Equestrian camping near Vicksburg, Pennsylvania offers access to rolling hills and forest terrain with seasonal temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer. The Susquehanna River watershed provides water access at several campgrounds, with most horse-friendly sites available from April through October. Facilities range from primitive roadside campsites to campgrounds with dedicated equestrian amenities.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Tiadaghton State Forest offers multiple roadside camping areas with access to wilderness riding trails. Sand Spring Road Site provides basic tent accommodations near forest trails, allowing riders to establish a basecamp for day trips.
Water recreation: Ferryboat Campsites combines equestrian amenities with river activities. "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. The weather was hot so lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river," notes camper Melissa.
Historical exploration: The region contains numerous historical sites accessible via horseback. One rider at Little Buffalo State Park Campground mentioned, "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!"
What campers like
Riverside accommodations: At Ferryboat Campsites, guests appreciate the waterfront location. "We stayed at a Susquehanna river view site with full hookups for 2 nights. Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors," reports Robin, who also noted the campground's susceptibility to flooding during heavy rains.
Wildlife viewing: The state parks and forests surrounding Vicksburg offer opportunities to observe native species. Dawn N. at Little Buffalo State Park Campground shares that "wildlife is everywhere and there is even an eagle nest in the park and you can see the pair and often their young."
Clean facilities: Many equestrian campers prioritize clean bathhouses after trail riding. "The bathrooms are clean. It is nice and dark at night!" notes Amanda H. regarding the facilities at Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most equestrian camping areas operate seasonally, with Ferryboat Campsites open "April to end of October." Winter camping options are significantly limited near Vicksburg.
Booking requirements: Some campgrounds require advance reservations, while others operate on a first-come basis. Amanda H. explains that at Little Buffalo State Park Campground, "You can book your site on line and go straight to your site! No check in required. If you are passing through and there are sites you can sign in by the honor envelops!"
Campfire regulations: Fire restrictions vary by location and season. Lawrence D. notes that Ferryboat Campsites offers "the typical tent camping environment," but campers report firewood pricing can be high: "Wood at the camp store is incredibly expensive — they don't sell to nightly campers by anything more than the small bundle ($8)."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: New Lancaster Valley Roadside Campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest provides basic accommodations near natural swimming areas. For developed facilities, Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers a pool complex that Paula R. describes: "Pool was great once you got there. Bathrooms are clean."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond horseback riding. Avery M. mentions that Ferryboat Campsites has "a small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats" and "the typical camp store, and in addition there is the icecream store next to the river."
Safety considerations: When camping with children near equestrian facilities, be aware of site layouts. Paula R. notes about Little Buffalo: "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Hickernell Roadside Campsites offers primitive camping suitable for smaller RVs with no water or electric hookups. Bring sufficient water supplies for both humans and horses.
Dump station access: For RVers with equestrian trailers, Shirley M. recommends Little Buffalo State Park, noting, "We had one of the few full hook up sites. Very quiet and peaceful. Lots to do at the lake if you want or quiet enough to just kick back. Bath houses were very clean."
Site selection: Choose appropriate sites for combined RV and horse trailer parking. At Ferryboat Campsites, Avery M. advises, "there are water/electric sites in a loop behind the honeymooner cabins, and they have the best shade and set up for hammock camping."
