Equestrian camping options near Thurmont, Maryland include sites that accommodate horses and riders within the Catoctin Mountain range at elevations between 800-1,900 feet. The area features mixed hardwood forests with rocky terrain and over 25 miles of trails suitable for horseback riding. Weather conditions vary seasonally with high humidity in summer and occasional snow cover from December through February.
What to do
Horseback riding on forest trails: Michaux State Forest permits horseback riding on designated trails with some sites accessible to horse trailers. As reviewer Bridget D. notes, "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."
Historical site exploration: Gettysburg Campground provides a central location for exploring Civil War history. One camper mentioned, "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek. Cool laid back staff and clean bathrooms nice playground for kids. Not to mention it's a few minute drive to historic Gettysburg."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access for equestrians looking to combine activities. At Colonel Denning State Park Campground, a reviewer shared, "Great stream right behind the sites. If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms."
What campers like
Spacious sites with creek access: Artillery Ridge Campground offers sites that work well for horse owners with nearby water access. One camper noted, "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming."
Clean facilities: Many equestrian campers appreciate well-maintained bathhouses after a day of riding. A Colonel Denning visitor commented, "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
Trail connectivity: Riders value direct trail access from campsites. At Michaux State Forest, a camper shared, "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."
What you should know
Permit requirements: State forest camping requires advance planning. For Michaux, "Designated motorized sites require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving."
Seasonal constraints: Winter conditions can impact horse camping accessibility. One Michaux camper explains, "Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round."
Primitive facilities: Many equestrian-friendly sites lack modern amenities. A reviewer warns about Michaux, "None of the sites available have drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)."
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in certain areas. "Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Teaberry Parking Area Campsites offers space for children and horses. One camper observed, "It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty."
Educational opportunities: Horse-camping families can combine riding with history lessons. An Artillery Ridge visitor shared, "Camping as close to history as you can get. We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle."
Water play options: Several sites offer streams where both children and horses can cool off. A Colonel Denning camper wrote, "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day!"
Camp programs: Ranger-led activities add value for families with horses. One visitor mentioned, "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose specific sites that accommodate both RVs and horse trailers. A camper at Camp Winery noted, "Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too."
Parking challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns making horse trailer maneuvering difficult. At Colonel Denning, one RVer warned, "We have a small 19" travel trailer which was almost impossible to park due to very tight sites."
Hookup limitations: Plan for self-sufficiency at equestrian-friendly sites. A Gettysburg camper suggested, "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."
Weather considerations: Seasonal conditions affect horse camping access. A Michaux visitor reported, "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail. It's you can park at Pine Grove State Park and then hike your way into locations or park at other trail heads."
