Best Equestrian Camping near Darlington, MD
Looking for a place to camp near Darlington with your horse? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Darlington, MD (8)
1. Lums Pond State Park Campground
Kirkwood, Delaware46 Reviews•98 Photos•381 SavesThe newly-renovated campground offers sites with three-point hookups (water, electric and sewer), as well as four horse campsites without hookups. If you prefer a bed to a bedroll, stay in one of our yurts! These round stationary structures with canvas walls feature a single and double bed bunked together, a double bed-sized futon, an outdoor seating area, and outdoor deck. Campgrounds at Cape Henlopen, Killens Pond, Lums Pond and Trap Pond State Park are open year-round. The Cottages at Indian River Marina are also open year-round, and the campground at Delaware Seashore State Park is open year-round, although during the winter months, it is open for self-contained units only. The Division of Parks and Recreation has a Central Reservation Service. Although reservations are not required, we strongly recommend that you make one to ensure that accommodations are available. There is no additional expense to make a reservation. Reservations can be placed for campgrounds, cabins, yurts, the Cottages at Indian River Marina, and Fort Delaware tours, and Killen's Pond Waterpark..
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$6 - $42 / night
2. French Creek State Park Campground
Geigertown, Pennsylvania75 Reviews•379 Photos•429 SavesIn Pennsylvania, the once industrious geography of North Coventry and Warwick now serves as home to 7,730 acres of protected wilderness known as French Creek State Park. Right in the heart of the Schuylkill Highlands, the park’s boundaries make up the largest mass of forested space between anywhere in Washington D.C. and New York City. The diverse land consisting of forests, wetlands, marshes, and sleepy bluffs throughout have become a top destination for the people of southeast Pennsylvania to hike, fish, camp, and bike. At a point long ago, before the industrial revolution, the land was once dominated by ancient forests of American chestnut. Sadly, in 1771 foresters started to clear these trees, in order to create charcoal for the furnace at nearby Hopewell Furnace. However, the forests were still allowed to regrow, with routine clearing scheduled every 25 years thereafter. The furnace was in operation for 112 years until 1883, and its impact on the regional environment was undeniable. The once wooded hillsides, towering trees, and babbling brooks that once existed now appeared as a barren wasteland in many areas. The ecological outlook was looking dim, that is until President Roosevelt started the CCC in 1993 as a response to economic turmoil created by the Great Depression. During the same time, Governor Gifford Pinchot invited the CCC to assist in reclaiming this special land, and they subsequently worked to clear the forests and streams of brush. To commemorate the work, they began the restoration of the historic Hopewell Furnace as well as the creation of many of the facilities still in use today at the park. Among these facilities are several tent camping areas, two group camps, picnic shelters, two small dams and lakes, and even the extensive network of roads and trails that snake throughout the park. Today, the second growth has brought with it a rebirth of life and wonder to the region. This massive expansion of protected land is now home to a multitude of rare animals and plants, not commonly found in the region. For example, French Creek State Park is an Important Bird Area as designated by the National Audubon Society, and an Important Mammal Area as designated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Pine Swamp is a State Park Natural Area. The park is now known for its diverse fishing, large abundance of wild game for hunt, and it’s plethora of outdoor recreation activities available within. Visitors to the park have a few options for overnight accommodations. The campground itself is well suited for both large and small groups, as well as individuals. In total, 201 modern sites accommodate thousands of visitors annually. The campground also boast a range of amenities, including a centrally located shower and toilet facility. Additionally, there are ten cozy cabins with heat and electricity. Finally, there are two historic group camping CCC Cabins available. The facilities include dining halls, central washhouses, and cabins for campers and staff.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$23 / night
3. Tuckahoe State Park Campground
Ridgely, Maryland29 Reviews•122 Photos•145 SavesTuckahoe Creek, a quiet country stream bordered for most of its length by wooded marshlands, runs through the length of the park. A 60-acre lake offers boating and fishing.
