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Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area features horse-friendly camping near Hockessin, Delaware with facilities designed specifically for equestrians. The campground offers water access, electric hookups, and picnic tables at its sites, making it suitable for both tent and RV camping. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Hockessin, Delaware. The primitive youth group camping areas have specific rules outlined on the park's website. The grounds include toilets and trash collection services, while maintaining a clean family-friendly environment with numerous recreational activities.
The extensive trail system at Fair Hill connects riders to miles of scenic paths designed for horseback riding throughout the natural resources management area. The park encompasses numerous bridle trails and equestrian-specific routes that wind through the countryside. While no dedicated horse corrals appear in the amenities list, the area caters to equestrian activities with its well-maintained trail network. Trail riders should note that reservations are required for camping, and the campground is open year-round. The nearby Lums Pond State Park Campground provides an alternative option with spacious sites and additional outdoor recreation opportunities, though it lacks specific equestrian facilities. Both locations offer access to natural areas where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Delaware's landscape.
"There are some equestrian and tent sites as well. Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking."
"Great place to stay and check out “Lower, slower Delaware.”"
from $22 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Activities See the photo that shows 35 miles of hiking trails. It's an excellent brochure! "
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."
"Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The only thing about this site specifically is the trail was close by so you’d occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn’t still feel secluded."
"I was only one in the forest ATM but saw some hikers occasionally throughout the day walking by."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."
"There is also a great view of the surrounding countryside because it’s up on a big hill. If you’re hauling a big camper you’ll need power for the hills."
ScoutFirst time at this campground really like it a lot will be returning. The bathrooms are always clean. The grounds are always kept up. Just a really nice place to stay. Most of the sites have some kind of shade.
LegendWe spent a weekend at French Creek State Park as our home base for the Chester County Balloon Festival. We stayed for 2 nights at a full-hookup paved site, which ran us $55.25 per night.
WHAT I LIKED:
Peace& Quiet: The state park itself was lovely, serene, and felt nice and spacious.
Prime Location: At just 30 minutes away from the balloon festival, this is the closest campground.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
The"Leveling" Challenge: We were at site#C-241, which had a pretty significant slope. It took a few boards under the rear wheels and fully extended jacks just to get us anywhere near level.
Tight Fit for Big Rigs: Even though there was plenty of open space behind our site, the actual driveway pad was too short to comfortably fit our motorhome and Jeep together. Compared to other state parks we’ve visited, the interior roads and layouts felt a bit on the tight side.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
ScoutBathrooms are clean and staff is nice
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
ScoutThis is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
TravelerThis is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
TravelerHarder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept
Camping options near Hockessin, Delaware range from primitive sites to equestrian-focused campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits within the Piedmont Plateau at elevations between 200-400 feet, creating rolling terrain with mixed hardwood forests. Late spring through early fall brings temperatures between 65-85°F, with July and August experiencing the highest humidity levels.
Kayaking at Lums Pond: The 200-acre pond at Lums Pond State Park Campground offers electric-motor only boating and paddling opportunities. "We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did... Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)," notes Matt S.
Hiking forest trails: The extensive trail system at Blackbird State Forest Campground provides secluded hiking routes through mature woodlands. "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," describes a visitor who camped nearby.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies in the region support various fish species. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," reports a camper about nearby waters. Some locations also permit ice fishing when conditions allow.
Private camping spaces: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites available at Starlite Camping Resort, located within driving distance of Hockessin. "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors, but at Starlight, the sites felt very secluded," notes Craig F.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," shares Mark about his camping experience in the region.
Year-round access: Several campgrounds near Hockessin remain open throughout all seasons. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," reports Galit P., highlighting the convenience of off-season camping options.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations. Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B.
Variable site terrain: Some camping areas have uneven grounds that require careful setup. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," notes one camper about site conditions.
Primitive youth camping areas: Hibernia County Park offers basic camping options with limited amenities. "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too," explains John Z.
Playgrounds and activity areas: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play spaces for children. "The playground was excellent, by my standards. The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine," humorously notes Mark, indicating the quality of play equipment available.
Fishing ponds for younger anglers: Special fishing areas designated for children provide safe experiences. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," shares Anna about French Creek State Park Campground, noting it's just a brief walk from camping areas.
Safety considerations: Equestrian campgrounds near Hockessin, Delaware maintain separate trail systems for horses and hikers to prevent conflicts. "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground. The trails were well marked," mentions a camper, highlighting the family-friendly infrastructure available.
Hookup availability: For those seeking horse campgrounds near Hockessin with RV facilities, check site specifications before booking. "Sites are full hook up with about 5 tent sites. All are pretty much level. Close to shopping if needed," advises Sandy E. about a nearby option.
Paved parking pads: Many RV sites include concrete or paved areas that simplify setup. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," reports Jen R. after staying at a campground accessible from Hockessin.
Hill considerations: Some campgrounds in the region feature significant elevation changes. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," warns Chris G., providing crucial information for those traveling with larger rigs to equestrian camping facilities in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hockessin, DE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hockessin, DE is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hockessin, DE?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Hockessin, DE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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