C
Christopher P.
Traveler
TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Best Equestrian Camping in Maryland
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area provides equestrian camping with access to over 80 miles of marked trails through Maryland's rolling countryside. The 5,600-acre park features dedicated horse camping areas where riders can stable their horses while enjoying overnight stays. Campsites accommodate both tent camping and RVs with electric hookups available. Horse owners must bring their own portable corrals or high-lines as permanent corrals are not provided at individual sites. Water troughs and washing stations are positioned throughout the equestrian camping area for horse care. Campground roads are well-maintained for horse trailer access with designated parking areas for rigs of various sizes. The campground maintains clean restroom facilities but lacks shower amenities for overnight guests.
The trail system at Fair Hill connects directly to the campground, allowing riders immediate access to bridle paths without needing to trailer horses to trailheads. Multiple loop options ranging from 2-15 miles provide varied terrain for all riding abilities. Stream crossings and wooded trails offer natural obstacles and scenic views throughout the property. Seasonal trail closures may occur during hunting seasons or extreme weather conditions, so checking with park rangers before planning trips is advisable. The property's history as a former du Pont estate adds historical interest to rides with stone structures and old farm buildings visible from many trails. Sites should be reserved well in advance during peak riding seasons (spring and fall) as the equestrian camping area frequently reaches capacity on weekends. The clean, family-friendly environment offers additional recreational activities beyond horseback riding for a well-rounded outdoor experience.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds in Maryland (14)
1. Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore
55 ReviewsGirdletree, MDWebsite+1 (410) 641-3030$40 - $80 / night
"If you don’t mind wild horses joining you for dinner and trekking around your campsite at night, then this is your place!! The beach is absolutely gorgeous and so is the scenery."
"Sites were not too close to one another. We had site 13 on ocean loop 1. Just a few steps, and you’re on the beach. Nice picnic table and fire pit."
2. Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
43 ReviewsBerlin, MDWebsite+1 (410) 641-1441$40 / night
"Wild horses, wide, clean stretches of beach, safe surroundings, close to town. This is the best beach camping in all of Maryland."
"As an equestrian this was a once in a lifetime adventure. Feral chincoteague ponies everywhere you look!"
3. Tuckahoe State Park Campground
32 ReviewsRidgely, MDWebsite+1 (410) 820-1668$21 - $70 / night
"Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse. There are water pumps along the road for refills."
"Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."
4. Sun Outdoors Frontier Town
30 ReviewsBerlin, MDWebsite"Due to the location near Ocean City, this campground is primarily a resort for people staying 1 or more weeks."
"Shuttle to Ocean City, MD was convenient and general store was close by and stocked well!"
5. Martinak State Park Campground
25 ReviewsDenton, MDWebsite+1 (888) 432-2267$18 - $77 / night
"Though I live in Texas now, Maryland will always be home for me. Whenever I get the chance to head back, I almost make sure to check out some of the local fishing spots."
"Park is that the Electric loop (B) has all of the sites on the outside of the drive loop so you are not looking across the road at other campers."
6. Cedarville State Forest
17 ReviewsBrandywine, MDWebsite+1 (301) 888-1410$30 / night
"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
"There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog. Very pretty area with lots of trails and overgrown roads to walk."
7. Big Run State Park Campground
7 ReviewsBloomington, MDWebsite+1 (301) 895-5453$10 - $55 / night
"This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
8. Camp Meade RV Park
3 ReviewsOdenton, MDWebsite+1 (888) 722-42379. Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
2 ReviewsNewark, MDWebsite+1 (410) 398-124610. EA Vaughn Wildlife Management Area
1 ReviewGirdletree, MD+1 (410) 376-3236"Lots of trails. Pretty busy with Hunters during the season. Roosters here"
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos in Maryland
97 Photos of 14 Maryland Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews in Maryland
216 Reviews of 14 Maryland Campgrounds
David B.
ScoutCamp Meade RV Park
Camp Meade
Simple and friendly check in process. Clean and well-maintained site.
Katlin B.ScoutSun Outdoors Frontier Town
Amazing family place!
We have stayed here twice and have our 3rd trip booked and we absolutely love it! The lazy river and kiddy water slide park is amazing and our kids love it!
Nancy W.
LegendMartinak State Park Campground
Quiet camping in the woods.
This is a great little state park tucked away in the woods. Campsites are pretty spacious and have nice shade. The campground has two loops, each with a bathhouse located in the middle. Our site (Butterfly Loop #3) was long enough for our motorhome and tow car. The roads are paved, as was our camping pad. The only utility at our site was 30-amp electric. There are water spigots located throughout each loop and we were close enough to fill our water tank. For the most part, the park is big-rig friendly but we did brush against some trees on our way around the loop. Campsites do vary in length so make sure you include your length when booking. We reserved online and were instructed to just go to our site which was nice and convenient. They sell firewood onsite and have a self-pay station which we loved. There is a nice boat launch and the kayak launch has a platform to assist you getting in and out and there are plenty of places to fish from the bank. There is a nature center (which was not open during our stay), playground, picnic pavilions, amphitheater, The bathrooms could use some more attention. The shower curtains were pink meaning they have not been properly cleaned in a while. Needless to say, we did not shower there. The dump station was closed while we were there but we were told we could use the dump station at Tuckahoe State Park (about 10 miles away). We really enjoyed the short hiking trails and paved trail which allowed us to log about 3 miles without having to leave the park. The campground is a really relaxing place to be. We did drive (about 40 minutes south) to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, both of which we recommend. It is also worth a drive to St. Michaels to see the quaint seaside town and visit the maritime museum (plan on spending half a day at the museum). The only downside is that the park is not gated and open for day use so a lot of people just drive through the campground looking around.
