2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Beaver Creek State Park Campground includes an equestrian camp on Sprucevale Road with 59 primitive sites that accommodate horses. The sites do not have electrical hookups and provide basic tie-ups for horses rather than enclosed corrals. Twelve of these equestrian sites can be reserved in advance, while the remaining 47 operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground features vault toilets but no shower facilities. Trails throughout the park are suitable for horseback riding, with many campers noting the well-maintained paths and variety of terrain. Sites are spacious enough to accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment, though the primitive nature means riders should bring all necessary supplies for themselves and their animals.
Located approximately 1 hour from Pittsburgh, the equestrian camp connects directly to multiple trail systems suitable for riders of all experience levels. The park's trail network includes sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail, providing options for both short rides and longer excursions. Water access for horses is available at various points along Beaver Creek, though riders should check water levels as they can vary seasonally. The small, quiet campground environment creates a peaceful setting for horse camping trips. Equestrians should note that drinking water is limited as the park operates on a well system, and RVs are not permitted to fill onboard tanks. Riders praise the natural setting and wooded surroundings that offer both sun and shade options for horses throughout the day.
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- 6 electric sites
- 44 non-electric sites
- Dump station
- No showers; no flush toilets
- Pets are permitted on all sites
Equestrian"
"I live near by to this state park and have spent much time exploring the entirety of it."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 - $50 / night
"It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit."
"In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking"
"Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."
"The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit. The best part - it's free!"
"This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning."
"Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $29 / night
"The group next to us seemed a little rowdy when we first pulled in, but by 10:00 there was no noise anywhere near us. "
"Wood is dry and cheap right outside the park entrance. Bass fishing is top notch on the lake. I would definitely come back here again and again."
Available this weekend
from $23 - $80 / night
"The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."
"This campsite was close to an archery tournament for me. It is a huge campsite that is remote and peaceful. I will try to get this place again next year."
from $50 / night
ScoutThere’s no electricity and no where in walking distance and the internet isn’t great, and at night u hear raccoons in the trash cans. If you come here bring a portable phone charger. There’s really nothing here, and the bathrooms are disgusting
GuideMosquito Lake gets a bad rap because of its name. We had such a great time launching our kayak from our campsite! I’ve attached a highlighted map marked with the sights on or very close to the water to launch a kayak. Additional kayak launch sites available around the park if you can’t get one of these. It’s great campground if you have kids or a dog. Plenty of great playgrounds and a dog park/dog beach. The camp host was very nice and welcoming. The wash house has laundry and showers. Everything was clean.
GuideI've heard there are campgrounds that discriminate against car camping, first time experiencing it. There are many sites where people have a LARGE camper, a car, and multiple tents spread out over a large area. We have 2 SUV's with tents that attach to the backs. We followed all the rules and are taking up about HALF of our site. We were told that is not allowed. When asked for reasoning and comparing to what we've seen around the park, we get no clear answer that makes sense. We are here with a group that rented about 20 sites. After spending 4 hours setting everything up, she says one may have to leave; she's waiting to hear from her boss. I will definitely never return here!
TravelerVery neat and clean and organized
ScoutWhen we arrived, we checked in at the camp office. The ladies there were very kind. The roads through the campground are wide enough for two-way traffic and nicely paved.
This is a beautiful, heavily treed campground. Even on Memorial Day weekend with lots of people, the park was very peaceful. The sounds of birds permeate the air round the clock. Chipmunks run amok. They’re just so cute.
We booked site 56 for our 39’ fifth wheel. As soon as we pulled up, we knew there was no way we’d fit even though the reservation site said it would accommodate a 40’ rig. The camp hosts happened to be passing by as we were surveying the site. They were very helpful redirecting us to a nearby site that would be more suitable. FYI, sites 55 and 56 have deep culverts on either side. One wrong turn and you’re going to have a problem. The majority of sites along our road were just wide enough to keep the tires out of the dirt, but not wide enough for the stairs to land on asphalt. If you have a motorhome or other wide-bodied rig, like an Alliance Paradigm, I would recommend choosing one of the sites on the loop around the playground. Those are better suited for newer big rigs.
TIP…the line at the dump station is long on the holiday weekends. Plan accordingly.
GuideFirst time here. They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park. Wood is dry and cheap right outside the park entrance. Bass fishing is top notch on the lake. I would definitely come back here again and again.
ScoutWe live really close so we stay at mosquito for our first stay every year. This year we were disappointed. They had no staff there to check us in, the signs says closed Monday through Wednesday. Bathrooms were supposed to be open because we stayed April 16th, but only some of them were. (Even though online states April 1st they reopen). Some sites are more wet than others. We stayed at site 54 this time. The pad was very narrow and it was wet around it (it has been raining a lot). The person before us must have purchased a $12 bale of hay that they were selling up front because there was hay everywhere. Wish they would just put gravel down.
