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Best Equestrian Camping near Chesapeake City, MD

199 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers equestrian camping options near Chesapeake City, Maryland. The 5,600-acre park features dedicated horse trails, camping facilities, and amenities for riders. Sites include electric hookups, water connections, picnic tables, and fire rings. Equestrians appreciate the spacious trailer parking areas and proximity to an extensive trail system. The campground maintains drinking water stations, sanitary dump facilities, and toilets. Sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with horse trailers. The large sites provide ample room for vehicle parking and horse handling. The campground's location provides excellent access to the park's vast trail network.

The Fair Hill trail system offers over 80 miles of maintained paths through varied terrain including woods, fields, and stream crossings. Riders can access the trail network directly from the camping areas. Many trails follow historic routes through the former du Pont estate. The park enforces proper manure management and requires negative Coggins tests for all horses. Advanced reservations are essential, especially during peak riding seasons from spring through fall. The campground operates year-round, allowing riders to experience different trail conditions throughout the seasons. Sites with electric hookups accommodate overnight guests with basic amenities while providing direct access to miles of scenic riding opportunities. The park's extensive bridle trails connect to wider regional trail systems.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Chesapeake City, Maryland (7)

    1. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $37 / night

    "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."

    "I took her older cousins to  the fishing pier, and we didn't even get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore."

    2. Blackbird State Forest Campground - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE

    6 Reviews
    Townsend, DE
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 653-6505

    $25 / 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."

    3. Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area

    3 Reviews
    Newark, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 398-1246

    4. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $24 - $122 / 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! "

    5. Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Ridgely, MD
    38 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 were looking to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore and picked Tuckaho because they had electric sites available. We were so pleased with our stay."

    6. Martinak State Park Campground

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

    $18 - $77 / night

    "Though I live in Texas now, Maryland will always be home for me. Whenever I get the chance to head back, I almost make sure to check out some of the local fishing spots."

    "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."

    7. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 383-3812

    $15 - $50 / 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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Chesapeake City, MD

1 Photos of 7 Chesapeake City Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Chesapeake City, MD

199 Reviews of 7 Chesapeake City Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • V
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    A Gem of a State Park

    We were looking to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore and picked Tuckaho because they had electric sites available. We were so pleased with our stay. The campground is well maintained and the sites are great. We have a small travel trailer and our site was pretty level and nicely private. 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. We've never played before but had a blast learning, now we're hooked. We also enjoyed kayaking on the lake. If you enjoy birding this park is great, we saw so many cool birds. There's an arboretum and horse riding trails. We will definitely be going back!

  • Amanda K.
    Aug. 14, 2022

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Reviews are misleading, they don’t offer what they use to

    I’m sure one point in time this use to be a 4-5 star campground. It is a far stretch from that today.

    PROS:

    AT&T / Cricket cell service Paved loops good for bicycles

    CONS:

    The large pool you see in pictures, is not operating.

    The kayak/canoe rentals is not operating.

    It is prohibited to take a swim in the lake.

    A majority of the campsites are small and stacked right on top of each-other. Ours, C15, was a rocky terrain making it difficult for our children to walk around.

    Loop A has many parking pads that are on a significant sloop making it very difficult to level your camper/rv

    The bathrooms don’t seem to be well maintained or cleaned.

    No camp store

    No place to buy firewood

    THE WORST PART - The park rangers are on the boarder-line of harassment. They constantly patrol the area and seek out reasons to write tickets. We have witnessed them rummaging around peoples campsites when they were away from their sites. It doesn’t take much to do something wrong. Your vehicle tires must be on the pavement pad, they cannot be touching the grass. If your vehicle cannot fit it must go in “over flow parking” which isn’t close by. Any evidence of alcohol is surly a fine.

    NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Hopewell Furnace Historical Site Birdsboro Preserve St. Peters Classic Auto Mall Museum Ryerss Farm for aged equestrians

  • Melissa C.
    Mar. 2, 2017

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    Really nice to kayak

    Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine. RVs, tents, youth group, etc. while I was only there for one chilly April night, my partner and I were looking forward to kayaking along the lake and creek. I was new to the sport and it was windy so the lake was a bit scary to kayak but the creek was perfect. With all the vegetation growing back, it felt like you were in Florida. There were interpretive signs all along the creek to teach about the birds, amphibians, and even beavers one might see. One of the downsides to the campground was that the bathrooms were small and far away from the campsites. That is, if we went to the right ones. Could have been user error.

  • Ellen B.
    May. 23, 2019

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    Great place in the back yard

    We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations.

    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.

    Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking. There’s an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2021

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Feels crowded

    This PA state park felt, upon first impression, very tightly spaced and had an overall crowded feel in loop C, the only dog friendly electric loop. The sites that aren’t ADA have more space between them than we did.  Our site C41 was full hookup as are several others (1-7, 39-47). This is an ADA site, there are several of them. Perhaps this is why it’s crowded so they could fit extra ADA sites? They are very level and have paved pads, but also a paved picnic pad, and paved fire ring pad. Non ADA full hookup sites appeared to be the nicest though they were narrow and some weren’t level side to side. There were a lot of rocks embedded in the ground around and on many sites. Non ADA sites have only a paved pad for the RV. The picnic table and fire ring were behind our RV and when sitting at them, we were within view of sites 37, 39, and 40. I felt like I was in a townhouse setting. Non ADA sites varied as to where picnic and fire rings were set. Also many sites looked like there was quite a drop off at the edge of the already narrow pad so that you had a big step down off your last RV step. Site C42 is ADA and is a nice, semi private, spacious site. Though I’d choose from sites  #1-7 next time. ALL parking pads are 45’ long.

    Loop B has a mix of electric and non electric but doesn’t allow pets. That loop was more spacious and had trees between some  sites so it felt  more private. The sites appeared level. There are Yurts and mini cabins outside Loop C that had lots of space around them. Loop A is a pet loop but no electric. However, it’s closed now for what appears to be renovations. Loop D is non electric, no pets.

    The campground had no vacancy on this particular weekend. One car allowed per site and most had to park perpendicular. Sites were short (45’ long). 2nd cars are $5 a night but wouldn’t fit in most sites.

    The day use areas have frisbee golf, boat rentals, fishing, hunting, hiking, and a pool that overlooks the lake. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is adjacent to the park but was not fully open due to covid. It’s a large state park. The pool was nice looking but not open until Memorial Day. Boat rentals are available weekends in May and Sept. and daily all summer. These amenities were far from the campground and would require driving your car. Hiking trails were plentiful but most were labeled as “more difficult.”  Horse back riding is allowed on some trails. I didn’t see any trails that started at the campground loops. 

    Overall, it’s an adequate campground but not my favorite.

  • Christina S.
    Aug. 13, 2017

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Great local getaway

    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, there's a lake but unfortunately you can't swim in it, they have a public pool but we opted for hiking instead.

  • M
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    Will be back again [when we can get a reservation]

    I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond.  I don't know if it's the host campers or the management, but they're definitely doing something right.  

    I have to say, Jim, the host camper by us was fantastic.  As it was our first trip after a long winter, I managed to forget to put the anode back in our water heater.  I went over and sheepishly asked him if I could borrow a 1 1/2" socket.  He not only lent us a socket, but asked if I needed help, and if I had teflon tape (which I did) and was willing to lend a hand.

    The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back.  That was a bonus.

    Our 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 (https://archive.org/details/MythBusters..Season.3..480p576P..DVDripHDTV..X265HEVC..O69..FIXED/Mythbusters+-+S03E26+-+Seasickness+-+Kill+or+Cure.mkv).  I could only go on the swing with her for a little bit before I started to turn green.  Other than that?  She fought us about leaving the playground, and really would have been content if that was all we did.

    I took her older cousins to  the fishing pier, and we didn't even get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore.

    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.

    The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease.

