Kelly Pines Equestrian Campground, Marienville, PA

Introduction / Overview

For a distinct and truly remote Pennsylvania wilderness experience, especially for local horse riders, Kelly Pines Equestrian Campground in Marienville, PA, is an essential destination. Nestled within the vast and beautiful Allegheny National Forest, Kelly Pines is not a typical commercial campground; it is a rustic, US Forest Service-managed facility built specifically as the hub for the extensive Spring Creek Horse Trail system. Dating back to 1928, it is the first recorded recreation site in the Allegheny National Forest, offering a rich history alongside its natural beauty.

This campground caters primarily to equestrian campers who wish to explore the more than 38 miles of designated, marked horse trails. However, it also provides a few limited sites for non-riders—such as dedicated anglers during trout season—who seek an authentic, deeply quiet camping experience away from high-traffic tourist areas. Kelly Pines promises an escape into the heart of the forest, offering a blend of basic necessities and rugged adventure. The atmosphere here is about immersion in nature and the unique camaraderie of the equestrian community.

Location and Accessibility

Kelly Pines Equestrian Campground is situated in a remote, heavily forested area near Marienville, PA 16239, an area celebrated for its vast, undeveloped woodlands. Its location along Wolf Run, a native trout stream, offers a picturesque and tranquil setting.

Wilderness Proximity: The campground provides direct, immediate access to the Spring Creek Horse Trail, making it an ideal staging area for multi-day riding trips deep into the Allegheny National Forest and adjacent State Game Lands.
Road Access: The park is accessed via Forest Service roads, which adds to its remote feel. Local users highly recommend a specific approach to ensure smooth travel: do NOT rely solely on common GPS directions. Instead, campers should watch for directional signs leading to the Marienville Gun Club or Summers Camp off Route 66, and proceed past the gun club to find the campsite entrance correctly. It is crucial to note that going down "Goat Road" should be avoided.
Vehicle Considerations: The park is accessible for moderately large rigs, with many local users confirming that trailers or RVs up to 40 feet in length, and vehicle/trailer combinations up to 46 feet, can navigate the sharp turn and bridge at the entrance without issue. However, vehicles over 50 feet are generally advised to proceed with extreme caution or scout the location first.
Seasonal Access: While the area is beautiful year-round, the main riding season is when the trail system is open. Note that winter maintenance is not provided on the access roads (FR 130 and FR 131), and these roads become part of the local snowmobile trail system in the winter.

Services Offered

The services at Kelly Pines are purposefully rustic, designed to support both human and equine visitors while maintaining the integrity of the wilderness environment. This is self-sufficient camping with essential support structures:

Dedicated Equestrian Facilities: The main attraction features four single equestrian campsites (sites 3, 5, 6, 7) and one double equestrian site (site 4, which is next to a creek and very shady). Each single equestrian site includes a 4-horse tie-down shelter with a gravel base, a protective rubber mat, and log rails to secure and separate horses, ensuring their safety and comfort overnight. The double site offers two of these 4-stall shelters.
Campsite Essentials: All seven campsites, including the two non-equestrian sites (sites 1, 2), are provided with a picnic table and a fire ring for campfires.
Water Source: A major service amenity is an artesian well and a hand pump that provides potable water for both human consumption and livestock use, ensuring a reliable water supply in this remote location. Additionally, there is a designated location along the stream for watering horses.
Sanitation: A vault toilet is centrally located for human use. For equestrians, a dedicated manure bin is provided, with a strict requirement that all campers clean their stalls and place manure inside the bin before leaving.
Reservations: Reservations for the peak season (typically May to early September) are required and can be made up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov, with a rolling 180-day window, ensuring locals can plan their horseback riding adventures effectively.

Features / Highlights

Kelly Pines offers unique features that appeal to a specific kind of Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiast:

The Spring Creek Horse Trail Hub: This is the single biggest highlight. With 38 miles of designated, marked trails that traverse the gorgeous forest, the campground offers unparalleled access to one of Pennsylvania’s best long-distance equestrian trail systems.
Authentic Rustic Camping: With no electric or water hookups, the campground offers a truly traditional and quiet camping experience. Campers can fully disconnect, relying on fire rings for cooking and enjoying the sounds of the Wolf Run stream, including two exceptionally popular sites (3 and 4) that are widely sought after for their location and shade.
Historical Significance: Built in 1928, the site holds historical importance as the Allegheny National Forest’s oldest recreation area, offering a sense of heritage and tradition for long-time local visitors.
All-Ages Appeal: While equestrian-focused, the site is pet-friendly (dogs must be leashed), and the peaceful, deep-woods setting offers an excellent opportunity for families to teach wilderness skills and enjoy nature together.
Non-Rider Opportunities: The two non-equestrian sites are a fantastic resource for local anglers, as the location is highly popular during trout season in April, providing convenient access to a native trout stream.

Contact Information

As a US Forest Service facility, contact for inquiries about the site should be directed to the Marienville Ranger District Office. Reservations are handled by the national service.

Address: Marienville, PA 16239, USA (Located in the Allegheny National Forest)

Allegheny National Forest Site Management Phone: (814) 368-4158

Reservation Phone (Recreation.gov): 1-877-444-6777

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Kelly Pines Equestrian Campground is perfectly suited for local Pennsylvanians who are experienced outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who own horses or are avid remote campers and anglers. Its suitability lies in its affordability and its unmatched access to a vast, federally protected wilderness area right in the state's backyard. For local equestrians, it is the place to go for multi-day trail riding—a dedicated, purpose-built facility that recognizes the unique needs of horse camping. The provided tie-down shelters and manure disposal services eliminate the logistical challenges typically faced when camping with horses, making the experience seamless.

For non-riders, its extreme remoteness and rustic nature offer a powerful antidote to city life, attracting local campers who prioritize quiet, solitude, and direct access to pristine areas like Wolf Run. While a crucial reminder is the habitat for venomous snakes, a factor that requires careful preparedness (such as carrying a snake bite kit and keeping pets secured), this element underscores its true wilderness status. Kelly Pines is a rugged, cherished local secret that offers an unparalleled opportunity for Pennsylvania residents to fully immerse themselves in the deep forest heritage of the Allegheny National Forest.