17 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Ferryboat Campsites offers limited equestrian facilities among the campgrounds near Swengel, Pennsylvania. The campground maintains areas suitable for horse camping within its riverfront property, accommodating tent, RV, and cabin stays. While no dedicated horse corrals appear in the amenity listings, the campground provides adequate space for horse owners traveling with their animals. The sites include water and electric hookups, with full hookup options available for those needing sewer connections. Campground reviews indicate many seasonal campers occupy the grounds, with tent sites positioned in open field areas a good distance from shower facilities. Horse-friendly accommodations remain basic but functional for overnight equestrian visitors.
The campground's location on the Susquehanna River creates scenic riding opportunities with direct water access. Trailheads near the property connect to local riding paths, though riders should verify current trail conditions before arrival. The campground operates seasonally from April through October, making it unavailable during winter months. Horse owners should note that limited equestrian-specific amenities exist at this location, requiring most visitors to bring their own portable corrals or tethering systems. For those planning extended stays, the property features nearby horse stables that visitors can arrange to use during their camping trip. Recent visitors noted the campground works well as a base camp for day rides in the surrounding area, with ample trailer parking available.
"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 $22 - $92 / 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
from $10 - $80 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
"Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. "
Available this weekend
from $20 - $87 / 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.
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.
GuideGetting to the park had some sharp turns and windy roads. Small campground but nicely equipped. 2 bath houses were dated but clean. Nice playground at the campground and also one at the beach. Small camp concessions with a few camping items as well as ice cream cones. Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. The site sat down off the road but once you were backed in the spot it was pretty level. This site also had a separate tent pad located down a few stone steps. Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non existent. Every once in a while a text would come in or send but very spotty. Sorry I failed to get a pic of the site in the daylight. It was spacious and we had plenty of room for our 30' trailer, truck, and easy up over the table. 6+ chairs around the fire pit, cooking ring could have been better. Grassy area for cornhole or playing.
Swengel lies within the Appalachian mountain region at approximately 1,300 feet elevation, characterized by dense forest cover and rolling terrain. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, making May through October the primary camping season. Winter camping options remain limited with seasonal closures affecting most facilities in the region.
Fishing opportunities: Little Buffalo State Park offers varied fishing experiences with a 250-acre lake stocked with multiple species. "The lake is awesome to relax on, fishing, boating... tons of hiking trails, lots of history, never fails to be a great time!!" notes Lisa L. who visited Little Buffalo State Park.
Kayaking and water sports: The Susquehanna River provides excellent paddling routes with rentals available seasonally. "We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. The weather was hot so lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river — we loved to sit out and watch the water go by," says melissa about her experience at Ferryboat Campsites.
Historical attractions: Several campgrounds provide access to regional historical sites including restored mills and ferry operations. "The historical mill was well worth the trip. By far the highlight of ours as well. Especially since they engaged the wheel and actually ground corn!" states Chelsea K. about Little Buffalo State Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings at local campgrounds. "This is a wonderful little campsite primarily catering the seasonal RVer. With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper field," explains Avery M. about Ferryboat Campsites.
Swimming facilities: Black Moshannon State Park offers swimming options with well-maintained facilities. "This place is so quiet and so well maintained! The trails are awesome and the swimming pool is great for the kids in the summer!" reports Kelly M. about the amenities at Little Buffalo.
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas surrounding Swengel provide habitats for diverse wildlife species. "Wilderness at it's best... wildlife is everywhere and there is even an eagle nest in the park and you can see the pair and often their young," says Dawn N., highlighting the natural attractions at Little Buffalo State Park.
Seasonal operation: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. "The campground operates seasonally from April through October, making it unavailable during winter months," applies to many facilities including Hickernell Roadside Campsites in nearby Bald Eagle State Forest.
Weather considerations: Heavy rains can affect river-adjacent campsites. "Storms with heavy rain in the area made the river rise. We were told the campground is susceptible to flooding, so check the weather when you come!" advises Robin from Ferryboat Campsites.
Amenity limitations: Many state forest campgrounds lack developed facilities. "They offer the typical tent camping environment, mostly out in an open field and good walk to showers/head. Other than that was enjoyable place to stay," notes Lawrence D. about his experience at Ferryboat Campsites.
Pool access costs: Families should budget for additional swimming fees at some parks. "2nd downfall, you have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!!! 3rd downfall, I am pretty sure it's the most expensive state park in PA!" advises Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Distance considerations: Consider transportation needs between camping and recreation areas. "Nice for a smaller campground. Only downfall is we have smaller children and we could not bike from the campground to the pool, it was too far and the hill to get back was too big for them to ride up," shares Paula R. about her family's experience.
Animal attractions: Several campgrounds offer animal interactions. "There is a small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats and the camp is extremely pet friendly as long as they are on a leash," mentions Avery M. about the family-friendly features at Ferryboat Campsites.
Site spacing: Many campgrounds have tightly arranged sites. "We stayed at a Susquehanna river view site with full hookups for 2 nights. Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors. Most sites were occupied by permanent or seasonal residents," reports Robin about New Lancaster Valley Roadside Campsites.
Hookup availability: Full-service options exist but may be limited. "We camped here over Columbus Day weekend. We wanted a quiet escape. We had one of the few full hook up sites. Very quiet and peaceful," shares Shirley M. about her RV experience at Little Buffalo State Park.
Reservation timing: Popular equestrian campgrounds near Swengel fill quickly during peak season. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early. It has sites to accommodate any R.V. and lot of tent sites," advises Denise D. from Black Moshannon State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Swengel, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Swengel, PA is Little Buffalo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Swengel, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Swengel, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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