2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area provides equestrian facilities approximately 10 miles from Conowingo, Maryland. Designated areas accommodate tent and RV camping with access to drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables. The park maintains well-marked equestrian trails throughout the natural area where riders can enjoy day-use facilities. While no dedicated horse corrals appear in the amenities list, the management area emphasizes its equestrian focus with trails designed specifically for horseback riding. Bathrooms with flush toilets are available, and the campground includes trash collection services. The sites are clean and well-maintained, suitable for family-friendly equestrian activities.
Trail systems at Fair Hill connect to an extensive network of riding paths that wind through the natural resources management area. Riders can access multiple routes directly from the camping areas without trailering to separate locations. The park operates as a group campground with specific guidelines that must be followed according to the website's instructions. Water access points for horses are positioned strategically throughout the trail system. Equestrians appreciate the uncrowded nature of the facility, with one visitor reporting seeing only one other person while exploring the trails. The park's layout accommodates trailer parking near campsites, though specific dimensions for larger rigs aren't indicated. Visitors should check with park officials regarding current horse policies, as primitive camping conditions apply to the youth group areas where equestrian activities are permitted.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $32 / 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 this weekend
from $20 - $90 / 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 were looking to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore and picked Tuckaho because they had electric sites available. We were so pleased with our stay."
from $21 - $70 / 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
"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."
from $22 - $100 / 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.
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 is approximately 5,656 acres of former du Pont property located in Cecil County, Maryland. The area maintains an elevation ranging from 220 to 450 feet above sea level, with forested ridges and stream valleys creating varied terrain for equestrian trails. Seasonal access is year-round, though trail conditions may deteriorate during periods of heavy rain, particularly in early spring.
Trail riding opportunities: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area features designated equestrian trails with specific parking areas for horse trailers. "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. about Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Lake recreation activities: Several parks near Conowingo offer water activities for campers seeking alternatives to horseback riding. "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!" reports Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Hiking options: The region features numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "Spent a weekend in BO1, spacious campsite, grill, picnic table, firepit, parking for 2-3 cars plus overflow parking. Firewood was easy to get and was plenty of it. I was only one in the forest ATM but saw some hikers occasionally throughout the day walking by," shares John C. about Blackbird State Forest Campground.
Spacious, private sites: Campgrounds in the region typically offer well-spaced sites that provide privacy. "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 Sarah M. about Blackbird State Forest.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," notes Mark about French Creek State Park Campground.
Natural surroundings: The forested setting provides shade and creates a sense of seclusion even in developed campgrounds. "The park itself is beautiful. First, there is absolutely no privacy. The campsites are right next to each other with hardly any trees. The more dense woods is on the other side of the trail," explains Abi D. about Hibernia County Park.
Reservation requirements: Many parks in the region fill quickly during peak season. "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," explains Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Facility limitations: Some campgrounds have minimal facilities or primitive conditions. "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. There is one spigot at the 'bathroom'," warns Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Weather considerations: The Maryland/Pennsylvania border region experiences seasonal changes that affect camping conditions. "We lost power during a rain storm. The farm roads around the park are very bumpy. The Camp store has weird hours (I forgot to pack the bacon and ruined the trip!!!!) The site was tiny and right on the road," reports Sean R. about Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing. 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," says Anna about Hibernia County Park.
Activities for various ages: Parks often provide programming for different age groups. "Starlite offers a wide variety of amenities such as a community pool, general store, snack bar, playground area, toilets, indoor shower stalls, daily activities, pets permitted, water/electric utilities and laundry units," explains Brie A. about Starlite Camping Resort.
Safety considerations: Parents should research specific safety features at each park. "There are a half dozen, easy trails, the longest is around 2 miles, spend time on Chamber's Lake (no swimming, or gas powered motors allowed), spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire," notes Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Site dimensions: RVers should confirm site sizes before booking as many parks have limited space for larger rigs. "We took out 1st trip to Tuckahoe over the 4th of July weekend. We really liked the park, but beware, the sites can be small! I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites," warns Buck P. about Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Hook-up availability: Electrical connections vary by campground and loop. "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. There are separate, individual shower rooms," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Terrain challenges: The region's topography can present challenges for large rigs. "This is a great family run campground. The store is nice, bathhouses are clean and private. Owners are super nice. 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," advises Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Conowingo, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Conowingo, MD 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 Conowingo, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Conowingo, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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