The best camping near Shawnee State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Shawnee State Park adventure.

100% (6 reviews)

Discover Shawnee State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Shawnee State Park

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Grouseland Hospitality

5 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Clearville, PA

We have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! We encourage guests to bring dogs, however we do ask that you clean up after them, waste can be thrown into the trash can at the sites. Also all dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. No exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. Tall Oaks Campsite: Tall Oaks Campsite is a private site, great for families and friends and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed for 1-6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 4 average size tents. This site has a single 8-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, and charcoal grill. Only a short walk from our tree house where guests can relax and enjoy forest bathing. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Twisted Oak: Twisted Oak Campsite is a private site great for families and friends. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-10 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for 16 average sized tents. This site has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Red Maple Campsite: Red Maple Campsite is a private site great for large groups. This large luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-12 guests with on-site parking space that is 90ft long and 20ft wide, for an RV or 6-8 cars and overflow parking for several more cars. It is designed to be pulled or backed into and then backed our pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two 6-foot picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Aspen RV Campsite: Aspen RV Campsite is a private site great for a family in their RV. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for a single RV number of guests is dependent on RV size, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. The site can also handle a couple of tents and extra cars. This site also has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and bench. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet.

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Somerset Resort

36 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Friedens, PA

Somerset Resort, formerly known as Rainbow Woods Campground, was brought under new ownership in 2024. Our goal is to provide a family-friendly atmosphere for you to enjoy the outdoors. We are located in the heart of the Laurel Highlands in Somerset County. We are a mixed-use 33-site resort with modern cabins, log cabins, and transient RV sites available for nightly and monthly bookings. Explore scenic trails, majestic waterfalls, and charming small towns. Indulge in outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting. Discover serenity and adventure in this picturesque Pennsylvania paradise. Forget the camping supplies, and come stay in our luxurious modern cabins. These cabins are complete with beds, a living room, a kitchen, and a full bathroom. Enjoy the outdoors like never before. Enjoy the Somerset woods by bringing your RV to Somerset Resort. With pull-through and back-in sites available, enjoy a quiet campground in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. We look forward to seeing you. A highlight of Somerset Resort is the luxury cabins. With both modern and log styles to choose from, enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors from the comfort of a park model cabin.

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Ridge Rider Campground

85 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents220 acres · Little Orleans, MD

Where the Potomac River snakes out of the Western Maryland highlands near Little Orleans, MD lies the Ridge Rider Campground. We claim more than 220 acres of the country’s most beautiful, practically untouched woodlands, but it’s all yours – to explore, to fish, to commune with nature and your fellow travelers, whatever is your desire. Equally home to the rugged and the relaxed, Ridge Rider is pure camping in the best American tradition, whether you’re tent camping, driving your RV, or staying in a quaint cabin. Your family will treasure Ridge Rider. We have some unique features, like group tenting and air-conditioned and heated, cabins where some are pet-friendly. We’re also a favorite for whole-season guests. We’ve designed Ridge Rider to be a vacation in itself. At the central facility, you can enjoy the recreation room full of pool tables, pinball machines, and games. You’ll also find RV parts, hunting and fishing supplies, firewood, and ice at the Camp Store. We’re rich in outdoor recreation, with a sparkling clear swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a terrific playground for kids with a log playhouse. Hot showers, a brand-new laundry, and a multi-use pavilion complete the necessities. No wonder so many campers stay all season.

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All Ferns Most of the Time

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Rockwood, PA

This spot is best for a van camp location but plenty of space for tents and hammocks. You'll find a drive-up deck if you wish to park there. Firewood is available providing you use downfalls as kindling in the stone fire pit. A 8x20' deck and picnic table are 20 feet from the fire for stargazing. When the ferns are full grown they are 3 feet tall and everywhere. A 10 minute walk takes you through a dense pine forest with large rock formations and a nice creek with many gurgling fall areas. If there looks like a cave amongst the large rocks, then it probably is a bear den. There is a lot to do near by. Some note worthy locations : Cranberry Glade Lake (good for kayaking or fishing), Ohiopyle, 7 Springs, Fallingwater, Living Treasures, Caddie Shak, and Hidden Valley are all about 25 minutes away. This property also borders Laurel Ridge State Park. There is a Dollar General and a gas station about 15 minutes away for convenience needs.

