2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Elkton, Maryland accommodates equestrians with accessible facilities approximately 13 miles from Newark, Delaware. The area maintains primitive camping areas primarily designed for youth groups following specific guidelines. Campsites include picnic tables and access to drinking water, with electric hookups available at select locations. The grounds feature toilets and trash collection services. Campground rules prohibit alcohol and pets, which may affect planning for equestrian campers traveling with dogs. The area remains accessible throughout the year, offering opportunities for trail riding regardless of season.
Extensive trail networks throughout Fair Hill connect riders to varied terrain suitable for different experience levels. The management area encompasses roughly 5,600 acres of natural landscape with designated bridle paths traversing rolling hills and stream valleys. Trailer parking accommodates vehicles of various sizes, though the grounds are not considered big-rig friendly. Trail riders should note the proximity to the Maryland-Delaware border provides access to interconnected path systems. Water sources for horses are available along certain trail sections. Campers must make reservations in advance to secure sites, with specific requirements outlined on the official website. Youth groups particularly benefit from the organized camping facilities while maintaining access to the equestrian trail system.
"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 next weekend
from $22 - $37 / night
"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! "
Available next weekend
from $24 - $122 / 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
"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
"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
"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
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area sits on 5,600 acres of Maryland countryside approximately 13 miles south of Newark, Delaware. Located at elevations ranging from 300 to 450 feet above sea level, the area experiences moderate mid-Atlantic seasons with warm summers and cool winters. The management area connects to several trail networks including paths that cross the Maryland-Delaware state line.
Kayaking at Lums Pond: Launch from Lums Pond State Park Campground, located 8 miles from Newark with a 200-acre freshwater pond. "The pond is beautiful. We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," notes one visitor to French Creek State Park Campground.
Horseback riding on maintained trails: The trail system at Fair Hill includes designated bridle paths suitable for various experience levels. Riders can access interconnected paths between Fair Hill and surrounding areas. "Great park setting with fantastic site... Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)," mentions a camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Hiking through woodlands: Explore multiple marked trails throughout the region. "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," states a visitor to Lums Pond. Another camper adds: "There are a ton of picnic tables too so you can take a lunch and just sit by the lake to relax."
Spacious camping areas: Sites at established campgrounds near Newark offer room to spread out. "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," reports a visitor to Lums Pond. Another camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground notes: "Nice pads, even with rain none were flooded. The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain their service buildings regularly. "I LOVE the commercial-sized washing sink for your dishes, since you don't have full hookups its a BIG deal," mentions a Tuckahoe camper. At Starlite Camping Resort, a visitor remarks: "The facilities are spotless and the campground is maintained to the highest standards I have seen."
Equestrian-focused amenities: Some areas cater specifically to horse owners. "There's an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!" shares a visitor to Lums Pond, which complements the equestrian facilities at Fair Hill.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak seasons. "We had to make reservations in advance to secure sites, with specific requirements outlined on the official website," a Fair Hill visitor explains. At Lums Pond, a camper advises: "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Some campgrounds offer basic accommodations. "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," reports a visitor to Blackbird State Forest Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions and facility availability. "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations. Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking," states a regular visitor.
Playgrounds for children: Several parks offer dedicated play areas. "The park has two playgrounds that are both open and trails to hike," shares a Tuckahoe camper. Another visitor mentions: "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)."
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences at nearby historic sites. "If you don't want to hang around the campground there are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, kayak, canoe or just relax by," explains a French Creek visitor. For equestrian camping with educational components, Hibernia County Park offers options with "walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful."
Water activities: Many campgrounds feature lakes or ponds for recreation. "Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," reports a visitor to French Creek State Park. Another camper adds: "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing."
Hookup availability: RV sites with utilities vary by location. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," reports a Lums Pond visitor.
Site layouts and access: Some campgrounds have terrain limitations. "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room. It was nice to just be able to back up our camper and have it mostly level already," advises a visitor to Starlite Camping Resort.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide full 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," notes a Hibernia Park camper who travels with an RV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Newark, DE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Newark, 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 Newark, DE?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Newark, DE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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