Madison M.
GuideAssateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
COOLEST EXPERIENCE
Parked with my class B van! Amazing you can hear the ocean at night. No electricity so be prepared. Horses will walk through your campsite. Clean and quiet. No cell service. Lots to do with hiking and beaching! Be prepared for cold outdoor showers!
- Madison M.Guide
Sun Outdoors Frontier Town
Unexpected fun! Great amenities!
Wasn’t sure at first… kind of a lot of money for one night with no sewer hook up, but the amenities make up for the price! The western show was so fun! Frontier town was cute and not too cheesy! Loved walking all the way around the park! Dog friendly!
- SSteven W.Guide
Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
Great experience
Right off the beach wild horses, deer, turkeys, and birds. Woke up and walked right out on the beach for some early morning beach combing, was a bit windy
- SSarah G.Guide
Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
Weather can be your Friend or Foe
We arrived on a beautiful mid April day. We were walk-ins and had the choice for a site on the beach or the inland campground. The inland sites were in a very open, treeless circle along the marshlands. Not particularly attractive or ugly, not private, but WARM compared to what we experienced mid April along the beach. Although beautiful and right on the beach, the wind nearly blew us over. Fires were impossible due to wind and damp wood purchased at a beach kiosk. No one could brave those winds for more than a short time. Showers are cold water. Pit toilets were good. That being said, what a unique experience with the horses and proximity to the beach.
- SShawn
RangerTuckahoe State Park Campground
Excellent for hikers
Lots of trails to hike. Beautiful, peaceful. Some sites not level.
Guide to Maryland
Horse camping in Maryland offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with facilities tailored for both riders and their horses.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites and water access
- At Horse Camping — Assateague Island National Seashore, campers can enjoy designated areas that accommodate horses, ensuring a comfortable stay for both riders and their animals.
- Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore features ample space for horse trailers and easy access to trails, making it a popular choice for horse camping.
- Martinak State Park Campground provides spacious sites and nearby trails, perfect for those looking to ride through scenic landscapes.
Equestrian campers enjoy these nearby activities
- At Cedarville State Forest, riders can explore extensive trails that wind through lush forests, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
- Tuckahoe State Park Campground is known for its beautiful hiking and riding trails, making it a great spot for equestrian adventures.
- Big Run State Park Campground offers access to serene waterways, perfect for a relaxing day after a ride.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- Camp Meade RV Park features electric hookups and spacious sites, ensuring comfort for both horses and their owners.
- EA Vaughn Wildlife Management Area allows for a more rustic experience, with plenty of open space for horses to roam.
- Sun Outdoors Frontier Town provides a family-friendly atmosphere with amenities that cater to horse campers, including easy access to trails and riding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best horse camping locations in Maryland?
Where are the best horse camping locations in Maryland?
Maryland offers several excellent horse camping destinations. Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground is a premier location where you can camp near wild horses that roam freely throughout the park. For equestrians seeking a more structured experience, Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area near Elkton provides dedicated equestrian camping facilities with trail access. Both locations offer unique experiences for horse enthusiasts, with Assateague providing the rare opportunity to observe wild horses in their natural coastal habitat, while Fair Hill caters specifically to those bringing their own horses with appropriate trails and facilities.
What amenities are typically available at Maryland horse camping facilities?
What amenities are typically available at Maryland horse camping facilities?
Maryland horse camping facilities typically offer amenities tailored to equestrian needs. Cedarville State Forest provides dedicated equestrian camping areas with proximity to horse trails, basic facilities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water for horses. Tuckahoe State Park Campground features multi-use trails suitable for riding, camping loops with various hookup options, and clean facilities. Most horse-friendly campgrounds in Maryland include hitching posts, water troughs, manure disposal areas, and access to multi-use trail systems. Some locations offer additional amenities such as wash racks, corrals or paddocks, and proximity to equestrian events depending on the season.
What permits or reservations are required for horse camping in Maryland?
What permits or reservations are required for horse camping in Maryland?
Horse camping in Maryland typically requires advance reservations through the Maryland Park Service reservation system or Recreation.gov for federal lands. At Big Run State Park Campground, reservations can be made up to one year in advance for equestrian sites. Most Maryland state parks require a Park Service Passport or day-use fee in addition to camping fees. For Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, which offers seasonal equestrian facilities, specific horse camping reservations are required. When bringing horses, current negative Coggins tests are mandatory at all Maryland equestrian facilities, and some locations may require additional health certificates or trail permits depending on the specific park regulations.
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