The park has 20 miles of scenic hiking, biking and equestrian trails, flat water canoeing, hunting, picnicking, as well as a recycled tire playground for children.
Activities include day camps, canoe trips, Scales & Tales presentations and displays. Each weekend, Memorial Day through Labor Day, park staff offer a number of free family activities. Check out flyers posted throughout the park or call the park office for more details.
Accessible picnic areas, visitors' center, playgrounds, restrooms, campground facilities, and hunting areas are very popular.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$21 - $70 / night
4. Hibernia County Park
Coatesville, Pennsylvania8 Reviews•14 Photos•103 SavesThe campground is open Friday and Saturday nights only. Two camping units are permitted at each site, one unit must be a tent. Sleeping in personal vehicles is not permitted.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
$15 - $50 / night
5. Blackbird State Forest Campground
Townsend, Delaware6 Reviews•19 Photos•95 SavesOpen for camping 365 days a year at a cost of $25 per night per site. Online reservations only and credit card is required. Blackbird State Forest, located on the border of New Castle and Kent Counties, is Delaware's northernmost state forest. It is only a 30-minute commute from Wilmington and Newark. The ten tracts of Blackbird State Forest are open year-round at no cost to the public for nature walks, hiking, jogging, and horseback riding. The forest features a 1/2-mile, wheelchair-accessible wildlife and nature interpretation trail on the Tybout Tract as well as the Blackbird Education Center on the Meadows Tract.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$25 / night
6. Starlite Camping Resort
Hopeland, Pennsylvania6 Reviews•5 Photos•66 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7. Camp Meade RV Park
Odenton, Maryland2 Reviews•2 Photos•30 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
8. Finksburg Forest
Be the first to review!Finksburg, Maryland•17 Saves- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$22 - $100 / night
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Darlington
99 Reviews of 8 Darlington Campgrounds
- AAvrey S.
Scout
Blackbird State Forest Campground
Beautiful and clean
super pretty. shower up in the dark but was super easy to navigate with a map. people super friendly.
- R
Rick V.
Traveler
Camp Meade RV Park
Great RV park to stay near Vicksburg
Did stay here after visting Vicksburg. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F.
- VVanessa S.
Guide
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!
Inez W.Guide
French Creek State Park Campground
Unique campsites
Staying in C loop and here are some tips. If you want starlink, stay toward the entrance of the loop for a good view of the sky. If you want to be away from everyone and don't need a site that has good accessibility, stay in C27. You park at the top of the site and walk your tent and gear down a small slope where you can set up your tent. A little further down is a large-ish area with a fire pit and table. You can't see the roady from there and it looks like a great place to get away from it all!
Other sites around C27 have similar set-ups but not so far off the road.
- CChuck M.Guide
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Great place to hike
Had a nice time camping for two nights. If you like small breweries, about 20 minutes away is Stewarts Brewpub. They have been around since the 1990s!
- aal K.Scout
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Great Campground some wuitks
Great secluded campground, peaceful. Great bath houses, always super clean.
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.
Laure D.
LegendLums Pond State Park Campground
Snall campground, big sites
Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites. Very level and spaced apart from neighbor is you pick the right spots. We were in 17 which looked out to open space and woods. If it rains, some sites are flooded. Not much going on for activities in March. Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat.
- John C.Traveler
Blackbird State Forest Campground
Nice campsites
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.
Edward S.ScoutLums Pond State Park Campground
Great State Park - Great Price
We've been here a couple of times. Sites are paved and mostly level. Full hookups on all sites.
Campground is separate from everything else I. The park - good and bad. Clean bathrooms
Abi D.Scout
Hibernia County Park
Beautiful park, not so great camping
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. You can see everything other campers do any they can see everything you’re doing.
Second, The campground is ON the hiking trail so everyone doing the loop walks along the sites. Including people with dogs off leash.
