Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area spans 5,600 acres of varied terrain and serves as a primary equestrian camping destination in northeastern Maryland. Located 15 miles from Havre de Grace, the area offers primitive camping facilities with electric hookups and basic amenities that accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment. The park maintains multiple trail networks through wooded areas and open fields, creating ideal conditions for riders seeking overnight accommodations while exploring the Maryland-Delaware border region.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Tuckahoe State Park provides designated kayak launching areas between campsites. "Canoe/kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake (no gasoline motors) with more of the creek on the other side of the lake," notes visitor Mary S. at Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
River exploration: Martinak State Park offers water-based activities with easy river access. "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground," reports Laura M. who camped at Martinak State Park Campground. The park connects to a network of river trails when the boat ramp is operational.
Multi-use trail systems: Equestrian camping options near Havre de Grace include extensive trail networks for riders. French Creek State Park provides "20 miles of hiking trails are also open for biking and horseback riding" according to reviewer Mary S. The park also features an "archery range" and "disc golf" facilities for alternative activities.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Lums Pond State Park offers generously sized camping areas with good separation. "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," writes Adam and Suzanne B. at Lums Pond State Park Campground. The park is easily accessible from I-95.
Privacy through natural buffers: French Creek campers appreciate the wooded environment. "There is a lot of shade and trees on large sites and space between sites make this a pleasant campground," notes reviewer Mary S. about French Creek State Park Campground. This creates natural separation between sites without feeling crowded.
Clean facilities: Starlite Camping Resort maintains high standards for bathhouses and amenities. "The facilities are spotless and the campground is maintained to the highest standards I have seen," shares Elizabeth L., adding that "there are regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music."
What you should know
Primitive facilities: Blackbird State Forest provides basic amenities for tent camping. "This is a good free state forest with maybe 10 (or less) designated tent-camping sites, and designated areas for deer hunting. Each campsite features a picnic table or two, and a fire pit, plus one bundle of firewood," explains D R. at Blackbird State Forest Campground. The campground has port-a-potties and a water pump but limited amenities.
Seasonal operations: Many equestrian camping facilities near Havre de Grace operate seasonally. Martinak State Park is open "March to November" and Tuckahoe's season runs "March 25 to November 27," requiring advance planning for riders seeking overnight accommodations.
Size restrictions: Horse trailer parking requires attention to site dimensions. "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room," warns Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park, noting that "they aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Martinak State Park offers multiple play areas for younger visitors. "They have lots of easily walked trails. Bath houses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us," shares Bill F. at Martinak State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Hibernia County Park provides dedicated fishing spots for younger anglers. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground," notes John Z. The park charges just $15 per night for primitive camping with table and fire ring.
Swimming options: Several parks near the Havre de Grace equestrian camping areas have swimming facilities. "There is a huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake," mentions Jen R. about French Creek State Park, providing a refreshing option after trail riding activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: RVers planning equestrian camping trips should note varying hookup availability. At Tuckahoe State Park, "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," reports Adam and Suzanne B., adding "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground."
Site selection: Horse camping requires choosing the right location for trailers. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," advises Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort, while noting it's "a great family run campground" with "clean and private" bathhouses.
Access considerations: Some campsites have challenging terrain for larger rigs. "We had site #21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue," shares Buck P. about their experience at Tuckahoe State Park.
