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North Run Equine Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest provides primitive equestrian camping options near Williamsburg, Pennsylvania. The campground features accessible sites with picnic tables and established fire rings for equestrian campers. Reservations are required for all horse camping stays. The sites accommodate trailers with ample parking space for vehicles and equipment. Primitive facilities mean campers should bring their own water for horses and pack out all waste materials. Though the campground lacks dedicated horse corrals, the spacious layout allows for portable corrals or highline setups that many horse owners prefer when camping.
Located approximately 92 miles northwest of Williamsburg, North Run connects to an extensive network of forest trails ideal for day rides. Riders access multiple trail systems directly from the campground without needing to trailer horses to separate trailheads. The surrounding Moshannon State Forest offers varied terrain through mature woodlands with streams for watering horses along designated routes. Trail difficulty ranges from easy flat paths to more challenging inclines, accommodating riders of different experience levels. Horse owners should note that overnight camping is restricted to designated equestrian sites only, and riders must carry current negative Coggins test documentation. The campground typically operates seasonally with closures during winter months when trail conditions deteriorate and access becomes difficult due to snow and mud.
"This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $20 - $87 / 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 Availability"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 Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $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.
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.
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.
LegendGeneral: 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.
GuideSite 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.
RangerWe stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted. Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out. There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site. The fire ring is at an angle so cooking on it proved to be a challenge (we bring a grill grate with us just in case, and had to use it). 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 (make sure you push the button once before you get in so its warm if no one else is showering at that time). Bring shower shoes. We were able to hear a small bit of traffic from the highway, but nothing that disturbed us. There are several stores within a 20 minute drive (Walmart, etc) and a mall an hour away. Camp wood at the entrance is $5 and is tiny; our biggest piece was a foot long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick! It was okay to start a fire, but we went into the woods and picked up dead wood that we cut into manageable logs. There weren't any roadside stacks of seasoned wood, so be prepared if it rains. The picnic table was saturated and too heavy to move, so we ate sitting in camp chairs. We would stay again.
RangerAmazing!!! Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites. If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms. Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!! Wide open area to swim that was very clean and well kept. Hope to revisit soon!
LegendWe 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.
LegendGeneral: 73-site campground; most have electric hookups, and some are FHU. Pets are only permitted at selected sites. There are also 20 (13 rustic and 6 modern) cabins. Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent (Verizon).
Site Quality: Pads are gravel and most appeared to be level. Site 70 was at the end of the loop which is why we picked it. A picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook complete each site.
Bathhouse: As has been our experience in all PA state parks, the bathhouse was pristine, and the shower (for no additional cost) was clean with plentiful hot water and was very much appreciated.
Activities/Amenities: Coin-operated laundry. A playground is in the campground and there is an additional one at the swimming beach. The swimming beach is open from mid-May to mid-September, from 8 am– sunset. Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season. Permits are required. 24 miles of hiking trails, including two trails directly from the campground to the lake. In the summer, there is a camper store/concession stand. Hunting is allowed in season. There are 4.3 miles of mountain biking trails.
I used to think Oregon State Parks were the best, but Pennsylvania State Parks have them beat by a mile. We have yet to be disappointed by the amenities(especially the clean bathrooms) offered at the half-dozen state parks we have visited so far.
North Run Equine Camping Area is one of several horse campgrounds near Williamsburg, Pennsylvania located within the state forest system. The elevation of Moshannon State Forest ranges from 1,000 to 2,300 feet, creating varied terrain for trail riding. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous region, with significant temperature drops during evening hours even in summer months.
Trail riding through Moshannon Forest: Riders at Black Moshannon State Park Campground can access multiple trail systems. "The lake has lots to offer. Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing," notes Denise D. Trail difficulty varies with terrain, requiring different skill levels.
Mountain biking on dedicated paths: Shawnee State Park Campground offers excellent routes for cycling enthusiasts. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," reports Kaley R. Many trails connect to roads allowing for longer rides.
Fishing in forest streams: Stream fishing opportunities exist throughout the region. At Black Moshannon, according to Matthew U., there's a "quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding." The unique water color creates distinctive fishing conditions, with different fish species thriving in various parts of the system.
Accessible equestrian facilities: Equine camping options at North Run Equine Camping Area provide dedicated spaces for horse owners. Similar sites at Colonel Denning State Park Campground offer streamside camping. "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day!" writes Casey L. Many sites accommodate both horses and other animals.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: The quality of campground upkeep stands out to visitors. At Colonel Denning, campers praise the condition of amenities: "The bathhouse is very nice and clean," and "the bathrooms were the absolute cleanest bathrooms we've seen in a state park," according to Nate & Erika L.
Secluded campsites for privacy: Tent campers appreciate the layout of sites in many area forests. At Rothrock Roadside Campsites, Scott I. notes: "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."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping areas require advance booking. For North Block — Tuscarora State Forest, reservations are mandatory, similar to other state forest campsites. At popular locations like Black Moshannon, campers advise: "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early."
Seasonal closures affect access: Winter weather impacts road conditions in mountainous areas. For Rothrock sites, Scott I. cautions: "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."
Limited water availability: Most horse camping areas lack running water. Campers must bring their own water for both personal use and for horses. The primitive conditions mean planning ahead for all necessary supplies, particularly during dry periods when natural water sources may be low.
Ranger programs enhance education: State parks often provide educational opportunities. At Colonel Denning, "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods," shares Nate & Erika L. Programs typically run on weekends during summer months.
Choose sites strategically: At South Block — Tuscarora State Forest, site selection matters for family camping. Similar considerations apply at Colonel Denning, where Tiff T. notes: "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."
Plan for varied weather: Mountain elevations mean temperature fluctuations. At Shawnee State Park, Danielle S. explains practical considerations: "The picnic table was saturated and too heavy to move, so we ate sitting in camp chairs." Bringing extra tarps and portable seating helps families adjust to changing conditions.
Check site dimensions carefully: Many horse campgrounds have limited spaces for larger trailers. At Shawnee State Park, reviewers caution: "There are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear." Site selection becomes critical for horse trailers combined with camping equipment.
Electrical hookup locations: Power access points may not be ideally positioned. One camper at Shawnee noted: "We stayed in site 42, which was not the greatest layout (electric was on the wrong side of the site for our door and canopy to open to the fire ring)." Bringing extension cords helps solve this common issue at equestrian campgrounds.
Road access considerations: Forest roads leading to equestrian campsites require careful navigation. For those traveling to horse camping facilities, Sandi G. recommends: "Our only trouble was our GPS brought us in the most difficult way. We suggest avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Williamsburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Williamsburg, PA is Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Williamsburg, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Williamsburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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