1 campground with availability this weekend
Blackbird State Forest provides multiple horse camping options for equestrians near Middletown, with generously spaced sites featuring fire pits, grills, and picnic tables for campers with horses. Each campsite accommodates 2-3 vehicles plus horse trailers in designated parking areas. The forest maintains several port-a-potties throughout the camping area, though some sites require a short walk to reach facilities. Firewood is provided at each site, eliminating the need to transport materials that might carry invasive species. The camping area features dirt ground covered with woodchips, creating stable footing around tent areas and horse tie-out locations.
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, located in nearby Elkton, Maryland, offers additional horse camping opportunities within driving distance of Middletown. The trail system connects riders to extensive bridle paths throughout the forested property. Horseback riding is encouraged throughout the property, with multiple access points to trail networks suitable for various riding abilities. Water is available for horses at designated hydration stations, though campers should verify seasonal availability before arriving. Trail riders frequently note the well-maintained paths and sufficient room for horse trailer parking at designated campsites. The management area requires advance reservations for overnight equestrian camping, particularly during peak seasons when sites fill quickly. Electric hookups are available at select sites for campers requiring power for horse-related equipment.
"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.”"
Available this weekend
from $22 - $37 / 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
"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
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.
Camping options near Middletown, Delaware span the Delmarva Peninsula's unique coastal plain terrain, with most sites situated at elevations under 100 feet. The region experiences humid subtropical conditions with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and moderate rainfall throughout the year. The area contains both state forests and water-adjacent campgrounds that accommodate different types of camping vehicles and equipment.
Fishing opportunities: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers accessible fishing in Delaware's largest freshwater pond. "The fishing pier was easily accessible, though we didn't even get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore," notes Mark in his review of the park.
Kayaking and canoeing: At Lums Pond State Park Campground, paddlers can enjoy the calm waters. "From the moment I pulled in and observed how large the sites were, I was hooked. Bike trails, Going Ape, kayaking and peaceful," writes Leah H. about her experience.
Hiking trail systems: Tuckahoe State Park Campground provides extensive hiking opportunities within driving distance of Middletown. "Excellent for hikers. Lots of trails to hike. Beautiful, peaceful," reports Shawn in his review, highlighting the natural setting for day hikes.
Level campsites: Martinak State Park receives positive feedback for its terrain. "Easy to navigate through with a trailer. Nice trails and playground. Bathrooms were like brand new. Water and electric on our loop," says Rhonda S. about the Martinak State Park Campground.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites at Blackbird State Forest. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return! No running water- only port a potties but they were clean," Sarah M. reports in her review.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained restrooms. "The bathhouse is absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," notes one reviewer about their experience at a nearby campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B. about Hibernia County Park, one of the equestrian-friendly options near Middletown.
Limited hookups: Some campgrounds near Middletown have restricted amenities. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," explains Jennifer S. about facilities at a nearby park.
Weather considerations: The humid climate affects camping conditions. "We lost power during a rain storm," notes Sean R. about his stay at Tuckahoe State Park, highlighting the need to prepare for occasional summer storms.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "For kids, there's a simple swingset in the loop and a larger, newer playground," describes Jean C. about Martinak State Park Campground, making it suitable for families with young children.
Junior ranger programs: Educational opportunities exist for children. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," mentions a reviewer about nearby state parks that complement the equestrian campgrounds near Middletown, Delaware.
Kid-friendly fishing: Some locations offer special fishing areas for children. "The children's pond is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," says Anna about her family's experience at a local park.
Site selection: RV campers should research specific site dimensions. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. There are some equestrian and tent sites as well," explains Ellen B. about options at Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Dump station access: Not all equestrian campgrounds near Middletown provide full RV services. "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," advises a reviewer about facilities in the area.
Leveling challenges: Some horse campgrounds near Middletown require additional preparation. "The sites aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," notes Jennifer S. about camping with larger vehicles at horse-friendly campgrounds in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Middletown, DE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Middletown, 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 Middletown, DE?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Middletown, DE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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