Equestrian camping near Shickshinny, Pennsylvania provides specialized accommodations for riders exploring northeastern Pennsylvania's forested landscape. Located in the Endless Mountains region at elevations between 600-1,500 feet, these campgrounds maintain designated areas with paddocks and trailer access. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing between November and March, requiring proper preparation for cold-weather camping.
What to do
Trail riding in Loyalsock State Forest: The extensive trail system offers riders varied terrain through the Endless Mountains region. "A group of us stayed here over Memorial Day weekend. The sites were super spacious and private. There was enough room for a full overlanding setup, three vehicles, a hammock, two dogs and a two person tent with plenty of room to spare. Good hiking trails were just a short walk away from our campsite," notes Paige H. about Tuscarora State Park Campground.
Lake activities at Promised Land: The park maintains multiple lakes for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating from April through October. "We like Lackawanna State Park. The trails are fun for relaxing hikes, we especially like the one right along the lake. Also their is a huge lakefront area along a different stretch of the lake that offers people a lot of ways to enjoy themselves," says Michael about Lackawanna State Park Campground.
Winter camping options: Several state forests maintain year-round access for cold-weather camping. "~3 hour drive from NYC, and a wonderful campsite with good weather in the summer - not too hot during the day and nice and cool overnight. Close proximity to nice, short hikes. Great facilities all around the campsite," notes Daniel G. about camping at Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Horse campgrounds near Shickshinny give riders space for their equipment. "We have camped here in tents and with our teardrop trailer. All of our experiences have been good. Clean bathrooms are essential and even when the large campground is full the bathrooms have been clean," mentions David S. about Lower Lake Campground Hemlock Hill Equestrian Area.
Direct trail access: Many equestrian sites connect directly to riding trails without requiring trailer transport. "Off the beaten path in the middle of 'pennsyl-tucky'. No cell service at all unless you drive up to the top of the mountain. It is free to camp at one of the spots but you must call the respective ranger station ahead of time and let them know your car name ect and they issue you a permit free of charge," reports Zoltan P. about camping options.
Rustic alternatives: For those seeking more primitive camping with horses near Shickshinny, several options exist. "I mostly stayed at a cabin on the lake here, which was incredible. Dogs are welcome, as long as you clean up after them. Hiking through was good fun, and actually sort of clean," notes Joycel Y. about their experience.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most equestrian camping requires advance permits, especially for state forest camping. "This park has no tent camping. They offer cabins and yurts, but have no sites for people to set up tents. The main attraction for this park is their lake, which you can swim in, fish, kayak or drop in a boat," explains Tiffany K.
Limited cell service: Many horse campgrounds near Shickshinny have minimal or no cellular reception. "We were Motorcycle camping and came in on a Holiday weekend without a reservation. But we were given a terrific tent site. The park was very neat and well manicured. Bathrooms were fairly nice, but no TP mid day," reports Guy M.
Seasonal closures: Check availability as many facilities close during winter months. "First trip of the season and we were amazed. Not crowded this time of year, serene, and perfect weather. We collected our own firewood as there is none for sale in the state park. We thought that was going to be a problem but we were okay with it!" shares Angie G.
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra supplies: Stores are limited near most equestrian campgrounds. "Went tent camping for 3 nights, easy to get to, bathrooms were clean and so was the site. Sites were a good size and not on top of each other. Firewood was available in the area. But not much for stores so pack everything in before," advises Siobhan D.
Consider yurts for comfort: Several parks offer alternative accommodations for families not wanting to tent camp. "My girlfriends and I just stayed in the yurts for annual glamping trip. We reserved 3 of 4 yurts for first weekend in June...non peak season. Peak season requires minimum 5 day reservation, I believe," notes Mandy F.
Check wildlife advisories: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "There are bear in the region so be weary with your food. No noise pollution. No light pollution. No large towns anywhere near here all towns with very minimal population," cautions Zoltan P. about Carvolth Camping Area.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most dedicated equestrian campgrounds have restrictions on RV length. "This park is large and has many different campgrounds. We stayed in lower lake beechwood site 323. Was decent site only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it's a nice wooded site with privacy," reports Dawn R.
Hookup reliability: Electric systems at older campgrounds may have limitations. "Camped here for a weekend, and probably one of my least favorite sites so far. Hiking trails are good, the lake is nice, but there is no privacy at the campsites; they're all very small and packed tight. Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps," warns David about Sassafras Hill Camping Area.
Seasonal access: Some equestrian campgrounds near Shickshinny maintain limited winter operations. "Went camping in late October, when a lot of the other parks are closed. Only one section of their camping was still open but the bathrooms and showers had been winterized. Stayed in a beechwood area camp site," notes Tiffany K.
