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Best Equestrian Camping near Hancock, MD

78 Reviews

Horse-friendly campgrounds near Hancock, Maryland offer limited equestrian-specific amenities. Michaux State Forest provides primitive camping options with several designated areas including Teaberry Parking Area and Peggy's Hill that accommodate both tent and RV camping. While these sites allow pets, none feature dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities. Most campsites in the region permit fires and have basic picnic tables, but equestrian visitors should note the absence of horse-specific infrastructure like wash stations or dedicated trailer parking.

Trail access remains the primary draw for riders visiting the Hancock area. The extensive trail system throughout Michaux State Forest connects riders to multiple camping areas, though water access for horses may be limited. Shawnee State Park Campground, located within driving distance, offers more developed facilities with over 300 sites including full hookup options, electric sites, and cabins, but similarly lacks dedicated equestrian facilities. Horse owners should contact forest management offices directly regarding specific policies for overnight equestrian camping, as permit requirements vary by location. Many trails within these areas accommodate multiple recreational uses, so riders should prepare for encountering hikers and mountain bikers on shared pathways.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Hancock, Maryland (7)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hancock, MD

78 Reviews of 7 Hancock Campgrounds

  • M
    Aug. 3, 2021

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Is as others say

    Campground reeks of horse manure 24/7. Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood. Hiking loop around lake is beautiful. Jean bonnet tavern nearby recommended for a great meal in a historic setting.

  • B
    Sep. 1, 2022

    Michaux State Forest

    Motorized and Primitive Sites, but double check info.

    Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information. Despite their proximity, Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks are NOT considered State Forest land, and have completely different amenities, availability, and regulations.

    Michaux State Forest sites fall in to 4 categories:

    1. Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving

    2. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round

    3. Primitive backpacking sites, open year-round (no permit required, should be at least 1 mi from a trailhead, and only 1 night per site allowed)

    4. Primitive Cabins, which are on State Forest land but are managed by and booked through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

    None of the sites available in Michaux have:

    -electric or water hookups. If you used/saw one, you were in a State Park, not Forest.

    -drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)

    -restrooms (a very small number of sites have outhouses within 1/4 mi or so, but don't count on it)

    All designated sites have some sort of fire ring, whether stones or metal.

    Some, but not all, designated sites have picnic tables.

    Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars.

    Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high.

    Alcohol is permitted, except in picnic areas.

    Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available.

    Pets are allowed as long as they are under control at all times and are not disturbing others. If your dog's recall is anything but perfect, they haven't earned the privilege. Use a leash or long line; remember that if your out-of-control dog gets into a fight with an aggressive but leashed dog, the fault is yours. It's not worth two sets of vet bills.

    This is my go-to local place for camping and hiking alike. Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same. Like much of the state, it's a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections.

  • N
    Feb. 19, 2020

    The Cove Campground

    Beautiful nature. Not so beautiful bathrooms.

    Pros: Very friendly and accommodating staff. We camped in October and we had pretty much the entire place to ourselves. Beautiful lake and overall picturesque setting. Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun. Cons: WiFi signal weak and intermittent, even close to router. We camped in sites with hookups near office and entrance and the toilets are really far. The showers are even farther-like a 15-20 minute walk with bad signage directing to. The view from the showers were breathtaking, but the showers themselves left much to be desired. We had told they had just been cleaned, but they were so old and rust stained that it still felt kinda gross. Cobwebs along ceiling, dim lighting and worn paint added to the overall dinginess. There are no hooks to hang a towel and no shower curtain, wall or door so the bench with my clothes and towel got wet as did the floor, so you step out of shower into a puddle.

