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Best Equestrian Camping near Laurel, DE

311 Reviews

Assateague Island National Seashore offers equestrian camping opportunities with direct beach access for riders. The oceanside campground permits personal horses from October through mid-April, allowing campers to ride along the shoreline and observe the island's famed wild horses. Campsites accommodate both riders and their horses with adequate space for trailers. The campground features vault toilets, cold water showers, and water pumps, though riders should note there are no dedicated horse corrals or stalls available. Feral Chincoteague ponies roam freely throughout the camping areas, creating a unique experience for equestrians who can observe these wild herds while camping with their own horses.

Trail access from Assateague connects riders to miles of beach riding and inland paths through marshes and wooded areas. The island's varied terrain provides diverse riding experiences from shoreline trots to inland exploration. Riders should prepare for potentially buggy conditions, especially during warmer months when biting flies and mosquitoes can be problematic. Horse owners must bring all necessary feed and supplies as no equestrian services are available on site. The surrounding communities of Chincoteague and Assateague embrace the equestrian culture with riding barns, equestrian stores, and horse museums. The annual pony swim event draws over 50,000 visitors, so equestrians planning camping trips should consider scheduling around this major event if seeking a quieter experience.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Laurel, Delaware (12)

    1. Trap Pond State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Laurel, DE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 875-5153

    $22 - $56 / night

    "This is Delaware which is flat land.

    The one issue with most every site are the trees. Most every site has a tree to watch out for."

    "One of our go-to camping sites near Laurel, DE. Situated on Trap Pond and an old cypress swamp. Multiple sites a short distance to the pond and most have at least a view of the water."

    2. Delaware Seashore State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bethany Beach, DE
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 227-6981

    $30 - $168 / night

    "Park Name-Delaware Seashore State Park

    Date of Stay-June 2018

    Site-237

    This is one of favorite local parks!"

    "The really great aspect of Delaware Seashore State Park is your close proximity to the water. The park is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River, and Indian River Bay."

    3. Martinak State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Denton, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $18 - $77 / 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."

    4. Sun Outdoors Frontier Town

    28 Reviews
    Berlin, MD
    30 miles
    Website

    "Due to the location near Ocean City, this campground is primarily a resort for people staying 1 or more weeks."

    "Shuttle to Ocean City, MD was convenient and general store was close by and stocked well!"

    5. Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    39 Reviews
    Berlin, MD
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-1441

    $40 / night

    "As an equestrian this was a once in a lifetime adventure. Feral chincoteague ponies everywhere you look!"

    "Some sites are on the beach, and you can position your tent to be on the dune looking at the water- some are inland a bit more but still a very short walk to the beach."

    6. Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    55 Reviews
    Girdletree, MD
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-3030

    $40 - $80 / night

    "If you don’t mind wild horses joining you for dinner and trekking around your campsite at night, then this is your place!! The beach is absolutely gorgeous and so is the scenery."

    "Sites were not too close to one another. We had site 13 on ocean loop 1. Just a few steps, and you’re on the beach. Nice picnic table and fire pit."

    7. Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Ridgely, MD
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 820-1668

    $21 - $70 / 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."

    8. Tom's Cove Park

    20 Reviews
    Chincoteague, VA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 336-6498

    $4200 / night

    "People driving around in golf carts cheering, people playing board games at the campsite next door...sleep was difficult."

    "Close to the Marina, Downtown, The Blvd and the Beach. Staff are helpful but also gives you space to live."

    9. Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday

    12 Reviews
    Bloxom, VA
    45 miles
    Website

    $35 - $159 / night

    "The seasonal weekenders had gone home, and we preferred the larger, more private area behind the site to walk our dogs."

    "We'd reserved 406, but Sun Outdoors turned into KOA, so we got a different site lucky us, 'cause the middle ones were swampy with almost no space outside with sitting water on sites."

