thick with weeds & lilies but ok nonetheless," mentions Rebecca E. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Free permits required: Michaux State Forest operates differently from state parks. "Camping is free in several areas throughout Michaux State Forest, BUT you usually need to have a camping permit (also free) and you can only stay in designated campsites," explains Jen S.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Little Buffalo State Park offers exceptional swimming facilities. "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!" recommends Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Consider site location: Some campgrounds have challenging topography for kids. "If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms," warns Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park.
Bike-friendly areas: Evaluate campground layout for cycling with children. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend!" reports Kaley R. about Shawnee State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring extra equipment. "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," shares Lee D. about Shawnee State Park.
Campground approach routes: Access roads may present challenges for larger rigs. "Our only trouble was our GPS brought us in the most difficult way. We suggest avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road," advises Sandi G. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Site dimensions for horse trailers: When seeking horse campgrounds near Raystown Lake, verify site dimensions accommodate your specific trailer requirements. "The camping area is closed summer 2018. but should be open next year after they finish their project on fixing the park to make it better," mentions Danielle W. about Colonel Denning State Park, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before planning an equestrian camping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Raystown Lake?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Raystown Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Raystown Lake is Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest with a 4.0-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Raystown Lake?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Raystown Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Raystown Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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