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Michaux State Forest offers limited options for horse camping near Upper Strasburg, with designated motorized parking lot sites serving as equestrian camping areas. Teaberry Parking Area provides a few hitching posts and a two-step mounting block for horse campers, though sites are arranged along one side of a large gravel lot. The campground features primitive conditions without drinking water, restrooms, or hookups. Each site has a fire ring, and some include picnic tables. Horse owners must keep their animals under control at all times. The sites are well-spaced and accommodate both tent camping and small RVs, with the forest setting providing natural barriers between camping areas. The parking areas can accommodate horse trailers, though space may be limited during busy periods.
The forest sits at the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering horse-friendly trails through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest terrain. Trails connect to both woodland paths and open prairie sections, providing varied riding experiences. The forest management requires free camping permits for overnight stays, which can be obtained online. Fires are strictly prohibited from March 1 to May 25 and during high fire danger periods. Alcohol is permitted at campsites but not in picnic areas. Some reviewers note the importance of bringing your own water supply for both campers and horses. Despite the primitive nature, many equestrians appreciate the peaceful setting and direct access to forest trails. Water crossings are available along some trails, providing natural water sources for horses during rides.
"Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."
"Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."
"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."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $92 / night
Check Availability"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 Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / 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.
LegendThis park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the park’s main visitor center. The campground has a bunch of different sites whether you want to spend more money for a premium full hook-up or save a few bucks and just get water and electric. There are lots of tent sites, cabins, and horse stalls with a corral for those traveling with horses. The park is also very close to the historic downtown so you don’t have to drive too far for the attractions.
We were able to do contactless check-in by making the reservation and paying over the phone. When we arrived, they had a packet out on a picnic table for us with directions to our site and information about the park and the surrounding area. But, the best part of the check-in was that we got a free bundle of wood and the cutest little s’mores packet which had just enough fixings for the two of us. Such a great touch that we really appreciated. We had a gravel pull thru site which was easy to navigate in and out of with our tow car attached and was plenty long enough. The roads are gravel but were not dusty. The site and patio were gravel and a mix of grass. The campground was very clean and well-cared for.
Some of the sites are in the open without much shade but some other areas have some nice shade. Most of the tent section is pretty open with a few trees scattered about. Some of the sites (i.e., 82) is very close to the playground and the fishing pond which get quite a bit of action so be aware of the nearby amenities when you choose a site.
This park is well-suited for people traveling with horses. There are multiple pens and a fenced riding arena and ample RV sites and cabins in the near the horse stalls and there is a hose wash rack.
Some of the things we liked about this park:
There is a big section of the park dedicated to horses as the National Riding Stables are located on the grounds. You can get guided tours of the battlefield on their rescue horses.
A 24/7 firewood dispensing machine– which we had never seen before• Catch and release fishing pond• Free putt putt golf.
Heated swimming pool
Clean, well-kept campground• Lots of activities for kids with playgrounds, volleyball basketball, game room, camp store, movies, pool, etc.
We paid $44/night for our full hook-up site (#45) which we didn’t think was too expensive or unreasonable. Luckily for us, nobody was next to us during our stay (in May) as the neighboring sites were pretty close and this campground probably feels very tight when it’s full. The close proximity to Gettysburg NHS was the biggest plus of this park for us.
GuideSpent 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.
TravelerSome 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideThe staff are very friendly and helpful. The campground was very well maintained and clean. Bathhouse is updated and clean. The RV sites are gravel and pretty level. Fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. Close to historic Gettysburg battleground. Fantastic horse rescue on the campground. You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground. Will definitely be returning.
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.
GuideThis was our third stay here on our somewhat annual family meetup in Gettysburg. I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area. The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning. One of the drawbacks of this campground is that a lot of the trees are black walnut trees and the squirrels do not shy away from dropping the walnuts like bombs on your head, car, or table when you're preparing breakfast.
Gear Review: I won a pair of Treadagain sandals for one of my last campground reviews and this was the first camping trip that I took with them. When I initially bought them, they gave me an abrasion cut and I contemplated sending them back, but after wearing them more, they became more comfortable and I have found them to be ideal for walking around in all day since they have thick bottoms.
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.
Michaux State Forest features several equestrian campsites in designated motorized parking areas near Upper Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Located in the northern Blue Ridge Mountain foothills at elevations between 900-2,100 feet, the forest experiences moderate precipitation year-round with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. The area sees frequent fog in spring months, creating challenging visibility conditions during early morning trail rides.
Winter camping options: Michaux State Forest permits winter camping at some sites. "[E]very January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. It's you can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations or park at other trail heads," notes John S. of Michaux State Forest.
Historic exploration: Gettysburg's nearby battlefields provide educational opportunities. At Artillery Ridge Campground, MJ B. shared: "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."
Lake activities: For water-based activities, swimming locations exist beyond the forest boundaries. Brandon C. reports that Little Buffalo State Park Campground is "an amazing little quite camping ground. Super clean. Lots of easy hiking trails and tons of fishing."
Secluded tent locations: Some prefer the forested tent areas away from RV sections. Dave G. appreciated Gettysburg Campground's layout: "I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area. The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning."
Variety of trail challenges: For riders seeking diverse terrain difficulty, options range from beginner to advanced. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," writes Kaley R. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many equestrian campers value well-maintained bathhouses after long trail rides. Casey L. was impressed with Colonel Denning State Park Campground: "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
Seasonal access limitations: Road conditions can restrict access to some horse campgrounds during winter. Scott I. warns about Rothrock Roadside Campsites: "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."
Wildlife encounters: The region hosts various wildlife species that may interact with horses. Be prepared for insects during summer months, as one camper at Teaberry noted: "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."
Permit requirements: Most state forest areas require online reservation permits. Jen S. explains: "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."
Water safety preparation: When camping with children near water features, safety planning is essential. Chelsea K. notes at Little Buffalo: "Not much luck fishing but all the turtles were cool and just paddling around in the kayak is always a good time."
Educational opportunities: Incorporate learning experiences into equestrian camping trips. Artillery Ridge offers educational opportunities where "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."
Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds offer play areas near horse camping sections. Brittany V. suggests at Shawnee State Park: "We 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."
Site selection strategy: Horse trailer owners should carefully review site specifications before booking. Gerard at Shawnee State Park advises: "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."
Local water sources: Trailers with water tanks should arrive filled, as potable water isn't available at many equestrian sites. Danielle S. notes: "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."
Winter preparations: For cold-weather horse camping near Upper Strasburg, insulation is critical. John S. shares: "These trips are what gave me the experience, and confidence, to go from tent camping to tarp camping."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Upper Strasburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Upper Strasburg, PA is Michaux State Forest with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Upper Strasburg, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Upper Strasburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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