    10. EA Vaughn Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Girdletree, MD
    36 miles
    +1 (410) 376-3236

    "Lots of trails. Pretty busy with Hunters during the season. Roosters here"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Laurel, DE

102 Photos of 12 Laurel Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Laurel, DE

311 Reviews of 12 Laurel Campgrounds

  • Maddi P.
    Sep. 8, 2018

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Must see!

    I spent 5 days 4 nights on the shore of Assateague. As an equestrian this was a once in a lifetime adventure. Feral chincoteague ponies everywhere you look! Both towns of chincoteague and assatesgue lean into the horse craze, they have equestrian stores, riding barns, and horse museums just about everywhere you look. During the summer there is an annual “pony swim” where the wild ponies are rounded up and swam from one island to another so they can be sold. I cannot speak from experience but from what I learned from locals this event brings in over 50,000 people. You will need to plan around this if you wish to avoid crowds, although this location seems to be heavily populated all year round, don’t let that discourage you.

    Side note- the crabbing is amazing among the local marshes!

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2021

    Trap Pond State Park Campground

    Favorite DE campground

    Last family trip of the year and it didn’t disappoint. We stayed in site D25 again just as we did 2 yrs ago. It’s a pull through site as are all sites in loop D. This is pet friendly and has electric and water. Dump station is across from loop D. There are 5 loops with Loop E being tent and cabins/hurts only. That Loop also has island tent sites. We couldn’t walk into that area. Each loop or area has its own bathhouse which appear to all be individual family style bathrooms.

    The layout of the sites in loop D is not typical. All sites in this loop are pull through and parallel to the road, so the left drivers side of your camper faces the road and the right side faces your camp area. If you stay in an inside loop site you will be facing the camper on the other side of the loop. For instance D11 and D14 face each other. The distance between sites across the loop isn’t huge or blocked by any foliage but didn’t seem to be an issue for our friends who stayed in D24. If you stay on the outside of the loop you will either face the woods (higher numbered sites) or loop C through the trees ( lower numbered sites). Our site is pretty level as are most sites. This is Delaware which is flat land.

    The one issue with most every site are the trees. Most every site has a tree to watch out for. Other loops are all back in sites and many of those have trees to keep an eye on as well. This is a shaded campground. At the end of each loop is a pier on the pond which is large and beautiful. There are playgrounds in each loop and bike rentals at the camp store.

    The tent area is walk in but they provide wheelbarrows or carts to haul your stuff. These sites are very private and well spaced off the walk-in path and from each other. The cabins and yurts are also walk-in but again you have the use of carts. Some of the cabins are facing the pond and offer gorgeous views.

    There is a primitive group camp area complete with bathhouse, screened in pavilion, open air pavilion, numerous picnic tables, horseshoe and volleyball courts and sits at the point so the views of the pond are plentiful.

    There is a disc golf course within walking distance and the weekend we were there a competition was happening. There is a day use area with boat rentals and lots of trails for hikers or horses to use.

    The town of Laurel nearby has a few stores. I found This and That Country Store which was so cute. The owner was super nice. The beach areas of Delaware are not too far away if you want a beach day.

    This has become one of our favorite campgrounds in DE.

  • A
    May. 1, 2021

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Wild, Windy & Sandy- As Expected!

    We camped in the walk-in sites toward the end (south side) of the ocean side sites. You park along side the road and walk on a boardwalk to your site. Depending on site, you will have to walk on sand to get there as well. Bring a beach wagon!

    Toilets are vault and showers are cold water beach showers (not full closure- open on the bottom) which would be fine in the summer but were a bit chilly when we went on a cool few days in April.

    No dish washing station- to be expected- but we witnessed a few pple washing dishes under the water source and dumping there - making for a large puddle of gross water- not cool.

    Some sites are on the beach, and you can position your tent to be on the dune looking at the water- some are inland a bit more but still a very short walk to the beach. Some you camp on sand (obviously) some of the inland sites have intermittent grass. I’ve heard bugs are bad in warmer months (naturally)- no mosquitos when we were there in April.