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Ridge Top Retreat

5 sites · Lodging, Tents150 acres · Westover, PA

We are located in beautiful Clearfield county Pennysalvina. Our farm is on over 150 acres. It’s has been in the family for generations. It has beautiful farm views with wooded areas. There is lots of wildlife to see. Including bear, bobcat, deer, eagles, fishers, and many other species. We have lots of hiking trails and our property also boarders state game lands. It’s a short drive to the Susquehanna River and other parks. You can also enjoy the cows, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, and turkeys at the farm. Contact the host and set up a time to visit and feed the animals. Learn more about our family farm and the animals. We also have a sawmill and wood shop. Nearby is Bilgers Rocks, Rock Run Atv Park, Prince Gallitzin State Park, the Susquehanna River, and many other fantastic outdoor activities. It’s a place to unwind and relax. And connect with nature. This is in a very rural part of Pennsylvania and camping in the winter weather can be difficult. So please prepare yourself with additional sleeping bags for winter. The tent is heated but because of the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous weather you need to be prepared. The bathroom is also outdoors so there will not be a shower provided till after the freezing weather. And the loo is not heated. It is also recommended that you have all wheel drive or 4 wheel drive to get to the campsite in the winter. It is possible to walk from road to site. But you should consider this when booking. RTR is a very beautiful place in the winter but it can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared.

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Barnum Cliffs Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · WV

Wanna really get away from it all? All you hear is wind in the trees and the north branch of the Potomac River rushing 50 feet below. Very private sites located right between world class fly fishing and kayaking at Barnum Whitewater Area and beautiful and undeveloped Jennings Randolph Lake. Very rustic, mature hardwood forest, crawling with wildlife. Explore 20 acres with your sturdy boots, camera or binoculars. Tow vehicles are strongly recommended to be 4WD. No hunting please!

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The Byrd's Nest on the River

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Great Cacapon , WV

~ Voted West Virginia's No. 1 HIPCAMP, three years in a row!! ~ The Byrd's Nest is a river front, primitive campsite on the scenic Cacapon River in Great Cacapon, WV. The property is very secluded, but only 2 hrs from D. C. and Baltimore. The space can accommodate 5 tents comfortably or a few very small campers (w/o hookups). Please note- I only book one group at a time. You'll have plenty of privacy. Spend your day bird watching on the river deck, put up your hammock and chill, go hiking or mountain biking at Cacapon State Park, take the kayaks out and paddle around, go fishing, or take a float trip. I can provide info on put in/take out spots depending on how long you'd like to float. I have 3 tubes available for your use, and 3 kayaks, or BYO if you'd like to venture further outside of the property lines. There is one big fire ring for cooking and/or bonfires, along with a large stationary stand up charcoal camp grill. There is also a small shed down at camp that contains rope, tarps, shovel, shade tent, tackle box, extra torch fuel etc.. feel free to use use and put back and or/ contribute to it. :) This spot is close by to Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw Tunnel, Cacapon State Park, and other nature preserves. More hiking, biking, restaurants, spas, antiquing- all within a beautiful 20 minute drive if you wish to venture out. If I do not respond soon after your inquiry, it's because I am without reception. Even if your inquiry expires in 24 hours, I will still get back to you! Thanks in advance for your patience. There is a cabin on the property. I will more often be home than not, I will communicate with you about that around your stay. Sometimes I"ll come down to the river frontage if I drop in for a float. Also, we all get around on four wheelers and UTV's. So you will hear them from time to time. If I am home, please feel free to come up if you have any concerns/questions or to say hi! :) *Please note, you can normally get to this site without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. However, when the river is high it will sometimes flood the low water bridge where it crosses the Cacapon. If this is the case during your stay, there is a back way in over the ridge. You will absolutely need 4 wheel drive with clearance and it takes about 30 minutes longer and a sense of adventure- but you'll be rewarded with beautiful views and waterfalls at the switchbacks:) This route in is only an option when the bridge is flooded, as it is a private road that has many gates. I will provide all necessary information before your stay regarding projected river levels and directions. I will also offer a full refund if the bridge is impassable and you decide not to come. Sadly, the floating dock you see in the older pictures did not make it through the river ice last winter. However, the deck is now turned into another tent platform! In addition to that, there is now a 9x14 pavilion and a porta john for your use! *Please visit Cacaponriver.org prior to your stay for more info on our beautiful river:)

