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Shawnee State Park Campground offers limited equestrian facilities in the Schellsburg area with trails suitable for day riding. The 132-acre park accommodates both horse owners and regular campers with separate camping areas to minimize disruption. Reviews indicate the distinct smell of horse manure throughout the campground, suggesting regular equestrian use despite no dedicated horse corrals being listed in the official amenities. The campground provides electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables at most sites, with full hookups available at select RV spaces. Many campsites sit on uneven terrain, requiring careful selection when traveling with horses and trailers.
The bridle trail network connects to several miles of scenic riding opportunities around the lake and through wooded areas. Horse owners must bring their own containment systems as the park does not provide permanent corrals or stalls. Trailer parking is available in designated areas, though some sites have awkward back-in approaches that may challenge larger horse trailers. Several reviews mention proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike causing noise that might disturb horses sensitive to traffic sounds. Water access for horses is available, though not at individual sites. The nearby Big Run State Park offers more primitive camping options with stream access where horses can be watered, making it a potential alternative for equestrians seeking a more natural experience.
"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."
"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."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
"The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work."
from $100 - $150 / night
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TravelerCampground 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.
TravelerPros: Very friendly and accommodating staff. We camped in October and we had pretty much the entire place to ourselves. Beautiful lake and overall picturesque setting. Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun. Cons: WiFi signal weak and intermittent, even close to router. We camped in sites with hookups near office and entrance and the toilets are really far. The showers are even farther-like a 15-20 minute walk with bad signage directing to. The view from the showers were breathtaking, but the showers themselves left much to be desired. We had told they had just been cleaned, but they were so old and rust stained that it still felt kinda gross. Cobwebs along ceiling, dim lighting and worn paint added to the overall dinginess. There are no hooks to hang a towel and no shower curtain, wall or door so the bench with my clothes and towel got wet as did the floor, so you step out of shower into a puddle.
TravelerI 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.
GuideShawnee 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.
LegendGeneral: 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.
RangerWe 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.
ScoutThis 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
LegendWe 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.
ScoutSpent a weekend here in mid May. Bugs weren't a problem at all. Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes.
Shawnee State Park Campground provides dedicated facilities for horse owners camping near Southampton, Pennsylvania. Located in Schellsburg, this 300+ site campground features specific areas for equestrian camping separated from regular camping zones. The 132-acre park connects to bridle trails around the lake and through wooded areas, allowing riders to explore scenic terrain. Facilities include hookups at select sites with space for horse trailers, though equestrians must bring their own containment systems.
Lake activities: At Shawnee State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach and boating on the lake. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," reports Casey S. Kayak rentals are available during the main season.
Trail exploration: The park features well-marked trails ideal for mountain biking. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," notes Kaley R. Trails range from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging paths with elevation changes.
Historical sites: Nearby Schellsburg offers historical attractions within short driving distance. The Flight 93 Memorial is accessible for day trips. "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial," recommends Rachel L. The memorial is approximately 30 minutes from the campground.
Private campsites: Many sites at Big Run State Park Campground offer privacy and natural settings. "Tons of space between sites. Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," mentions Nathan S. Sites alongside the stream are particularly desirable for the ambient water sounds.
Off-grid experience: Limited cell service creates a true wilderness experience. "You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. Cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind," writes Karl S. This helps create an authentic camping atmosphere.
Fishing opportunities: Creeks and lakes in the area provide good fishing. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," notes Nathan S. Anglers should check local fishing regulations and license requirements before arrival.
Site selection matters: Many campsites are not level, requiring careful selection especially for large rigs. "I 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," advises Lee D. at The Cove Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Foggy mornings are common, especially in spring and fall. "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites," mentions Melanie Z. This can affect visibility on trails and roads in the early hours.
Facility locations: Bathroom facilities may be distant from some sites. "Bathroom and showers were clean... there is a dish washing sink outside," reports Danielle S. Some primitive campgrounds have only pit toilets located at considerable walking distance from campsites.
Water play options: The beach area provides safe swimming for children. "The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing! Many other sites/options for 26ft ish size camper," shares Andy C. about camping with children at stream-side sites.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds have playground facilities, though they may be dated. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground," notes Lee D. Plan additional activities for children beyond playground time.
Wildlife viewing: Vagabond Isle and surrounding areas offer wildlife spotting opportunities for children. Pack binoculars and wildlife identification guides to enhance the experience. Some campgrounds even have domesticated animals on-site: "Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun," mentions Nancy L.
Back-in challenges: Several campgrounds have awkward approaches for larger RVs. "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.
Hookup variations: Water access points can be limited, requiring planning. "There are 4 water spigots in camp 1. However all the travel trailers hooked up, which means you either had to make friends or disconnect their water in order to have access," advises Christopher K. Bring extra hose length to reach distant spigots.
Site dimensions: Verify length and width specifications when booking. "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!" reports Brittany V. Some sites accommodate rigs up to 115 feet, while others are much smaller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Southampton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Southampton, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Southampton, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Southampton, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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