    We drove through the bay side camp sites and these looked great too- the calm-watered bay side looked nice for wading & playing for small kids. There is some shade here vs none in ocean side. It’s a short walk or drive to the ocean.

    BRING STAKES FOR SAND AND GUY YOUR TENT. I witnessed many collapsed tents while I was there. One sun shade that flew away.

    Wild horses = piles of horse poop everywhere. Wasn’t a problem, just walk around them. Keep snacks in a locked cooler. The horses came for my 3 yo who was eating snacks while loading up the car. They aren’t messing around!

    We saw many horses on ocean side & bay side. Watch out for a brown pony named Chip. The rangers & volunteers were very friendly & great at keeping tabs on the horses.

    The beach shack store across from the ranger station near the entrance offered a surprisingly large selection of items.

  • Melissa C.
    Feb. 12, 2017

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Come for the wild horses, stay for the rest of the wildlife

    Many people do not realize there is a wide array of wildlife on Assateague because everyone is so obsessed with the horses. Specifically the birding on Assateague is phenomenal. Oceanside camping is very neat, but it fills up fast. The sites are close to bathrooms (I believe the national side has pit latrines). There are also showers, albeit cold. The sites are a decent size but be advised, they are completely sandy. You WILL get sand everywhere and it is unavoidable. Expect it so it does not put a dent in how wonderful the trip will be. The Oceanside sites are a dune away from the beach. Use the walkways to gain access to the beach as the dunes are protected and you will get fined for taking a shortcut. As many of the reviews advise, there are mosquitos. A lot of them. There are also biting horse flies. However catch the island on a breezy day and the breeze takes care of them. One of the best parts about Assateague is all of the activities you can do. There are bike paths, kayak rentals on the bayside, bay fishing, ocean fishing, crabbing, etc. The worst part about Assateague are all of the tourists who stop in the middle of the road to view the horses, blocking traffic and causing back ups.

  • Wendy W.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    Bugs, Wind, and Horses Overshadowed EVERYTHING

    I was really looking forward to this trip. We stayed on the Bayside of the campground. Our site was close to the bathhouse, which was modest with cold water and vault toilets. Fresh water pump was nearby, as well.

    Based on the reviews, I was expecting a beach camp out with the ambience of wild horses running along the shore. Sand between our toes. Fire cooked meals. Idyllic... Sadly, that’s not at all what we got.

    We arrived late to meet some friends before setting up camp. We were supposed to have dinner with the them. But dinner was delayed — VERY delayed — because of horses. A small herd of them (around 8) decided to hangout in our campsite waiting for their meal. This meant we couldn’t get ours. As soon as any food would come into ‘nose-shot,’ they would start advancing on us. We waited over an hour for them to lose interest and move on to the next site. We went through this for every meal. It became a real hassle.

    It’s obvious other campers have not been so responsible with their food in this area. The standard is to hide all food as soon as you see the horses. This mean storing anything with a scent in your closed vehicle or in the “horse box” under the picnic table. With the way they would wait for us to pull food out, it was very apparent other campers allowed them to have a free-for-all previously. And no amount of noise shooed them off. If anything, it made them more aggressive and we had to watch them closely.

    A little while later, we finally settled in and set up camp after having our “dinner” in the confines of our car. Dinner was snacks since we couldn’t cook anything. Placing anything on the fire or stove was like a beacon to the horses.

    The next problem we encountered was the mosquitoes — they were everywhere and in hoards. No matter how hard you tried, there’s no keeping them out of the tent. We left a day later covered in bumps, most from throughout the night.

    One good thing was the cooler temps meant no horseflies. On a previous beach trip, we were swarmed and covered in bites within minutes of exiting our car. Be prepared because bug spray does very little.

    Let’s also not forget the “stickers” — little burr-like plant pods that are all on the ground and stuck to anything and everything, especially skin. These stung bad.

