Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area is approximately 5,656 acres of former du Pont property located in Cecil County, Maryland. The area maintains an elevation ranging from 220 to 450 feet above sea level, with forested ridges and stream valleys creating varied terrain for equestrian trails. Seasonal access is year-round, though trail conditions may deteriorate during periods of heavy rain, particularly in early spring.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area features designated equestrian trails with specific parking areas for horse trailers. "There are two primitive youth group camping areas. There are specific rules that need to be followed and the guidelines are on the website," notes Gen F. about Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Lake recreation activities: Several parks near Conowingo offer water activities for campers seeking alternatives to horseback riding. "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking. There's an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!" reports Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Hiking options: The region features numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "Spent a weekend in BO1, spacious campsite, grill, picnic table, firepit, parking for 2-3 cars plus overflow parking. Firewood was easy to get and was plenty of it. I was only one in the forest ATM but saw some hikers occasionally throughout the day walking by," shares John C. about Blackbird State Forest Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campgrounds in the region typically offer well-spaced sites that provide privacy. "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," reports Sarah M. about Blackbird State Forest.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," notes Mark about French Creek State Park Campground.
Natural surroundings: The forested setting provides shade and creates a sense of seclusion even in developed campgrounds. "The park itself is beautiful. First, there is absolutely no privacy. The campsites are right next to each other with hardly any trees. The more dense woods is on the other side of the trail," explains Abi D. about Hibernia County Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many parks in the region fill quickly during peak season. "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations. Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," explains Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Facility limitations: Some campgrounds have minimal facilities or primitive conditions. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the 'bathroom'," warns Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Weather considerations: The Maryland/Pennsylvania border region experiences seasonal changes that affect camping conditions. "We lost power during a rain storm. The farm roads around the park are very bumpy. The Camp store has weird hours (I forgot to pack the bacon and ruined the trip!!!!) The site was tiny and right on the road," reports Sean R. about Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing. We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp," says Anna about Hibernia County Park.
Activities for various ages: Parks often provide programming for different age groups. "Starlite offers a wide variety of amenities such as a community pool, general store, snack bar, playground area, toilets, indoor shower stalls, daily activities, pets permitted, water/electric utilities and laundry units," explains Brie A. about Starlite Camping Resort.
Safety considerations: Parents should research specific safety features at each park. "There are a half dozen, easy trails, the longest is around 2 miles, spend time on Chamber's Lake (no swimming, or gas powered motors allowed), spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire," notes Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RVers should confirm site sizes before booking as many parks have limited space for larger rigs. "We took out 1st trip to Tuckahoe over the 4th of July weekend. We really liked the park, but beware, the sites can be small! I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites," warns Buck P. about Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Hook-up availability: Electrical connections vary by campground and loop. "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. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Terrain challenges: The region's topography can present challenges for large rigs. "This is a great family run campground. The store is nice, bathhouses are clean and private. Owners are super nice. 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," advises Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort.