Otherwise, it's quiet. We love the nature play area for the kids. We love the playgrounds.
When they are open, the bathrooms are very clean. The shower house is dated but clean. Far walk from every site basically as they put it on the main road between both loops.
ScoutSimple site, gravel park pad, fire pit with swinging arm grill. Plenty of free firewood. Great place would stay again
GuideWhen you pull into Beaver Creek Family Campground you pretty much have two choices: either you go left into multiple Pine tree sites or right into two cabins and more RV friendly open sites. A few of the RV sites have electric, but no water for their tanks. I suggest the pine sites for any tent or hammock campers. I stayed in one of the first set of 3 pine sites numbered 43, 44, and 45. There is some brush and cover between these sites, but each has a pull in parking pad. If 45 was occupied with a RV, 44 would not be as nice as it was. Backing into 44 and 45 would be tricky as well. To be fair any larger RV that came in better know how to get through tight quarters.
The back area of each of those 3 sites looked best to get even ground for a tent. My buddy hung his hammock between the tree to the left of the picnic bench and to a tree back and left in the picture of site 44. Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe.
Probably the nicest pit toilets I have experienced and while we didn't use, it the sun shower building would give anyone privacy if they had packed a portable shower. Lots of trails to choose from and the pioneer village in the state park gives you many options to spend the day. Had some luck fishing at the Canoe/Kayak area in the South East area of the park close to the Group Camp Sites.
Equestrian camping near Rochester, Pennsylvania offers opportunities for riders to explore forested areas and connect to multiple trail systems. The region features numerous primitive sites that accommodate horses and riding equipment within Ohio and Pennsylvania state parks. Fall temperatures in this area typically range from 45-65°F, making it ideal for extended trail rides without summer heat concerns.
Trail riding access: At Hidden Hollow Campground in Fernwood State Forest, campers can connect to nearby hiking trails. "There is an easy orange-blazed trail behind site 10 but as of this writing, there are several downed trees blocking the trail a good distance in," notes reviewer Danielle S.
Fishing opportunities: Fish at nearby creeks when staying at Beaver Creek State Park Campground. "Bass fishing is really fun because we caught a few nice ones!!" shares Mike T., while another visitor mentions "people fishing along the way" on creek areas throughout the park.
Primitive backpacking: For those seeking more remote camping experiences away from equestrian areas, Danner Primitive Campground provides hike-in sites. "This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge," explains Casey L.
Spacious pine tree sites: Campers appreciate the natural setting at Beaver Creek State Park. "We camped this past weekend in site 50. It is an unbelievably spacious site under towering pine trees. The site sits back off the road and really makes you feel like you have the place to yourself," writes Matt H.
Quiet camping atmosphere: Jefferson Lake State Park Campground offers a peaceful environment away from busier equestrian areas. Theresa Tittle R. describes it as a "Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."
Night sky visibility: The lack of light pollution enhances stargazing experiences. Matt H. notes at Jefferson Lake: "The sky was dark enough to see far more stars than you'd see near any larger towns or cities. To cap it off, we laid in our tent dozing off to the sounds of owls and coyotes!"
Limited water availability: Many campgrounds in the area have restrictions on water access. At Moraine State Park, a camper warns: "They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank. Make sure you fill up before you go!"
Terrain considerations: Campsite leveling can be challenging in certain areas. At Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, one reviewer cautions: "You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped."
Facility limitations: Most equestrian camps offer only basic amenities. At Hidden Hollow Campground, a camper notes: "The pit toilets in the restroom are 'fragrant' when you enter the women's side of the building but not so terribly that they can't be used." Other visitors mention similar experiences at various parks.
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience with young children. At Beaver Creek State Park, Matt H. recommends: "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy."
Historical attractions: Starr Farm provides a remote base camp for exploring regional historical sites. A visitor describes it as a "huge campsite that is remote and peaceful," making it suitable for families seeking quieter alternatives to busier equestrian camps.
Creek exploration: Kids enjoy wading in shallow water areas at several parks. One camper at Jefferson Lake State Park mentions the "small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek." These water features provide natural entertainment without swimming facilities.
Limited hookup information: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer minimal RV amenities. At Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, Eddie notes: "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites. Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord."
Water fill logistics: Plan for extra time when filling tanks. Eddie continues about Jefferson Lake: "All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal. We were later told by staff the maintenance building had a threaded spigot."
Approach route considerations: Some roads within parks have restrictions. As Bounding Around warns about a campground: "There is a road in the park (Echo Dell Road) that RVs/Trailers can't go on so make sure you approach this campground from Leslie Road!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rochester, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rochester, PA is Beaver Creek State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rochester, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Rochester, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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