    Once settled in for the night, we dealt with the wind flapping the tent pretty wildly at times, horses neighing almost constantly and coming awfully close, and two raccoons fighting on the edge of our tent. A restful night was not in the cards there.

    The only good thing was the location. We were a short walk away from the beach. The kids and I at least enjoyed that part.

    I was beyond disappointed and cancelled my upcoming trip for the following month as soon as I got home. I don’t know if the experience was different Oceanside, but i will never be staying Bayside again.

  • R
    Aug. 29, 2018

    Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    Up close and personal!

    This campsite is like no other I’ve ever been to. If you don’t mind wild horses joining you for dinner and trekking around your campsite at night, then this is your place!! The beach is absolutely gorgeous and so is the scenery. If a crowded beach is not your thing, it gets less crowded as you walk away from the boardwalk. Please be kind to the horses and if you see an injured one, let the Park Rangers know immediately.

  • C
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Trap Pond State Park Campground

    State Park, multiple types of campsites/hook ups.

    One of our go-to camping sites near Laurel, DE. Situated on Trap Pond and an old cypress swamp. Multiple sites a short distance to the pond and most have at least a view of the water. Sites are water and electric. Some loops have 50 amp service, so check the reservation system for your specific needs. Some pull through sites, tent hike-in area and yurts available. Small camp store at the check-in cabin. Small boat launch area also for canoeing and kayaks. Believe there is a group camping area as well and a group picnic pavilion.

    Have been there for several July 4th's and they had an Elvis impersonator in concert across the pond at the swimming/picnic area!

  • Wendy W.
    Jul. 4, 2020

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    Perfect First Family Camping Trip

    Tuckahoe is a hidden gem on Maryland’s mid-Eastern Shore region. With many of your standard amenities and a quiet atmosphere, it was a great spot for my first time camping with my kids.

    Our campsite was on the non-electric loop. We had a small creek and trail back up to our campsite. We only had a handful of neighbors and foot traffic at the time was almost nonexistent, so we practically had the park to ourselves.

    There is an electric loop with electric hookup, but no water or sewer. 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.

    There are 4 basic cabins on each loop and most sites are designed for RV and/or tent use. There are 3 sites that are tent-only on the non-electric loop.

    Multiple trails in the area are widespread. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a map! They also have equestrian trails with an equestrian center nearby. The lakefront boasts a picnic area with individual tables and grills, recycled tire playground, and kayak rentals (for a fee). Fishing is allowed, but no swimming (which was a bummer for us, but exploring some of the local creeks helped provide some relief from the summer heat).

    Nearby is Atkins Arboretum. Their 5 mile trail system covers around 400 acres. There are woods, “grasslands,” and “wetlands” to explore the various ecosystems of the Eastern Shore. They also had a goat area and garden play area for children. There is a fee through the Visitor’s Center which supports the center, but some of the trails can be accessed via other Tuckahoe trails.

    Centrally located, you’re still within easy access to a local town center (Denton), supplies, and dining. I can’t recommend Tuckahoe enough if you just want a quiet spot or you’re new to camping!

  • Tom C.
    May. 4, 2017

    Tom's Cove Park

    Toms Cove Campground

    Could not get camping spot on assateague island so we decided to try this campsite a try. If you looking for rustic, quite camping this is not the spot. They have several trailer homes living there all year round. The camping spots are all very open with close neighbors. On the positive the campsite does have many amenities, showers, game room fishing piers. The best part of this camping spot is if you have canoe/kayak/SUPB it is a great point to launch off to explore the nature reserve next to camp Cove. Lots of wild horses to see. Remember to bring bug spray!!!

Guide to Laurel

Horseback riding sites around Laurel, Delaware offer access to coastal and forested trails within a two-hour drive. The area sits at low elevations, typically below 50 feet above sea level, creating flat terrain for easy riding through both marshlands and wooded sections. Camping conditions vary seasonally with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 85°F and mild winters that rarely drop below freezing.

