1 campground with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Elkton, Maryland offers equestrian camping facilities with electric hookups and water access. The 5,600-acre property features multiple camping areas designed specifically for horse owners, with spacious sites that accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers. Campground amenities include drinking water, electric hookups, picnic tables, toilet facilities, and a sanitary dump station. Sites remain open year-round and maintain a 4.5-star rating from campers. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, though sites are not designed for larger rigs. Trash disposal is available on-site, making multi-day equestrian camping more convenient.
The extensive trail network at Fair Hill connects directly to over 80 miles of maintained riding paths through rolling countryside and wooded terrain. Riders access both marked bridle trails and cross-country courses from the campground, with routes ranging from beginner-friendly loops to challenging terrain suitable for experienced riders. Trail maps available at the park office show water crossings and rest areas along the routes. The area hosts multiple equestrian events throughout the year, including recognized horse trials and steeplechase races. While Fair Hill doesn't feature permanent horse corrals, the spacious camping areas provide ample room for portable corrals or highline systems. Campground reservations are recommended, especially during peak riding seasons in spring and fall when trail conditions are optimal.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $45 / 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
"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 - $75 / 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 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."
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 features rustic tent sites and limited RV camping areas beyond its renowned equestrian facilities. The 5,600-acre property spans multiple ecosystems including mature woodlands, meadows, and riparian zones along the Big Elk Creek watershed. Camping sites maintain separation from the main equestrian areas, creating quieter zones for non-equestrian campers during peak horse event weekends.
Fishing and boating: Nearby Lums Pond State Park Campground offers water recreation options with fishing and non-motorized boating. "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking," notes Ellen B. The park provides rental options for those without equipment.
Hiking network: Explore multiple trail systems connecting to the Fair Hill property. The trails range from flat, beginner-friendly paths to more challenging terrain with elevation changes. Some routes connect to neighboring public lands, creating longer hiking options.
Mountain biking: Technical single-track trails throughout the property accommodate intermediate to advanced riders. Many trails remain rideable even after moderate rainfall due to good drainage conditions. Riders should yield to horses on multi-use paths.
Spacious, shaded sites: Campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at Hibernia County Park. According to a visitor, "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun." Sites include standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Clean facilities: The maintained bathroom and shower facilities receive consistent positive reviews. "The bathhouse was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," shares one camper about a nearby property.
Proximity to attractions: The location serves as an ideal base for exploring regional points of interest. A reviewer at Blackbird State Forest Campground noted, "Each campsite features a picnic table or two, and a fire pit, plus one bundle of firewood."
Limited site availability: Horse camping sites fill quickly during popular weekends and events. "Book early because it fills up fast," advises a reviewer about a similar park. Reservations open several months in advance and typically require full payment at booking.
Variable weather conditions: The region experiences significant seasonal temperature fluctuations. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offer milder conditions averaging 60-75°F with lower humidity.
Varied terrain: Camping areas include both level and sloped sites. "The sites are laid out in a circle with the bathhouse in the center," notes Jessica K. about Tuckahoe State Park Campground. Some sites require careful positioning to achieve level setups.
Playground access: Several nearby campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "They have a really nice playground for kids (which is separate from the campground)," mentions a Tuckahoe State Park visitor. The playgrounds typically include standard equipment suitable for children ages 5-12.
Educational opportunities: The historic elements of the area provide learning experiences. "There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends," notes Jim N. about Hibernia County Park. These sites often offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: The diverse habitats support various wildlife observation opportunities. Dawn and dusk provide the best viewing times for deer, foxes, and various bird species. Bringing binoculars enhances these experiences.
Limited hookup options: Most equestrian campgrounds near Elkton, Maryland provide only basic services. A visitor to French Creek State Park Campground observed, "For this trip, my husband and I camped alongside our friends, which included three other couples and their children, so we took up two electric sites for the tent campers and two full hook up sites for our friends with RVs."
Access considerations: The approach roads to some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," advises Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort. Sites with full hookups often accommodate rigs up to 35 feet, but larger units may face limitations.
Levelness varies: RV sites require different leveling approaches depending on location. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," reports Jen R. However, some sites need significant blocking, particularly after heavy rainfall periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Elkton, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elkton, 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 Elkton, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Elkton, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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