    All in all, it was a fantastic trip, and I hope to go back soon.

  • Sam D.
    Aug. 29, 2016

    Martinak State Park Campground

    Great Fishing

    Though I live in Texas now, Maryland will always be home for me. Whenever I get the chance to head back, I almost make sure to check out some of the local fishing spots.

    This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here. It's a fun place to spend a night or two and relax.

Guide to Chesapeake City

Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers equestrian camping options that provide direct trail access for horse owners. The surrounding area contains several additional campgrounds within driving distance of Chesapeake City, including options for tent campers, RVers, and those seeking water activities. The Maryland-Delaware region features mostly flat terrain with elevations under 400 feet, making it suitable for year-round trail riding and camping with mild winters and humid summers.

What to do

Trail riding access: At Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, riders can explore the grounds after setting up camp. "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 reviewer Gen F.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies near campgrounds provide fishing options within 30-45 minutes of Chesapeake City. At Martinak State Park, visitors report excellent angling. "Great for fishing," states reviewer Sam D., who adds, "This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here."

Kayaking and canoeing: Water activities supplement the equestrian focus of the region. "Campsites and bathrooms are clean. Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports," explains Laura M. about Martinak State Park. For those camping with horses who want a day off the trails, many area parks offer water recreation alternatives.

Disc golf courses: Several parks in the region maintain disc golf facilities as alternative recreation. "There's a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder," notes one reviewer about parks in the area.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Blackbird State Forest Campground receives praise for its secluded atmosphere. "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 well-separated sites provide privacy not mentioned in the existing description.

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms at various campgrounds. "The bathhouse is dated and was clean enough to use," notes Adam and Suzanne B. about Tuckahoe State Park. This contrasts with the existing description's focus on amenities rather than maintenance.

Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates at county parks. "Super great price at $15/night as well," mentions Anna about Hibernia County Park, highlighting the value for families compared to the full-service equestrian facilities.

Trail accessibility: Beyond equestrian trails, hiking paths connect many campgrounds. "Nice trails for hiking, biking or walking as well!" comments a camper, noting the multi-use nature of regional trails that accommodate both horses and hikers.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park, which applies to most campgrounds in the region, especially those with equestrian facilities.

Site limitations: Some campgrounds have constraints for larger rigs. "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit," warns Buck P. about Tuckahoe State Park. Research specific site dimensions before booking.

Seasonal restrictions: Several campgrounds operate seasonally, unlike Fair Hill's year-round access. "The campground is only open on the weekends, in season," notes Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park, making weekday camping impossible at some locations.

Wildlife considerations: Wooded campgrounds attract various wildlife. "You may regret not bringing mosquito repellent. The blood-suckers are relentless," warns D R. about Blackbird State Forest, pointing out preparation needs for forest camping.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Hibernia County Park offers excellent family facilities. "Great playground," states John Z., while another reviewer adds, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." These facilities complement equestrian camping for families with diverse interests.

Multi-generational activities: Parks near Chesapeake City accommodate various age groups. "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," reports Anna about Hibernia County Park.

Educational opportunities: Several parks offer learning programs for children. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," notes Jean C. about Martinak and Tuckahoe State Parks, providing educational options during non-riding time.

Safety considerations: Family campers appreciate well-patrolled campgrounds. "The Park Rangers drive by regularly which is nice in case you are having any problems or just have general questions about the park," mentions one reviewer about area campgrounds.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: French Creek State Park offers various site options. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports Jen R., highlighting the convenience for RVers traveling with horses.

Dump station access: Limited dump facilities require planning. "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee," advises Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park, indicating the need to research facilities beforehand.

Site selection wisdom: Experienced RVers recommend careful site research. "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," notes a reviewer, emphasizing the importance of confirming site dimensions.

Level site availability: RVers mention terrain challenges at some campgrounds. "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," says Jennifer S., pointing out the need for leveling equipment at many area campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chesapeake City, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chesapeake City, MD is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chesapeake City, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Chesapeake City, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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