Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area sits approximately 16 miles from Bear, Delaware at an elevation of 328 feet in the Piedmont region of Maryland. The equestrian-focused area contains over 5,600 acres of woodland, meadows, and farmland with rolling terrain typical of the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont. Camping facilities remain open year-round with equestrian amenities and multi-use trails connecting throughout the property.
What to do
Kayaking and boating on tranquil waters: Lums Pond State Park offers a serene 200-acre freshwater pond perfect for paddling enthusiasts just minutes from Bear. "From the moment I pulled in and observed how large the sites were, I was hooked. Bike trails, Going Ape, kayaking and peaceful," writes camper Leah H. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Hiking on mixed-terrain trails: The region offers diverse trail systems across multiple parks with varying difficulty levels. At Tuckahoe State Park, "There are 20 miles of hiking trails also open for biking and horseback riding," according to reviewer Mary S., who appreciated the Tuckahoe State Park Campground facilities.
Archery and disc golf: Several parks near Bear offer specialized recreational activities beyond standard camping. "Archery range and disc golf" are available at Tuckahoe State Park, notes Mary S., providing alternatives to traditional camping activities for those seeking variety.
What campers like
Proximity to urban amenities: Many campers appreciate the convenience of camping near Bear while maintaining access to services. At Lums Pond State Park, camper Matt S. notes, "Easy access from I-95, beautiful park setting with fantastic site—spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved. Friendly and helpful staff."
Wooded privacy between sites: Blackbird State Forest Campground receives high marks for site separation. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!" reports Sarah M., highlighting the forest's intimate camping experience.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies throughout the region provide fishing access. French Creek State Park offers diverse fishing opportunities as "there are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," according to Jen R.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality differs significantly between parks. At French Creek State Park Campground, camper Jen R. reported, "The bath/shower house in this loop was adequate and includes two dish washing stations outside. The showers had good pressure and hot water. It was cleaned often throughout the weekend, however it is definitely in need of an update."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. For Lums Pond State Park, Ellen B. advises, "Book early because it fills up fast!" This advice applies throughout the region, particularly for equestrian-focused campgrounds near Bear, Delaware.
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds have uneven distribution of site sizes. At Tuckahoe State Park, Buck P. warns, "The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and width were an issue. The firepit was about 3-4 feet from our door."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer quality playground facilities for children. At Hibernia County Park, Anna reports, "Great for families. We are already planning our next trip. The playground is fantastic."
Fishing for kids: Designated children's fishing areas exist in select parks. John Z. notes that Hibernia County Park has a "Great children's pond for 12 and under" making it ideal for young anglers learning to fish.
Budget-friendly options: Cost-conscious families can find affordable options. According to Anna, Hibernia County Park offers "Super great price at $15/night" while providing amenities like "running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies across campgrounds. At Lums Pond State Park, reviewer Adam and Suzanne B. found "Spacious full hook-ups. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern."
Leveling challenges: Many campsites require careful setup for larger rigs. At Hibernia County Park Lake Campground, Jennifer S. advises, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix" when discussing fitting larger RVs into certain sites.
Dump station access: Not all horse campgrounds near Bear, Delaware offer on-site dumping. Jennifer S. notes at Hibernia, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
