M
Melanie Z.
Guide
GuideShawnee State Park Campground
Beautiful Forest
Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too. Easy access from the PA Turnpike.
Equestrian Camping near Schellsburg, PA
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Shawnee State Park Campground near Schellsburg allows pets but lacks specific horse corrals or dedicated equestrian facilities. The 319-site campground accommodates a variety of camping styles including tent, RV, cabin, glamping, and yurt options. The park reeks of horse manure 24/7 despite no formal equestrian amenities, suggesting nearby horse activity. Electric hookups are available at select sites, though many campers note the campground's awkward layout with several sites positioned on hills, making level placement challenging for both tents and trailers. The campground features clean restrooms, showers, a sanitary dump station, and fire rings at each site.
The park's trail system includes routes suitable for casual riding around the 451-acre lake, though no designated bridle trails are mentioned in visitor reports. Located approximately 10 minutes from Pennsylvania Turnpike exit, this campground provides reasonable access for vehicles with horse trailers, though no specific horse trailer parking areas are designated. The lake offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities for non-riding activities. For horse owners seeking dedicated equestrian camping, alternative locations with proper corrals and designated equestrian campsites may better serve their needs. The noise from the nearby Pennsylvania Turnpike is audible throughout most of the campground, potentially affecting horses sensitive to traffic sounds.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Schellsburg (4)
1. Shawnee State Park Campground
"Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too. Easy access from the PA Turnpike."
"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."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability2. Big Run State Park Campground
"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 Availability3. Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability4. Vagabond Isle
from $100 - $150 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 36 min from Altoona, PA
- 41 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 14 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 18 min from Chambersburg, PA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Schellsburg, PA
34 Reviews of 4 Schellsburg Campgrounds
- MMatt R.
TravelerShawnee State Park Campground
Is as others say
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. 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.
- DL W.Traveler
Shawnee State Park Campground
A treasure to remember, after a long, rough day...
I 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.
- Brian S.Guide
Shawnee State Park Campground
Close to Really Great Hiking
Shawnee 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.
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.
Danielle S.
RangerShawnee State Park Campground
Pleasant camping
We 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.
- KKatie H.
ScoutBig Run State Park Campground
Great primitive campsite
This 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
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.
- 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.
Guide to Schellsburg
Shawnee State Park Campground in Schellsburg offers 319 campsites spread across several loops in a wooded setting. The 451-acre lake serves as the centerpiece of this Pennsylvania state park, located approximately 10 minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Campsites vary significantly in terrain, with some positioned on hills that present leveling challenges for both tents and RVs. While formal equestrian facilities are not available at Shawnee State Park, several nearby state forests provide trail riding and primitive camping options for those seeking horse-friendly accommodations.
What to do
Lake activities: Shawnee State Park features a large lake with a sandy beach area for swimming during summer months. The lake provides multiple fishing and boating opportunities. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," notes Casey S. from Shawnee State Park Campground.
Hiking and biking: The trail system around the lake offers both hiking and cycling options suitable for various skill levels. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommended! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," shares Kaley R. who camped at Shawnee State Park.
Stream exploration: At Big Run State Park Campground (about 40 miles southwest of Schellsburg), campers can enjoy stream-based activities. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic," reports Nathan S., highlighting the natural water features common in this region of Pennsylvania and neighboring Maryland.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the size and separation between sites at regional campgrounds. "There is a ton of space between sites," notes Nathan S. about Big Run State Park Campground, located about 40 miles from Schellsburg. Similarly, at Shawnee, "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage," according to Brittany V.
Clean facilities: The maintenance standards at campgrounds near Schellsburg receive consistent positive feedback. "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. from Shawnee State Park.
Natural surroundings: The forested settings and water features rank high among visitor favorites. "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites," shares Melanie Z. At Rothrock Roadside Campsites, Scott I. notes that some sites offer "their own private overlook to the valley below," providing unique landscape views.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campsites at Shawnee State Park present leveling challenges for both tents and RVs. "We heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time... Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level," explains Lee D. from Shawnee State Park.
Noise considerations: Despite feeling remote, some ambient noise exists. "As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise," reports Lee D. from Shawnee State Park. This is consistent across several campgrounds in the region due to proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Seasonal variations: Facilities and services change throughout the year. "We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season," mentions Lee D. At Rothrock Roadside Campsites, Scott I. cautions that some access roads are "not safe to access in the winter in my opinion."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Lakes and streams provide natural entertainment for children. "The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing!" shares Andy C. about Big Run State Park, demonstrating the family-friendly water activities available in the region.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop" at Shawnee State Park, according to Lee D., providing an option for younger campers between nature explorations.
Site planning: Families should research site specifications carefully before booking. "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," advises Brittany V. from Shawnee State Park.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs despite being designated for RV use. "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.
Hookup variations: Available utilities differ significantly between sites and campgrounds. "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," details Danielle S., highlighting the importance of checking specific amenities when booking.
Pull-through availability: RVers seeking easier access should target specific sites. "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 his experience at Shawnee with a 32-foot trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Schellsburg, PA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Schellsburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Schellsburg, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Schellsburg, PA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Schellsburg, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Schellsburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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