Nate & Erika L.GuideTuckahoe State Park Campground
Peace and quiet close to home
We love this campground. We’ve stayed twice in the electric loop and both times had a quiet stay. The campsites are typically spacious and spaced out well. Bathrooms are clean. There is so much to do right in this area as well. Lots of hiking. We highly recommend the nearby arboretum and don’t miss the opportunity to see the aviary at the park office. The ranger was so nice there and went in to each enclosure to handle and show us owls, eagles, and falcons. A highlight of the trip!
- BBernie C.Traveler
Lums Pond State Park Campground
So peaceful
Peaceful state park. Clean facilities and lots of room to spread out.
- Laure D.Legend
Tuckahoe State Park Campground
Beautiful
We stayed here in March and loved it! The little office had a few items for sale but the woman who works there is so nice. We talked with her for awhile. There was a small lending library next to the store/office and wood was for sale too. There are sites that aren’t level but ours was okay. Nearby is St. Michael’s, MD. We went to the Eastern Shore Brewing Company where dogs are allowed indoors and then went next door to the Lyon Rum Windon Distilling Company. Also next to those is St. Michael’s winery tasting room. Something for everyone! There is an arboretum near he campground that was interesting too. Lake Tuckahoe is available to put your own canoe or kayak in or go fishing. There was a trail from the campground to the lake that was gravel. Eastern shore of t huh Chesapeake Bay offers lots of great scenery and things to do.
Lee D.LegendFrench Creek State Park Campground
Convenient to Philadelphia
General: Four loops with a total of 200 campsites. Two of the loops allow pets (A, C) and two do not. Loop D offers no hookups while Loops A-C offer a mix of no hookups, water/Electric, and full hookups. We had no problem securing a site on a weekday in October with no reservation. There are also two yurts and three cottages.
Site Quality: We chose a non-electric site in the B Loop, so this review focuses on this loop. There are abundant trees separating the sites. The pads were paved and B12 was very long. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Because the loops are on a slight slope, not all of the sites are completely level, something that would be difficult to determine if making reservations ahead of time.
Bathhouse: Pennsylvania state parks get high marks for their modern, clean restrooms and this park (at least the B Loop) was no exception. Hot showers were no additional charge and generous in size.
Activities: 35 miles of hiking trails. Be aware that the Hopewell Lake Loop is not very well marked (it appears to be a work in progress) although blazes on trees are abundant for most trails. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent during the summer season, and there is a boat dock for your own boat for fishing (either from a fishing pier or on your boat). There is a huge pool available from Memorial Day through Labor Day (there is an additional fee for this). Some of the trails allow horseback riding. Nearby Hopewell Furnace is accessible via hiking trails, or you can drive there. Other activities include orienteering and disc golf. Make sure you wear blaze orange during the fall hunting season as you will hear hunters!
In general, it is obvious Pennsylvania invests in its state park campgrounds and the price is reasonable ($27 for a non-electric site during the week with a $4.50 senior discount). My only complaint is that the dumpsters are a hike from the loops, but this is a minor complaint.
Emily M.GuideBlackbird State Forest Campground
Nice and secluded
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. Nice hikes in the area, great weekend!
John Z.
RangerHibernia County Park
Hidden gem
Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground.
Christina V.GuideLums Pond State Park Campground
Decent Parking Spot Close to Wilmington
Lums Pond State Park is a medium sized campground 18 miles south of Wilmington, DE. As we were visiting family in Wilmington, it was important to us to find a park that was a reasonable driving distance from the city and Lums Pond is the closest state park and public campground.
We enjoyed Lums Pond for what it was- a safe and reasonably quiet place to park. The showers were decent and the cell service was good (we have Verizon). The park itself can feel a little crowded depending on what site you have- we actually enjoyed site #46, which was out in a field, over site #33, which was more on the forested side but felt a lot more crowded.
While this isn’t a place we would necessarily choose to spend our time outside of visiting family, it was very convenient and clean. The park is staffed for most of the day at the general store so questions were answered quickly.
