Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers dedicated facilities for horseback riders looking to camp in the Bel Air region. Located about 30 miles northeast of Bel Air, this 5,000-acre conservation area features a variety of terrain including meadows, forests, and streams. Trail riders can encounter elevation changes ranging from 300 to 500 feet throughout the property, with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-90°F during peak season.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area maintains extensive trail networks specifically designed for equestrians. According to one visitor, the area provides "clean family friendly environment with tons of extra curricular activities for all."
Water activities: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers paddling opportunities for those who want to mix horseback riding with water recreation. A camper noted that the park has a "large pond that you can rent paddle boats and small v-bottom boats" where they "saw a few cranes" and enjoyed fishing.
Fishing excursions: Multiple locations near Bel Air offer fishing opportunities alongside equestrian trails. At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned that "access to the Tuckahoe River for fishing and kayaking" is available, and another camper highlighted the "Children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Equestrian camping areas near Bel Air receive positive feedback for their upkeep. At Hibernia County Park, a visitor shared that the "porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp" while noting that "each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer good separation between camping areas. At Starlite Camping Resort, one camper observed that "the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy" and that "the sites felt very secluded" compared to other private campgrounds that "attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible."
Convenient location: Hibernia County Park provides easy access to equestrian trails from camping areas. A visitor commented that "there are a half dozen, easy trails, the longest is around 2 miles" and another noted that "walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Some equestrian camping areas have minimal facilities. At Blackbird State Forest Campground, a camper reported that "there are a couple portapotties in the camping area, which are a few feet from one campsite, or a few blocks from another. There is one water pump."
Reservation requirements: Many camping areas near Bel Air require advance planning. One visitor to Tuckahoe State Park warned that "we stayed here on a Thursday when the campground was almost empty, but there was a reservations list that showed the campground would be full for the Columbus Day weekend."
Site selection: Choose your site carefully based on your camping style and equipment. At Starlite Camping Resort, a visitor mentioned that "it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed."
