Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area spans 5,656 acres of protected woodland and meadows with an extensive trail system connecting various sections of the park. The area maintains primitive group camping areas that must be reserved in advance, with tent sites positioned along the trails to accommodate equestrian access. Water access points are strategically placed throughout the camping areas to service both campers and horses.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers multiple water recreation options on its 200-acre millpond. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," notes Jen R.
Trail riding: Blackbird State Forest provides secluded riding paths through dense woodland. "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. The forest maintains multi-use trails suitable for equestrian access.
Historic exploration: Near French Creek State Park, visitors can explore adjacent historical sites. "There is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," explains Jen R. These historic areas provide context to the region's industrial past.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Hibernia County Park offers tent camping with ample space between sites. "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," explains Chelsea.
Clean facilities: French Creek State Park maintains well-kept amenities. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," notes Mark, highlighting the attention to facility maintenance.
Natural surroundings: Blackbird State Forest provides a natural camping experience with minimal development. "The camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy. There are multiple port a potties here but some sites are a bit far from them. Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents," writes a camper identified as Blind.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds near Rockland, Delaware require advance booking. At Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, "There are two primitive youth group camping areas. There are specific rules that need to be followed and the guidelines are on the website," notes Gen F.
Limited hookups: Many sites offer minimal amenities. At Hibernia County Park, "A nice primitive campground - good for a quick trip away. The campground is a county run one that works on a first come first serve basis, which is fine if there are others close by. They are wooded sites and have 2 loops. There is no store, but there a places close to get supplies," explains Jim N.
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities have limited availability during off-peak periods. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about Lums Pond State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer child-friendly recreation areas. "My daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine that they had on Mythbusters," shares Mark about Lums Pond State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Dedicated children's fishing areas exist in some parks. "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp. The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," notes Anna about Hibernia County Park.
Trail difficulty considerations: Select appropriate trails for children. "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," explains Mark about the trail system at Lums Pond State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: At Starlite Camping Resort, "We had a great family camping weekend at Starlight and will definitely return in the future. Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," reports Craig F.
Hookup placement: Check the layout of utilities before setting up. "Lums Pond is one of my least favorite places to camp! The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both," warns Amanda H.
Bath house proximity: Consider the distance to facilities when selecting a site. "Some engineering genious put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers....keep your shoes handy, its a hike. Meanwhile Mr and Mrs 12 slideout supernova with 5 bathrooms and a washer/dryer get the closest spot to a quick potty/shower break," observes al K. at Lums Pond State Park.
