Best Equestrian Camping near South Mountain, PA

We stayed at this campground during the COVID pandemic so not much was open at the campground. But from the looks of it they have a small mini golf area, nice size basketball court and a good size building for activities. This campground has horse stalls and rings if you would like to bring your own horses. There were a few families that brought their horses and they were right across from our site. Kids loved being able to see them and get close and even pet them!

This campground is minutes from town and is practically on the battlefield.

Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information. Despite their proximity, Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks are NOT considered State Forest land, and have completely different amenities, availability, and regulations.

Michaux State Forest sites fall in to 4 categories:

1. Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving

2. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round

3. Primitive backpacking sites, open year-round (no permit required, should be at least 1 mi from a trailhead, and only 1 night per site allowed)

4. Primitive Cabins, which are on State Forest land but are managed by and booked through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

None of the sites available in Michaux have:

-electric or water hookups. If you used/saw one, you were in a State Park, not Forest.

-drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)

-restrooms (a very small number of sites have outhouses within 1/4 mi or so, but don't count on it)

All designated sites have some sort of fire ring, whether stones or metal.

Some, but not all, designated sites have picnic tables.

Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars.

Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high.

Alcohol is permitted, except in picnic areas.

Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available.

Pets are allowed as long as they are under control at all times and are not disturbing others. If your dog's recall is anything but perfect, they haven't earned the privilege. Use a leash or long line; remember that if your out-of-control dog gets into a fight with an aggressive but leashed dog, the fault is yours. It's not worth two sets of vet bills.

This is my go-to local place for camping and hiking alike. Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same. Like much of the state, it's a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections.

Spent a weekend at Gettysburg. We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts. So close to history. We have been to Gettysburg before, but going with the kids again being older, we all had a greater appreciation of the sacrifice of this 3-day battle. We did Park Ranger tours to learn about the 1st shot and how the war started to stand in the footsteps of General Buford at Senitary Ridge in the cupola overseeing the battlefield. Later in the day we took a horse carriage ride through the battlefields, Picketts Charge and the peach orchard with a private guide to learn every ounce of the battlefield and the major players to learn about the 3 days of fighting that took place to how the civilians of Gettysburg were impacted. The three day battle claimed over 50,000 lives and we toured the town of Gettysburg to learn how the community had to deal with the aftermath of the masses who perished, the smell which went on for over 30 miles and limited resources such as clean water. It's amazing to see how history was so preserved but right across the street from battlefields where so many died stands fast food restaurants, and hotels. A little surreal. Would definitely recommend a ride out to Gettysburg and this campground, which is right next to the battlefields. Clean facilities. If you are into horses, this is the place for you! Though sites are not very private, everyone is very respectful, and you are not on top of each other. Quiet hours are observed, which is nice too. Store has a great variety of souviners, treats, and emergency camping items. You can't get any closer to history than here. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to visit Gettysburg.

Great campsite - Site 8, Hairy Springs; long walk from vehicle so pack lightly.  Had great water source from boy scouts (easy to fill buckets)  and large place to put up tent.  2 different fire rings, no picnic table.  Not much hiking available from the site- be careful if walking down the stream as it disappears underground (very cool to hear, babbling brook style) but very easy to get turned around in the thickets...  Saw evidence of BEAR near our tent after hiking - but stayed the 2nd night with no incident.  (Yelling "HEY BEAR" every couple minutes.. haha - scary!)  Beautiful night sky!

The Michaux State Forest has several FREE rustic campsites that can be reserved up to 7 consecutive nights.  We chose site 15 - Raccoon Run and loved it.  It was clean, well stocked with firewood and huge!  There was space for 4-6 tents and just as many hammocks.  There is a creek nearby for water and trails right from the site.  Just note that one trail runs through the campsite and you may or may not have some people pass through.  We had a couple trail bikers roll by in the morning but no big deal.

There is room to park 2 vehicles at the road and a short walk to the site.  You can reserve the site online and print your permit once approved.

I camped near Chimney rocks and Hermitage cabin and the place is truly magnificent. If you want to stay at the cabin, it looks super cute. If not, there’s a few campsites just a little bit down, close to the river and large enough for 4 double tents. There’s a lot to do near by with a town not too far away. I definitely recommend paying this place a visit!

Michaux State Forest campgrounds have vault toilets and the sites are well-maintained. I went in late fall and was the only camper at the area I stayed in. Unfortunately you cannot reserve sites online and it's a little tricky, but it's free... 

Camping is free in several areas throughout Michaux State Forest (as well as other PA State Forests), BUT you usually need to have a camping permit (also free) and you can only stay in designated campsites. To obtain a permit, find out where the designated sites are, and/or find out what designated campsites are available, you have to contact the State Forest District Office for the forest you would like to camp in. 

More info can be found here: 

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/StayOvernight/BackpackingAndPrimitiveCamping/Pages/default.aspx

Most of these roadsite sites are listed on Google. You can stay for free, but you need to obtain a permit for large groups, or if you plan to stay for 2 or more nights.

The Appalachian Trail was a few minutes drive up the hill, where you can take a short hike North to the AT midway marker. It’s a beautiful, clean trail where you pass very few, even mid-spring on a gorgeous day.

You can also drive 10 minutes to the Sunset Rocks trailhead from this campsite. It is a short but very steep climb to Sunset Rocks, with a limited but very decent lookout.

This was our second time in Michaux State Forest. We previously stayed at #6, but this site #10 was definitely an upgrade. 

There's a parking area which fits several cars, and I actually counted 4 campsites there is immediate access to. One is immediately to the left, one is maybe 50 feet further down the trail, another straight down the hill and along to the left, and the last is about a 5 minute walk from the road, straight down the hill, right at the T, and then at the back of the open field you come to. 

We stayed at the second site to the left, where there is a sign that says "Camps Trail", and I believe this is the main site. It is very roomy. There's a large fire pit, and two decent spots for a tent. My two drawbacks were no stream/creek, and lots of big flies, especially in the morning, though harmless. 

The Upper and Lower Lollipop trails are literally at this campsites front doorstep. Both trails branch off the the right where there is a sign for the Lower Trail. You can do a loop if you connect at the bottom along the road the come to. It is an easy trail, 1-2 hour loop depending on your speed. 

The Camps trail starts at this campsite's back door. We hiked part of this gorgeous trail, which enters many different types of forests. We saw a baby deer on this hike. We were the only hikers, but mountain bikers love this trail. 

All in all the campsite was gorgeous, though not incredibly private because of all the trail heads, but that didn't bother us for everyone passing by was very friendly.

Relates to Teaberry Site Only. The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic. Still trying to de-louse our rig and possessions so we can leave the area. Other than that is might be a better site for rent camping than an RV. It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty, parking on the edge of the sites in the parking lot felt a lot like just being in a parking lot with a view of trees on one side. Also some traffic from people turning around etc. Wouldn’t want to have Site A.

campground was pretty crowded, but the tent sites were secluded and well kept. staff was extremely helpful. close to the battleground and all attractions.