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Estes Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Hancock, MD

Nestled within 45 acres of wooded hills and valleys, Estes Place offers a tranquil retreat just 5 miles from the Town of Hancock. Situated near the scenic C&O Rail Trail, ideal for paved walking, running, and biking, our location also boasts proximity to popular eateries such as IHOP, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and a variety of local dining options. With capacity for over a dozen tent sites, each offering unique accessibility, seclusion, and amenities, Estes Place caters to a range of camping preferences. Our two main sites feature fire rings for campfires (weather permitting), along with a porta-potty for convenience. Site one is accessible to small campers and pop-up trailers, while sites 3 and beyond are accessible by walking, backpacking, ATV, or very small compact 4WD vehicles. Explore approximately 2 miles of moderate to intense loop hiking trails and gravel roads, meandering past half a dozen year-round streams and foot-long waterfalls teeming with salamanders, frogs, and crayfish. Experience the vibrant wildlife that inhabits our surroundings, from daily sightings of deer and squirrels to nightly visits from barred owls and bats. Keep an eye out for occasional appearances by turkey, sapsuckers, woodpeckers, porcupines, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes, with the possibility of encountering a black bear annually and even a rare sighting of a mountain lion. During March through June, lucky visitors may stumble upon up to 8-inch black morel mushrooms, while certain years bring the elusive cicada and their deafening buzz. Summer nights are illuminated by enchanting displays of lightning bugs (fireflies) amidst the warmer temperatures.

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Cosey Cabin

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Greencastle, PA

This is a 160 square foot tiny house/cabin in a small wooded area at the rear of my 2 acre property. A separate 90 square foot bath house is also provided. Both are primitive, ie, no electric or running water. The are some solar lights and candles for nighttime. Enjoy laying in the hammocks with a nice camp fire in the evening. The house is heated with a small wood stove but there is no air conditioning. Cook either on the wood stove or over the fire outside. In the summertime it is nice and private with the surrounding vegetation

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River Mountain Glamping Retreat

17 sites · Lodging150 acres · Everett, PA

We love our guests and their comfort, safety, satisfaction is our top priority! We are happy to be available during the duration of your stay to guide and help plan your outdoor adventures, sightseeing, nature wanders, and local explorations. We have over 150 experiences available to our guests, just let us know what type of stay you're looking for. Trade in the city for fresh mountain air and open space! River Mountain is the change of scenery we're all looking for -- perfect for a road trip, staycation, or weekend getaway. Your mountain oasis -- discover open space and fresh air in the mountains while nestling into one of our canvas tipis! The perfect escape for privacy and peace of mind in nature. Guests also have access to a gathering and sitting area, bonfire pits, bbq charcoal grill, portable charging stations, and shared, common area indoor restrooms and showers. This one-of-a-kind experience offers guests a way to connect with the outdoors with the comfort and security of being under shelter. All the amenities at River Mountain, including our daily complimentary happy hour, bonfire, hiking trails, fishing pond, activity barn (ping pong, cornhole, bocce, and many other games), free fiber internet wifi, and concierge service to activities in the area. Graze Kitchen at River Mountain - Inspired + FreshBorn to provide delicious, healthy, and environmentally conscious cuisine to our guests. Graze Kitchen prides itself on featuring fresh, regionally sourced meals with an unexpected, modern flare that is true to River Mountain. Guests may order off of Graze's menu at time of booking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at an additional charge. With River Mountain being a remote getaway, Graze provides delicious, convenient meals so our guests may relax and enjoy this mountain oasis. River Mountain offers guests endless access to the outdoors and nature. Our property features private hiking trails, seven natural springs, Sweet Root Creek, outdoor yoga platforms, Hammock Hideaway, forest bathing, complimentary sunset happy hour, and evening private bonfires. We are bordered by Buchanan State Forest, home of Pennsylvania's Trail of the Year, The Mid State Trail and thousands of acres of outdoor recreation. Our guest guides feature self-guided hikes and outdoor recreation, designed for all skill levels to enjoy during their stay. Our on-site spaces and amenities are created to satisfy the needs of our guests during their stay. The historic 1807 log cabin has been restored into our community dining area. Our beautifully restored Mennonite barn is a communal lounge space with open air walls for guests to relax, read, or recreate. The main lodge features an expansive coworking space with floor to ceiling windows, natural light, and office amenities for remote work. There's so much to experience at River Mountain, we look forward to welcoming you to this little slice of paradise. For the safety and comfort of other guests and staff, all guests are required to abide by our on-site rules and policies.