What to Do

Beach riding at Assateague: Assateague Island National Seashore permits shoreline horseback riding from October through April. "I grew up here and the beach camping is awesome if you have a self contained vehicle that is 4x4. A permit is required but it's for 12 months," notes camper Sean R.

Freshwater paddling: Trap Pond State Park offers kayaking among cypress trees. "We stayed on the island site and loved it. We walked around the pond and rented boats and kayaks for the day and rowed back to our site which the kids loved," shares Lucia B. The pond's calm waters make for easy paddling.

Nature trails for riders: Forest paths near Laurel connect to various horse-friendly trail systems. "I LOVE the commercial-sized washing sink for your dishes, since you don't have full hookups its a BIG deal," says Kasey M. about Tuckahoe State Park, which offers 20 miles of multi-use trails suitable for horses.

What Campers Like

Waterfront camping access: Delaware Seashore State Park offers sites close to both ocean and bay. "Ocean was a short 5 minute walk from our campsite- along with a playground and delicious restaurant (that even served vegan food!)!" reports Gayle B.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wild horses at Assateague attract many visitors. "We've been going here as a family for over 6 years. Its a great place to relax with less people on the public and private beaches. The wild ponies and deer are beautiful!!" mentions Ashley M.

Seasonal activities for riders: Many campgrounds host equestrian-focused events throughout the year. "It's super close to home and I love the small feel to it. People keep to themselves and you feel kinda like your by yourself even though the park is usually full," explains Dean G. about Tuckahoe State Park.

What You Should Know

Bug preparation is essential: Mosquitoes and flies can be intense, especially near water. "It's beautiful here, horses are cool, beach is great, but the bugs stink! Bring some deet it's the only thing that works!" warns Kirsten J. about Assateague.

Weather impacts: Coastal locations face unique challenges. "We got a site to stay on our way through to OBX. We booked and arrived after hours, which wasn't an issue as they were like 3% occupied. Sites were pretty level (within 2 inches) and had centrally located bathhouse. We were at the north campground. The winds were nuts and over 50mph," shares Joe R. about Delaware Seashore.

Wild horse safety: When camping at horse-friendly sites, secure food properly. "The Ponies are giant trash pandas. They're smart and can open latches so do bring bungee cords, kayak straps, or ratchet straps to lock all of your food in cases or coolers," advises Tony P.

Tips for Camping with Families

Playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities: Martinak State Park offers multiple play areas. "We had a great time with our 3 little ones. They have lots of easily walked trails. Bath houses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us," shares Bill F.

Educational opportunities: Nature centers enhance the experience for children learning about horses and wildlife. "Has a Nature Center, very nice campground and clean bath houses. Has events for children for Easter and at the Nature Center," notes Penny K. about Trap Pond State Park.

Water activities for kids: Many sites offer safe swimming options. "This campground is very family friendly. There is so much to do. If you do go make sure you go for a week so you can try to do it all. Very calm and and relaxing," says Wilson G. about Sun Outdoors Frontier Town.

Tips from RVers

Hookup options for horse trailers: Several campgrounds accommodate both horses and RVs. "This has been one of my favorite camp grounds this summer. Loved the hiking trail (Bob Trail). It can also be used for biking. Our dogs loved the hike," says James P. about Trap Pond, which has sites large enough for trailers.

Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers fewer crowds at horse campgrounds near Laurel. "We stayed in a small cabin. It was cosy and warm on a cold night for fall. The cabins are clean and tidy and the campground is well run," shares Andrew M. about Martinak State Park.

Site selection strategies: Choose carefully based on your needs. "The tent camping area is in a beautiful grove of well trimmed Loblolly Pines. The trees were great for hanging hammocks, and also provided the perfect amount of partial shade," notes Rita M. about Assateague Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Laurel, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Laurel, DE is Trap Pond State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 44 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Laurel, DE?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Laurel, DE, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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