  • Brian S.
    Apr. 19, 2018

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Close to Really Great Hiking

    Shawnee State Park is about 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh, and it has pretty much everything: swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and fairly decent hiking. It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there. I was trekking on the very wild Mid-State Trail, nearby, when I opted for a night at the conventional campground in Shawnee. No regrets. I usually avoid car-camping because I don't want to listen to other people's classic rock in the woods. But this place was great. I came midweek, so I had the campground mostly to myself. The showers are hot and clean. The lake is beautiful with a nice swimming beach. The area around the park has all the scenic and historic attractions of central PA: covered bridges, big stone farmhouses, quaint towns. My only complaint is that the PA Turnpike screams a little too close by. Also, the sites are pretty close together, so be sure to look at a campground map beforehand to reserve one of the more isolated ones.

  • Dave G.
    Sep. 24, 2017

    Gettysburg Campground

    Quiet, Plentiful, Not Cheap

    This was our third stay here on our somewhat annual family meetup in Gettysburg. I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area. The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning. One of the drawbacks of this campground is that a lot of the trees are black walnut trees and the squirrels do not shy away from dropping the walnuts like bombs on your head, car, or table when you're preparing breakfast.

    Gear Review: I won a pair of Treadagain sandals for one of my last campground reviews and this was the first camping trip that I took with them. When I initially bought them, they gave me an abrasion cut and I contemplated sending them back, but after wearing them more, they became more comfortable and I have found them to be ideal for walking around in all day since they have thick bottoms.

  • Danielle S.
    May. 24, 2020

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Pleasant camping

    We stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted. Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out. There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site. The fire ring is at an angle so cooking on it proved to be a challenge (we bring a grill grate with us just in case, and had to use it). Bathroom and showers were clean, bright, and there is a dish washing sink outside. Showers were push button but pressure was great and the water was hot (make sure you push the button once before you get in so its warm if no one else is showering at that time). Bring shower shoes. We were able to hear a small bit of traffic from the highway, but nothing that disturbed us. There are several stores within a 20 minute drive (Walmart, etc) and a mall an hour away. Camp wood at the entrance is $5 and is tiny; our biggest piece was a foot long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick! It was okay to start a fire, but we went into the woods and picked up dead wood that we cut into manageable logs. There weren't any roadside stacks of seasoned wood, so be prepared if it rains. The picnic table was saturated and too heavy to move, so we ate sitting in camp chairs. We would stay again.

  • Brittany V.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Double check site booked

    We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35’ TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference. The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit. It’s not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points.

  • Jacob I.
    Jun. 11, 2018

    The Cove Campground

    Great trails for both riding and hiking.

    Spent a weekend here in mid May. Bugs weren't a problem at all. Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes.

  • Jim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 9, 2020

    Gettysburg Campground

    Very close to Gettysburg

    If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it. If you are looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you. 

    The amenities of Gettysburg Campground are quite good: full hookups with cable, all working as expected. Level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32’ coach and a toad. The two drawbacks are that the sites are quite packed together and the noise of traffic– at least in the frontmost sites– can get rather loud at night. However, the proximity to Gettysburg National Park can’t be beat.

Guide to Hancock

Horse camping in Maryland offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Hancock, Maryland

  • Vagabond Isle provides a serene setting with access to the Tuscarora Trail, perfect for adventurous rides.
  • Shawnee State Park Campground features ample space for horse camping, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while keeping your horse comfortable.
  • The Cove Campground welcomes horses and offers a variety of activities, making it an ideal destination for equestrian campers.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At Vagabond Isle, you can reserve a site that accommodates horses, ensuring a hassle-free experience for both you and your animal.
  • Shawnee State Park Campground offers features like picnic tables and firewood, making it easy to enjoy your stay while caring for your horse.
  • The Cove Campground includes electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, providing convenience for horse campers.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy the scenic trails at Vagabond Isle, where you can ride along the Potomac River and explore the surrounding nature.
  • Shawnee State Park Campground is close to various attractions, including fishing and swimming spots, perfect for a day of adventure after riding.
  • At The Cove Campground, you can engage in activities like fishing and swimming, ensuring a fun-filled camping experience for the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hancock, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hancock, MD is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.

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

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

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