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Locust Post Brewery Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Little Orleans, MD

We have about 3 acres available to set up your, tent, camper van or small pop-up camper, there are many more acres to explore. Beautiful mountain views, close to Green Ridge Forest. We also have a brewery with craft beer brewed on site, Maryland wines and Western Maryland Lemonade. We have a small kitchen with pizza, soft pretzels and beer cheese and the like.

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Burnhead Grazings

3 sites · Lodging, Tents68 acres · Indiana , PA

The rich history of Burnhead Grazings is enveloped in a love for God's creation. Dr. Gib and Emmy Lou McLaughlin purchased Burnhead, which is Gaelic for the head of the stream, from William H. Stevens. The once pasture for Hilltop Dairy's cows became a pasture for sheep. Gib and Emmy had been in search of land for years after getting their first border collie and falling in love with the Shepherd lifestyle. Gib trained dozens of border collies to work the sheep and did hundreds of demonstrations highlighting the herding abilities of the collie across the country. Their love for Scotland and the border collie took them Scotland on many occasions. Burnhead Grazings is a snapshot of Scotland, "in bye" or close to, the beautiful college town of Indiana, PA. Less than two miles from two hotels, three miles from downtown, and within minutes from Amish country, it is amazing that this respite still exists so close to civilization. Gib and Emmy's daughter, Moire McLaughlin Bridges and her husband Randy have endeavored to bring the sheep back to Burnhead Grazings and to continue the family tradition as well as to share in the experience. You can listen to an interview on The Christian Witness Program on this page for some history about Moire and Randy in Tennessee where they were residing before coming to Indiana. They are producing lamb, wool for spinning and felting, and hay and are opening up the farm for small events such as weddings or family reunions. Moire is also the author and illustrator of a children's book available for sale on iBooks called Sissy & The King. In November of 2014, with the help of Hilltop Baptist Church and many others, they began hosting an event, LIFE Nativity, the weekend before Thanksgiving, which benefits Life-Way Pregnancy Center. Moire is also a fine artist and gives classes on wool felting. Ask about signing up for a class or book a private felting party.

The best camping near Shawnee State Park guide

Overview

About

For a totally modern balance between civilization and nature, check out 3,983-acre Shawnee State Park. Fully equipped to accommodate all outdoor activity staples, this place will appeal to water recreation enthusiasts as well as land lubbers and winter sports buffs. For a relaxing afternoon, you can picnic, take a boat out on Shawnee Lake, or take a short drive to the historic town of Bedford. Those looking to add some oomph to their day can roam the over 3,000 acres available to hunters, or just enjoy the park’s 16 miles of trails. Disc golf and biking, along with a wide variety of winter activities such as sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, are yours to enjoy in one of the coolest parts of Pennsylvania’s gorgeous Ridge and Valley Province. A substantial range of camping and lodging options are the cherry on top of this dreamy wilderness sundae!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Shawnee State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months bring warmth perfect for water activities, while winter offers a quiet, frosty landscape for those who enjoy the brisk outdoors.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions and park alerts before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit for your outdoor adventures.
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing to navigate the park's diverse terrains comfortably.
Respect wildlife habitats and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty.
Stay informed about the park's operating hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, to plan your activities accordingly.