Ferryboat Campsites offers equestrian opportunities 24 miles southeast of Watsontown, Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River. The property sits at approximately 420 feet elevation in the Ridge and Valley region of central Pennsylvania, where spring temperatures range from 45-70°F with moderate rainfall. The campground connects to several regional trail networks within Perry County with varying terrain options for riders seeking day trips.
What to do
Horseback riding tours: Connect with Tuscarora State Park Campground where local trails accommodate equestrians seeking scenic rides. "Dogs are welcome, as long as you clean up after them. Hiking through was good fun, and actually sort of clean," notes reviewer Joycel Y.
Fishing excursions: Cast your line at Stony Fork Creek Campground where a small fishing pond offers relaxing opportunities. "The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals. We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park," says reviewer MJ B.
River recreation: Experience water activities beyond standard fishing at multiple locations. Kayaking, tubing and motorboat access points exist throughout the region. "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," reports melissa from her stay.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas for visitor comfort. At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, "the campsites are spacious. There are standard tent sites available and there are water/electric site available. There is a dump station available for the end. The bathrooms are clean," according to Amanda H.
Peaceful settings: Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere at several equestrian-friendly campgrounds. "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!" notes Kelly M. about Little Buffalo State Park.
Seasonal variety: Different times of year offer unique experiences. "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., highlighting fall camping benefits.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most horse campgrounds near Watsontown require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Ferryboat Campsites, "the campsite fills quickly on the weekends, kayakers and fishers, and motorboats use this as the weekend home and mini family vacation spots," explains Avery M.
Limited cell service: Many rural campgrounds have minimal connectivity. As Zoltan P. notes, "No cell service at all unless you drive up to the top of the mountain. It is free to camp at one of the spots but you must call the respective ranger station ahead of time."
Wildlife awareness: The Pennsylvania woodlands contain various wildlife species campers should prepare for. "There are bear in the region so be weary with your food. No noise pollution. No light pollution. Found a couple of large black rat snakes near our campsite. There are rattle snakes in the region I've been told too," warns Zoltan P.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access considerations: Some parks charge additional fees for amenities. At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, "The pool is very nice! They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun! 2nd downfall, you have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!!!" explains Amanda H.
Animal encounters: Kids enjoy interacting with animals at some locations. "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," says Avery M.
Recreation options: Look for campgrounds with diverse activities. "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals," mentions MJ B. about Stony Fork Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose your location based on amenities and privacy needs. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, "Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level," recommends MJ B.
Campground layout awareness: Understanding the physical layout helps plan your stay. "Nice clean place. Can get a bit crowded in some spots where the campers seem to be on top of one another. Luckily we didn't have one of those sites," notes Brandon W., highlighting site spacing issues that can affect larger rigs.
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Many regional campgrounds have high percentages of seasonal residents. "The sites are in a long row. small lake It looks like they are about 50% seasonal," observes Jean T., which affects availability for transient RVers seeking short-term stays.
