20 campgrounds with availability this weekend
North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest provides primitive camping specifically designed for riders with horses. The campground features direct access to surrounding forest trails for horseback riding, with ample parking space for horse trailers. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings for overnight camping, and the area permits tent and recreational vehicle camping. The campground allows pets alongside horses, ensuring the entire family can participate in equestrian activities. Trails connect directly from the camping area to broader forest paths, allowing riders to begin their excursions immediately from their campsites without hauling equipment.
Located approximately 20 miles from State College, this equestrian-focused camping area serves as a strategic base for exploring the extensive trail system throughout Moshannon State Forest. The campground maintains reservable sites for horse owners planning weekend or extended riding trips. The forest provides natural water sources along many trails, though campers should bring their own drinking water as no potable water is available on-site. No electric hookups or shower facilities exist at the campground, making it best suited for self-sufficient campers comfortable with basic amenities. The primitive nature of the campground creates a quieter experience than fully-developed campgrounds, with forest surroundings offering natural shade for horses and riders. Seasonal availability varies, so reservations are recommended during peak riding months.
"The Moss Hanne is still a thrilling trail even in the winter months and there's been a lot of beaver activity since we last visited including a very impressive dam. "
"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $87 / night
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions."
from $10 / night
"A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."
"The driving path is gravel with a steep hill at the end so if you can help it I would avoid sites 32,34,36 as they are VERY difficult to back into with larger rigs."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $151 / night
from $10 / night
"Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
"We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $38 / night
from $10 / night
"With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild."
"Lots to do very close to water and many things to do in and around camp ground. Stayed for a few days would go back."
from $30 - $100 / night
from $10 / night
RangerGreat park, alittle close together than I like. I wish I had picked 1-12 sites by the creek, but I don’t think I had much choice when I booked anyway. Bathrooms were clean. My site was more of an rv and I felt like I was at the neighbors for supper.
RangerBeautiful park, pool and lake. Great for boating and fishing, running or hiking and swimming. In may, it wasn’t busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
GuideSite SS007 sits roughly two miles off pavement along a fairly rough access road. A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions.
The location offers excellent views of the Susquehanna River and exceptionally clear night skies with strong stargazing opportunities. There was no existing fire ring on site, so we built one using nearby stones. The site does not include a picnic table or other amenities, making it a primative experience.
Cell service was limited but usable, averaging about one bar with AT&T and two bars with T-Mobile.
Overall, it is a quiet, scenic roadside site best suited for campers comfortable with minimal facilities and no other people around.
GuideThe weather wasn’t too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldn’t be happier.
TravelerIve camped at Black Moshannon State Park many times both in a tent and our camper. The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean. The bathhouses are nice and well maintained. The Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing. Hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc. I've never had a bad time at Black Moshannon and will keep coming back.
TravelerFirst 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.
GuideIn the middle of the woods vibe. The sites had good privacy and it was just a pretty area. Neighbors were respectful and relatively quiet.. There was zero cell service at this campground. Bathrooms were clean.
ScoutWe had a great time visiting the park! We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility. The site was not far from our parking spot, maybe a hundred yards but there was a slight hill. There are even more isolated campsites further up the hill.
The park itself is definitely on the smaller side but packs in a lot. Lots of great trails and the beach would be great( close due to bacteria overgrowth) the michaux forest is 30 minutes away and has a lot more outdoor activities.
Will stay here again in the future.
TravelerWe camped in on of the cabins overnight on a recent road trip. Cabins are nice and spacious, bath facilities are some of the best I've seen. We didn't;t get to explore since we were traveling, but there's plenty to do in the area.
North Run Equine Camping Area provides dedicated facilities for horse owners exploring Moshannon State Forest. This equestrian-focused site sits at approximately 1,700 feet elevation within the Allegheny Plateau region, where dense forests create natural shade for horses and riders. Trail networks connect directly from campsites, allowing immediate access to forest paths without trailering horses between riding locations.
Trail riding opportunities: The surrounding forest trail system offers varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. At Black Moshannon State Park Campground, campers note the unique landscape: "Great camping area stop a mountain...nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," says reviewer Clay P.
Wildlife viewing: Forests surrounding equestrian campsites provide habitat for numerous bird species. "Good birding," mentions Matthew U. about Black Moshannon State Park, making it worthwhile to bring binoculars on trail rides.
Historical exploration: While primarily focused on equestrian activities, nearby areas offer historical sites. At Colonel Denning State Park Campground, "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods," reports Nate & Erika L.
Direct trail access: Horse campgrounds near State College, Pennsylvania feature strategic positioning for immediate trail access. "The sites are situated nicely, your neighbors are not 'right there'," notes Sandi G. about camping at Black Moshannon State Park.
Natural water features: Creeks and streams near equestrian camping areas provide natural water sources for horses. At Ferryboat Campsites, located about 45 miles from State College, "We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. If it weren't for that this would not be the campground for us," shares melissa.
Forest environment: The forested setting creates natural privacy between sites. "This campground is so beautiful with plenty to do for everyone, tons of hiking along the whole park. Spaces are clean and spacious, bath house is very well kept," mentions Lisa L. about Black Moshannon State Park.
Primitive facilities: Most equestrian camping areas have limited amenities. At Rothrock Roadside Campsites, "No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here. Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon)," advises Scott I.
Reservation requirements: State forest equestrian sites require advance booking. "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," notes Scott I. about Rothrock Roadside Campsites.
Weather considerations: Mountain elevations experience temperature fluctuations and seasonal access limitations. "Our only trouble was our GPS brought us in the most difficult way. We suggest avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road," warns Sandi G. about accessing Black Moshannon.
Look for educational programs: State parks near equine camping areas often provide family-friendly activities. At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, "There was a chaplain who came around offering a Sunday morning church service at the amphitheater," mentions Nate & Erika L. about Colonel Denning State Park.
Consider mixed-use parks: For families with non-riders, select parks with additional recreation options. "Little buffalo has a lot to offer! The campsites are spacious. There are standard tent sites available and there are water/electric site available," shares Amanda H., noting the park also has "a large lake for fishing! You can rent boats there!"
Bring drinking water: Most equestrian sites lack potable water sources. "The park itself is definitely on the smaller side but packs in a lot. Lots of great trails and the beach would be great," reports Tiff T. about Colonel Denning State Park.
Site selection for trailers: Choose sites that accommodate both living quarters and horse trailers. "We have a small 19" travel trailer which was almost impossible to park due to very tight sites," cautions Shirley M. about Colonel Denning State Park, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate equestrian-focused sites.
Access road considerations: Forest roads leading to equestrian camping areas may present challenges for larger rigs. "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," explains Scott I. about Rothrock Roadside Campsites.
Parking arrangements: Many equine-focused sites offer separate parking areas for trailers. "The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking," notes Scott I., describing the typical layout at forest campsites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near State College, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near State College, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near State College, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near State College, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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