Shawnee State Park offers equestrian camping options near Somerset, Pennsylvania, with dedicated spaces for visitors bringing horses. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet in the Appalachian Mountains, creating varied terrain for trail riders. Camping areas designed for equestrian use provide necessary facilities for both riders and their horses, with multiple trail access points available directly from camp.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Shawnee State Park features a 293-acre lake stocked with various fish species. "Nice fishing lake and can be remote," notes Dustin R. about the opportunities at Shawnee State Park Campground.
Visit historic sites: The area surrounding Somerset contains significant historical landmarks. "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites," reports Melanie Z. about camping at Shawnee. The Flight 93 National Memorial is approximately 20 minutes from many campgrounds, with one camper mentioning, "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial."
Kayaking and boating: Many parks in the region offer water recreation options. A visitor to Big Run State Park Campground mentions, "It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking." Rental equipment is available seasonally at most parks with lakes, typically ranging from $15-25 per hour.
What campers like
Stream-side camping: Waterfront sites are highly sought after in horse campgrounds near Somerset, Pennsylvania. A camper at Big Run State Park shares, "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
Spacious, well-separated sites: Many campgrounds in the Somerset region offer generous spacing between campsites. One camper notes, "Tons of space between sites," while another mentions the "wide open site" available at Big Run State Park Campground, making it ideal for those seeking privacy.
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings provide shade and habitat for wildlife. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," states Casey S. about camping at Shawnee State Park. The natural environments support equestrian activities with trail systems designed for horse access.
What you should know
Site selection matters: When camping near Somerset with horses, choosing the right site can significantly impact your experience. "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites," reports Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park. "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked."
Primitive options available: Some campgrounds offer more rustic experiences without full amenities. "This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways," writes one camper about Big Run State Park. "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."
Seasonal considerations: Somerset area camping experiences vary dramatically by season. The best times for equestrian camping typically fall between April and October, when trails are most accessible. Water services and some facilities may be limited during colder months.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Family-friendly swimming areas provide recreation during summer months. "The lake is gorgeous and has a large, sandy beach," notes Gerard about Shawnee State Park Campground. Water depth is generally graduated, with designated shallow areas for younger children.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. As one camper observed about Shawnee, "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop," providing an activity option when not exploring trails or waterways.
Bug preparation: Insects can be an issue, particularly in sites near water. "It was great after sleeping in the car for a few nights. There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful, but the mosquitos sucked," reports one camper about their experience in the Somerset area.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: RVers should research specific site conditions before booking at horse campgrounds near Somerset. "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time," shares Lee D. at Shawnee State Park. "Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level."
Site approach challenges: Access to some sites requires careful maneuvering. "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," explains one RVer about Shawnee State Park.
Check site dimensions: Verify that your rig will fit comfortably within site boundaries. One camper at Big Run State Park notes, "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek."
