Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area serves as a primary destination for horse campgrounds near Glen Arm, Maryland. Located approximately 25 miles northeast of Glen Arm, this 5,600-acre property offers equestrian camping opportunities with specific reservation requirements for riders. Fair Hill requires horse owners to maintain proper manure management and site cleanliness while providing access to extensive trail networks connecting various parts of the property. The climate features mild summers with occasional humidity and temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Trail riding at Tuckahoe State Park: This park offers 20 miles of hiking trails that are also open for biking and horseback riding. "Despite being booked for the Memorial Day weekend, this campground was quaint and very quiet. There was a creek behind our site, playgrounds, hiking trails, and boat rentals available within a short walk," notes a visitor to Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Fishing at Lums Pond: Located about 30 minutes from Glen Arm, this pond offers excellent fishing opportunities. "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," mentions one camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground. The park limits boating to electric motors only.
Historical tours at Gettysburg: Within driving distance from Glen Arm, visitors can experience guided battlefield tours. "We did Park Ranger tours to learn about the 1st shot and how the war started to stand in the footsteps of General Buford at Senitary Ridge in the cupola overseeing the battlefield," shares a camper who stayed at Artillery Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer well-designed camping areas. "Lots of shade and trees on large sites and space between sites make this a pleasant campground," reports a visitor to Tuckahoe State Park, highlighting the natural privacy available.
Clean facilities: Regional campgrounds maintain good sanitation standards. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," notes a camper at Lums Pond State Park.
Water activities: Several parks feature ponds and water access. "There's very finely crushed rock on the non-electric loop. This includes the parking pad and tent pad," explains a visitor to Tuckahoe State Park. The park offers "canoe/kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping facilities require advance bookings. "This is a good free state forest with maybe 10 (or less) designated tent-camping sites, and designated areas for deer hunting," shares a visitor to Blackbird State Forest Campground, one of the less restricted options in the region.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions throughout the year. "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," reports a winter visitor to Lums Pond State Park.
Primitive facilities: Not all horse camping sites offer full amenities. "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," explains a Blackbird State Forest camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many regional campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a really nice playground for kids (which is separate from the campground). You can rent kayaks, canoes and fishing gear," advises a camper from Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. "We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did," shares a visitor, noting the park's recreational options.
Cabin alternatives: For those not ready for tent camping with horses, some parks offer structures. "There are 8 camper cabins, 4 on each loop. There are beds for 4 or 6 people, and the cabins have air conditioning, a ceiling fan and electricity," notes a Tuckahoe State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Horse campgrounds vary in RV services. "The campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available. The sites are well spaced. The bathhouse is dated and was clean enough to use," shares an RVer who stayed at Tuckahoe State Park.
Site size considerations: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "We watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites. 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 a Tuckahoe camper.
Dump station access: Confirm sewage disposal options before arrival. "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground," notes an RVer who visited Tuckahoe State Park.
