Nancy B.
Ranger
RangerShawnee State Park Campground
Well maintained
The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
Equestrian Camping near Patton, PA
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North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest provides primitive camping experiences for horse owners and riders near Patton, Pennsylvania. The campground has drive-in access and permits pets, with picnic tables and fire rings available at each site. Reservations are required for the equestrian camping sites. The area lacks modern amenities with no drinking water, showers, toilets or horse corrals on the premises. Electric hookups are available, but visitors should plan to bring their own water for themselves and their horses. Sites accommodate both tent camping and RV setups with adequate space for horse trailer parking.
Located approximately 40 miles northwest of Patton, the camping area connects to the extensive trail network throughout Moshannon State Forest, offering numerous riding opportunities on maintained bridle paths. Riders access forest trails directly from the campsites, allowing for convenient day trips without relocating horse trailers. The forest terrain varies from gentle slopes to more challenging sections, suitable for different riding experience levels. Weather conditions significantly impact trail quality, particularly after heavy rainfall when some areas become muddy and difficult to navigate. Sites must be reserved in advance, especially during peak season when availability becomes limited. Visitors need to bring their own feed and hay, as the remote location offers no nearby supply stores or equine services.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Patton (7)
1. Black Moshannon State Park Campground
"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. "
44 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $24 - $145 / night
2. Shawnee State Park Campground
"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."
105 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
3. Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
4. Big Country Campground
"Lots of activities, tons of nearby attractions, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Great store and owners, a nice place to visit."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
5. Snow Shoe Sites — Sproul State Forest
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
6. North Run Equine Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
7. Yellowsnake Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 26 min from Altoona, PA
- 33 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 2 min from State College, PA
- 2 hrs 3 min from Chambersburg, PA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Patton, PA
56 Reviews of 7 Patton Campgrounds
michael R.
GuideSnow Shoe Sites — Sproul State Forest
SS007
Site 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.
Graham S.
TravelerBlack Moshannon State Park Campground
Great campground at a beautiful park
Ive 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.
- SScott I.Traveler
Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest
Nice spot to camp in the mountains
First 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.
Brittany V.
LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Double check site booked
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. 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.
Lee D.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Huge state park
General: 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.
- SSteveGuide
Black Moshannon State Park Campground
Beautiful spot
In 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.
- JJennifer R.
ScoutShawnee State Park Campground
Loved the park but not the site
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
Rick G.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Met our Needs Perfectly
Booked for 5 nights to have an opportunity to explore the Bedford, PA area. Great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, Fort Bedford Historic Fort, and many other attractions. Loop D was quiet with ample space between sites that provided privacy. Bathhouse was clean and used for showers. Dump and water fill station easy to access on your way in or out. Verizon signal good enough for streaming.
Guide to Patton
North Run Equine Camping Area connects directly to Moshannon State Forest's extensive bridle path network, allowing horse owners to access multiple trail systems without relocating their trailers. Located in central Pennsylvania approximately 40 miles from Patton, this primitive camping destination provides basic accommodations for equestrians in a remote forest setting. Electric hookups are available at sites, but campers should prepare for a rustic experience with limited services.
What to do
Trail riding exploration: The campground serves as a starting point for exploring miles of forest trails suitable for various experience levels. At Black Moshannon State Park Campground, visitors can access additional riding opportunities. "The creek water stained red which is why its called the Red Mo with the locals," notes Travis S., highlighting the distinctive water features that make this area unique for trail exploration.
Wildlife observation: Forested riding paths provide opportunities to observe native Pennsylvania wildlife in their natural habitat. "Good birding," reports Matthew U. about nearby Black Moshannon, making this area attractive for riders who also enjoy wildlife photography.
Water activities: When not riding, campers can visit nearby lakes for recreation. Clay P. describes Black Moshannon's "incredibly dark in color" lake with "Lilly pads abound with great flowers," providing a scenic contrast to wooded trail systems.
What campers like
Trail diversity: The varying terrain throughout Moshannon State Forest appeals to riders with different skill levels. The Yellowsnake Camping Area provides another access point to forest trails, while maintaining the same rustic camping experience as North Run.
Scenic mountain views: The elevation changes throughout the region create multiple vista points along riding trails. At Rothrock Roadside Campsites, Scott I. mentions that one site has "their own private overlook to the valley below," showcasing the scenic advantages of camping in Pennsylvania's mountainous terrain.
Campsite privacy: The spacious layout at equestrian camping areas prevents overcrowding. "The sites are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience," notes Scott I. about nearby Rothrock sites, reflecting a similar arrangement to North Run's layout.
What you should know
Water planning: No drinking water is available on-site at North Run, requiring campers to transport sufficient water for themselves and their horses. Graham S. notes at Black Moshannon State Park Campground that the facilities are "well cared for and clean," but recommends planning ahead for supplies.
Weather considerations: Trail conditions deteriorate rapidly after rainfall, creating challenging riding situations on certain paths. "Weather conditions significantly impact trail quality," particularly in low-lying areas.
Reservation requirements: All equine camping sites must be reserved ahead of time, with availability becoming limited during peak riding seasons from late spring through fall. Denise D. advises, "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early."
Tips for camping with families
Alternative accommodations: Families with mixed interests can consider dividing their stay between horse camping areas and more developed facilities. Families staying at Shawnee State Park Campground can access additional amenities. Rachel L. describes it as "huge and very well maintained," offering more services than primitive equestrian sites.
Day trip planning: Plan shorter riding routes for children or inexperienced riders, utilizing the easier sections of forest trails. "There is a ton of parking and easy access points," notes Brittany V. about nearby recreation areas, which applies to many trail access points throughout the region.
Supply coordination: Coordinate with other horse camping families to share trailer space for supplies, particularly hay and feed which must be brought from home. Michael L. from Big Country Campground mentions there are "lots of activities, tons of nearby attractions," which can supplement your horse camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose sites with adequate turnaround space for horse trailers with living quarters or RVs with trailers in tow. Gerard advises about choosing sites: "Many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them."
Generator alternatives: Plan for alternative power sources since generators may disturb horses. Danielle S. explains at another campground that some sites have "20 amp plug and 30 amp service," which is similar to North Run's electric hookup options.
Seasonal access: The dirt access roads to horse campgrounds become challenging during wet seasons. Consider camping at Snow Shoe Sites during drier months for the most reliable access conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Patton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Patton, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Patton, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Patton, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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