2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Shawnee State Park Campground allows horses on select campground loops where pets are permitted. The 319-site campground includes a mixture of full hookup, electric-only, and non-electric tent sites alongside yurts and cabins. Campsites vary significantly in levelness and privacy, with some sites featuring gravel pads ranging from 20 to 115 feet in length. The campground reeks of horse manure throughout the day and night, indicating regular equine usage. Campground roads are partially paved with some unpaved sections that may present challenges for horse trailers during wet conditions.
Located approximately 10 minutes from Interstate 76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), Shawnee State Park provides access to several hiking trails suitable for horseback riding. The trail around the lake offers scenic views for riders and connects to additional riding opportunities in the surrounding forest. Highway noise is audible from some campground areas but becomes less noticeable farther into the park. Water access is available for horses at multiple locations throughout the park. Trailer parking accommodates various sizes, though some camping loops have awkward approaches that make maneuvering larger horse trailers difficult. The park's proximity to historical sites around Schellsburg makes it a convenient base for riders exploring both natural and cultural attractions in the region. Firewood is available for purchase at the entrance for evening campfires after trail rides.
"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
Check Availability"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
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.
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.
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.
Shawnee State Park Campground provides dedicated horse-friendly camping options within a 10-minute drive from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The 319-site facility maintains designated equestrian loops separate from standard camping areas. Equestrian camping near Rector, Pennsylvania typically sees highest usage during spring and fall months when trail conditions are optimal and insects are less problematic. The surrounding region features a mix of state parks and forests with established horse trails.
Trail riding at Big Run State Park Campground: The park offers access to multiple stream-side trails connecting to larger trail systems. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" notes camper Zoe H. at Big Run State Park Campground. Riders appreciate the peaceful setting and natural sounds during breaks.
Lake views on horseback: Ride the trail system surrounding Shawnee State Park's lake for scenic vistas. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," reports Casey S.. The trails provide multiple lake access points and connect to longer routes in the forest.
Historical site exploration: Combine riding with visits to nearby historical landmarks in Schellsburg. "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too. Easy access from the PA Turnpike," says a visitor to the area. Morning rides often feature atmospheric fog that enhances the historical landscape.
Spacious sites with natural separation: Many equestrian camping areas offer ample room between sites. "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit," reports Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Access to water features: Equestrian campers appreciate the proximity to lakes and streams for horse watering and scenic rides. A visitor to Big Run comments, "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites." These water features provide natural cooling for horses during warmer months.
Overnight convenience: The campground layout facilitates horse care and feeding routines. "We stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend... Site 258 on loop D is quiet," notes a camper. Most equestrian sites include hitching posts and space for portable corrals, though permanent corrals are not available.
Site selection is crucial: Not all sites accommodate horse trailers effectively. "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," cautions a visitor about proper site selection.
Seasonal conditions affect trail access: Spring thaws and heavy rainfall can render certain trails temporarily unusable. "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek," reports Andy C. at Big Run State Park, highlighting the importance of selecting sites based on seasonal conditions.
Water and facilities vary by park: Different parks offer varying levels of equestrian amenities. "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," notes Nathan S. about Big Run. Some parks require bringing water for horses while others provide dedicated equine water facilities.
Choose sites with adequate space: Family equestrian camping requires extra space for both horses and children. "My wife and I stayed for two nights at this campground and enjoyed it greatly. We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up," shares Gerard about Shawnee State Park.
Pack for insects: Prepare for seasonal bug activity, especially in wooded horse camping areas. "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful, but the mosquitos sucked," warns a camper about their experience. Bringing appropriate insect protection for both humans and horses is essential.
Plan activities beyond riding: Non-riders in the family need alternative activities. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground," mentions Lee D. about Shawnee State Park. Most parks offer fishing, hiking, and swimming options alongside horse trails.
Maneuver carefully in horse camping sections: Some loops have challenging approaches for larger rigs with horse trailers. "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 about Shawnee State Park. Advance scouting of sites helps prevent difficult parking situations.
Prepare for varied site conditions: Level sites are not guaranteed in all equestrian camping areas. "There are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear," explains a camper. Many experienced RVers bring additional leveling equipment when horse camping in this region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rector, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rector, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
Keep Exploring
