Shawnee State Park Campground offers specialized equestrian camping near Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania, with horses permitted throughout the 300-site facility. Located in the rolling hills of Bedford County at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the park experiences typical four-season Appalachian climate patterns with foggy mornings common in spring and fall. The campground connects to numerous trails suitable for horseback riding through mixed hardwood forests.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Riders at Shawnee State Park Campground can access several trails around the lake perimeter. As reviewer Tiffany K. notes, "It is a nice park with good campsites, clean bathrooms, good hiking trails and a nice lake view." These same trails can be used for horseback riding during appropriate seasons.
Visit nearby historical sites: The park's location provides convenient access to significant historical attractions. "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial," recommends Rachel L., highlighting one of several important historical sites within driving distance.
Fishing at multiple locations: The park offers various fishing spots for anglers. According to Dustin R., there's a "Nice fishing lake and can be remote," providing opportunities for peaceful angling away from crowds.
What campers like
Morning fog experience: Early risers appreciate the atmospheric conditions unique to this location. Melanie Z. describes, "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too." This natural phenomenon creates distinctive riding conditions for early departures.
Well-maintained facilities: The consistent upkeep receives frequent positive mentions from visitors. One camper, Rachel L., was particularly impressed, stating it was "huge and very well maintained," making it suitable for equestrian camping needs.
Spacious sites with natural separation: Many campers appreciate the layout and natural features of the camping areas. According to Brittany V., "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage," providing good separation for horse trailers and equipment.
What you should know
Site selection is crucial: For equestrian camping, choosing the right site makes a significant difference. As Brittany V. advises, "Double check site booked... We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked." This becomes even more important when bringing horses and associated equipment.
Seasonal weather variations: The park experiences significant seasonal changes that affect riding conditions. "We were planning a breakfast on the lake but the fog had rolled in overnight," reports Tiffany K., highlighting how weather can impact morning activities.
Traffic noise considerations: Despite its rural setting, some ambient noise exists. As one camper noted, "As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise," which may be important for those with horses sensitive to sound.
Water access involves planning: While the lake is accessible, it requires some effort to reach. "It's not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points," explains Brittany V., which matters when planning horse-related activities involving water.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Big Run State Park Campground offers water-based recreation options. "The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing!" reports Andy C., making it suitable for families combining equestrian activities with water play.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting native animals. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," notes Nathan S., describing natural features that engage younger campers.
Well-marked trails: Families appreciate clear navigation when exploring with children. At Shawnee State Park, everything is "extremely well marked and maintained," according to a visitor, reducing the chance of getting lost during family rides.
Playground availability: The dedicated play areas provide alternative entertainment for children. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop," mentions one camper, offering an option for kids when not participating in horse activities.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies significantly: RVers with horse trailers should research site options carefully. As one camper observed, "Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level." This affects both RV stability and trailer positioning.
Length accommodation varies: Sites differ substantially in their capacity to handle larger rigs. According to Gerard, "Many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," which becomes especially important when bringing horses and associated equipment.
Utility connections for extended stays: For longer equestrian camping trips, utilities become important. Danielle S. notes, "There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site," providing information about available power options at specific locations.