They had an odd rule about us not being able to dump our cassette toilet in the bathroom, which we hadn’t run into before, but we were able to use the dump station- we don’t have chemicals in our toilet so this wasn’t a problem we had come across before. Site #33 also had a lot of garbage in the forest behind it, which added to the reasons why we didn’t like that site as much as #46- considering the rules that were intended to keep the park clean, it did feel like parts of the park were a little neglected despite the overall appearance of being well cared for.
All in all, we found this stay to be perfectly average and would stay again if we had to, but would also not necessarily recommend this park to friends or family unless they were visiting somebody in the area.
Brie A.Traveler
Starlite Camping Resort
Offers a wide variety of amenities and activities
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. Staff was very friendly! Loved the cleanliness and atmosphere as well!
- jjohn H.Traveler
Hibernia County Park
Hibernia
County park so no booze but camp sites are under trees
- bbretTraveler
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Nice clean park
Stayed for two nights passing through. Facilities were very clean. Campground quiet. Bike paths were more for mountain biking. AT&T good service. Stayed on 13. Nice and shady not close to bathroom. Most sites are level.
- KKristinScout
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Fun weekend trip
We came in July. We want to come back in October when the leaves will be in full color. Huge campsites! Very quiet and the other campers are friendly. The camp store doesn’t follow its hours posted, so make sure to get there early for firewood. Our 11 & 4 year olds loved it. Very peaceful.
- Neil T.Legend
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Just Okay
No big complaints. No big praise.
We needed a place to stay for the night and it provided that. If I were going to pick a camp to just hang out or enjoy nature, it wouldn't be this one.
Verizon cell service was fine.
- MMarkGuide
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.
- mmruisScout
Lums Pond State Park Campground
GREAT !
Loved this place. Sites very well spaced, facilities clean, laundry room spotless, camp store has everything you might need and the hiking trails can’t be beat. We camped there twice…and did not disappoint either time. The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is because there is no Wi-Fi…even though description states differently.
- KKathryn B.Scout
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park
The sites are large and the whole campground is very open. There is a small camp store with the essentials and very clean bath and shower facilities. The pond is huge; perfect for kayaking or canoeing.
- SSarah M.Traveler
Blackbird State Forest Campground
Spacious and private
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
- RRobinGuide
Tuckahoe State Park Campground
Great Kayaking and Beautiful Woods
We camped with our 17' travel trailer at site 19E with electric hookups. Some sites have water and sewer as well, which is rare in a MD state park. We had a picnic table, lantern pole and fire ring in a spacious, wooded site. Good dry wood was available for $5 a bundle. The restrooms were spotless. Hiking trails everywhere- and all level for easy biking. There's a small lake where many people were fishing for bass, and a calm waterway (Tuckahoe River) excellent for kayaking. We had our own yaks, but the park will rent them. A few miles down the road is a boat launch (Hillsboro) with access to another section of the Tuckahoe River, also great for kayaking. We saw beautiful aquatic plants, many birds, and a gazillion turtles. We paddled past several beaver dams, but they successfully stayed hidden. We love this park and campground!
Guide to Darlington
Horse camping in Maryland offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- At Blackbird State Forest Campground, you'll find spacious campsites that allow for easy access to trails, making it a great choice for horse camping.
- Tuckahoe State Park Campground features horse riding trails and a serene environment, perfect for a peaceful getaway with your horse.
- Hibernia County Park allows pets, including horses, and offers a beautiful setting for riding and camping.
Equestrian campgrounds include essential facilities
- Camp Meade RV Park provides electric hookups and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
- At Starlite Camping Resort, you can enjoy well-maintained sites with amenities like water and electric hookups, ideal for horse campers.
- Finksburg Forest offers reservable sites with essential amenities, making it a convenient choice for those traveling with horses.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails
- Lums Pond State Park Campground features nearby trails that are perfect for horseback riding, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Tuckahoe State Park Campground not only has horse riding trails but also offers kayaking and hiking opportunities, making it a versatile destination.
- Blackbird State Forest Campground is known for its spacious sites and proximity to trails, providing a great experience for horse campers looking to ride and relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Darlington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Darlington, MD is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Darlington, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Darlington, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.