Equestrian camping options near Clayton, Delaware are limited with no facilities specifically designed for horses. Blackbird State Forest Campground previously allowed horseback riding but is currently closed until further notice. While the forest encouraged horseback riding before closure, it offered only basic amenities with eight spacious, private campsites featuring fire pits, picnic tables, and porta-potties. Sites had ample parking for 2-3 vehicles, which could accommodate small horse trailers, though no dedicated horse corrals or stalls were available.
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in nearby Elkton, Maryland serves as the primary equestrian destination for Clayton-area riders. This 5,600-acre park features extensive bridle trails traversing meadows and woodlands. Lums Pond State Park, located in Bear, Delaware, provides year-round camping with full hookup sites but does not offer dedicated horse facilities. The spacious RV sites can accommodate larger vehicles, though horse camping is not specifically designated. Trail riders commonly visit Tuckahoe State Park and Martinak State Park in Maryland, both offering camping facilities approximately 30-45 minutes from Clayton, with better access to marked riding trails and more suitable parking for horse trailers.
"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.”"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $45 / night
"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
"Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse. There are water pumps along the road for refills."
"We backed up to a hiking trail which was nice. There's lots to do here. There's a disc golf course and the camp store has discs available to use."
from $21 - $70 / night
"Park is that the Electric loop (B) has all of the sites on the outside of the drive loop so you are not looking across the road at other campers."
"Just off highway, nice wooded area, access to a good boat ramp."
from $18 - $77 / night
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.
LegendThis is a great little state park tucked away in the woods. Campsites are pretty spacious and have nice shade. The campground has two loops, each with a bathhouse located in the middle. Our site (Butterfly Loop #3) was long enough for our motorhome and tow car. The roads are paved, as was our camping pad. The only utility at our site was 30-amp electric. There are water spigots located throughout each loop and we were close enough to fill our water tank. For the most part, the park is big-rig friendly but we did brush against some trees on our way around the loop. Campsites do vary in length so make sure you include your length when booking. We reserved online and were instructed to just go to our site which was nice and convenient. They sell firewood onsite and have a self-pay station which we loved. There is a nice boat launch and the kayak launch has a platform to assist you getting in and out and there are plenty of places to fish from the bank. There is a nature center (which was not open during our stay), playground, picnic pavilions, amphitheater, The bathrooms could use some more attention. The shower curtains were pink meaning they have not been properly cleaned in a while. Needless to say, we did not shower there. The dump station was closed while we were there but we were told we could use the dump station at Tuckahoe State Park (about 10 miles away). We really enjoyed the short hiking trails and paved trail which allowed us to log about 3 miles without having to leave the park. The campground is a really relaxing place to be. We did drive (about 40 minutes south) to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, both of which we recommend. It is also worth a drive to St. Michaels to see the quaint seaside town and visit the maritime museum (plan on spending half a day at the museum). The only downside is that the park is not gated and open for day use so a lot of people just drive through the campground looking around.
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
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.
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
RangerLots of trails to hike. Beautiful, peaceful. Some sites not level.
LegendWe spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did.
We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56).
This place is a gem, even among nice state parks.
THINGS I LIKED:
Easy access from I-95
Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved
Friendly and helpful staff
Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
WOULD WE COME BACK?
GuideThe campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available. The sites are well spaced. The bathhouse is dated and was clean enough to use. There isn't much to do in the park but it was an ok jumping off point to visit St. Michaels. Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground.
Equestrian opportunities exist within a 30-45 minute radius of Clayton, Delaware, a flat coastal region situated approximately 30 feet above sea level in central Delaware. Several state parks and forests in the area provide trail riding access through mixed hardwood forests and wetland ecosystems, though dedicated horse facilities remain limited. Wet conditions during spring months can restrict trail access at some locations.
Kayaking on Lums Pond: Launch from Lums Pond State Park's boat ramp for electric-motor only boating on the 200-acre pond. "We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground... Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)," notes camper Matt S. from Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Disc golf course: Play the free course at Tuckahoe State Park, located 35 minutes southeast of Clayton. "Disc golf" is among the activities listed by Mary S., who appreciates the park's "20 miles of hiking trails [that] are also open for biking and horseback riding."
Trail riding network: Explore Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area's extensive bridle paths, the primary equestrian destination near Clayton. Located 25 minutes northwest in Elkton, Maryland, this 5,600-acre park functions mainly as a group camping area but offers day-use for trail riders.
Fishing access: Cast for freshwater species at Martinak State Park Campground, situated along the Choptank River. "This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here," reports Sam D.
Private, spacious sites: At Blackbird State Forest Campground (currently closed), campers appreciated the layout. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!" writes Sarah M.
Clean facilities: Tuckahoe State Park Campground maintains well-kept shower buildings. "The bathroom/showers are the cleanest I've ever seen, especially since we stayed in the hottest time of the year," reports Bill G. who appreciates this benefit during summer visits.
Level camping pads: Most sites at Lums Pond provide stable surfaces for setting up. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," mentions Mark in his review.
Water access: Proximity to rivers and ponds ranks high among camper preferences. "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports," Laura M. says about Martinak State Park, which provides direct access to the Choptank River.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, securing sites in advance is essential. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Limited horse infrastructure: While several parks permit equestrian use, dedicated corrals and stables are not available at campgrounds near Clayton. Horse owners need to arrange temporary containment solutions when staying overnight.
Seasonal closures: Most horse trails close during hunting seasons and extremely wet conditions. Check park websites or call ranger stations before planning equestrian camping trips, especially during October-January.
Bathroom locations: Facility placement may require longer walks from some sites. "Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers... keep your shoes handy, it's a hike," explains al K. about Lums Pond.
Multiple playgrounds: Martinak State Park Campground offers several play areas for children. "They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us," mentions Bill F., making it suitable for families with young children.
Junior Ranger programs: Educational activities available at Tuckahoe State Park help engage children. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," Jean C. recommends.
Avoid site 21 at Tuckahoe: This particular campsite has space limitations. "We booked site 21, blind. The website does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and width were an issue," warns Buck P.
Boat rentals: Several parks offer canoe and kayak rentals that accommodate families. "You can rent kayaks, canoes and fishing gear," notes Jessica K. about recreational options that work well for groups with children.
Full hookup availability: Lums Pond provides complete utilities for RVs. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," reports Ellen B., highlighting the relatively recent upgrades.
Dump station quality: Tuckahoe State Park Campground maintains clean waste facilities. "The pump out station was very nice," notes Sean R., an important consideration for extended stays.
Size restrictions: Carefully check site dimensions when booking. "I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites," observes Buck P. at Tuckahoe, where some sites cannot accommodate larger rigs despite the campground being technically RV-friendly.
Proximity to shopping: Lums Pond's location provides convenient access to supplies. "Nearby grocery stores and restaurants," Adam and Suzanne B. mention, allowing RVers to restock without lengthy drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Clayton, DE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Clayton, 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 Clayton, DE?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Clayton, DE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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