1 campground with availability this weekend
Equestrian camping options near Elmer, New Jersey are limited, with few facilities specifically designed for horse owners. Brendan Byrne State Forest in Woodland, NJ offers camping accommodations approximately 30 miles northeast of Elmer, with sites suitable for tents, RVs, cabins and glamping. While the park allows pets and includes trail access, it does not offer dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities. Sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. The forest provides 25 miles of hiking and multiuse trails where permitted recreational activities occur, though specific bridle paths may be limited.
The surrounding region offers additional options for horse owners seeking campgrounds with trailer parking. Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Maryland, about 40 miles northwest of Elmer, maintains a network of equestrian-friendly trails, though specific horse camping amenities are minimal. Campers should prepare accordingly by bringing portable corrals or highline equipment as permanent equine facilities are not prevalent at most sites. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring and fall offering the most favorable riding weather. Advance reservations are essential during peak seasons when limited equestrian-suitable sites fill quickly. Most locations require riders to bring their own feed and water buckets, as horse-specific amenities are not standardized across public campgrounds in this region.
"There are some equestrian and tent sites as well. Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking."
"I took her older cousins to the fishing pier, and we didn't even get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $45 / night
"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
"Sand roads crisscross the whole area and navigation can be a bit tricky the first time around. The campgrounds are clean and simple."
from $3 - $60 / night
"The only thing about this site specifically is the trail was close by so you’d occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn’t still feel secluded."
"I was only one in the forest ATM but saw some hikers occasionally throughout the day walking by."
from $25 / night
"This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."
"Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."
from $15 - $50 / night
ScoutRestrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
GuideBeautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
ScoutFirst time at this campground really like it a lot will be returning. The bathrooms are always clean. The grounds are always kept up. Just a really nice place to stay. Most of the sites have some kind of shade.
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
ScoutBathrooms are clean and staff is nice
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
TravelerThis is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
LegendWe spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did.
We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56).
This place is a gem, even among nice state parks.
THINGS I LIKED:
Easy access from I-95
Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved
Friendly and helpful staff
Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
WOULD WE COME BACK?
ScoutOverall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.
Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.
Equestrian camping opportunities near Elmer, New Jersey include several campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. The region sits within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F.
Trail riding access: At Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Maryland, horseback riders can explore extensive trail networks. "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 camper Gen F.
Fishing options: Chamber's Lake at Hibernia County Park offers fishing with no gas-powered motors allowed. According to Anna, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." The pond is specifically designed for younger anglers age 12 and under.
Hiking trails: Explore the pine barrens at Brendan Byrne State Forest, which features multiple marked paths. One camper noted, "There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore. Can't tell you how much I love it. Could spend a whole vacation just with these trails."
Privacy between sites: At Blackbird State Forest Campground, campsites are arranged with ample space between them. Sarah M. mentions, "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!"
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at Brendan Byrne State Forest. As Marcus N. states, "Great place for a weekend getaway. Very well maintained campsites and facilities." Another camper adds, "Showers were a little spidery but kind of expected at a campground."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers activities suitable for all ages. According to Matt S., this park has "lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)" and is "a gem, even among nice state parks." The park includes a playground that children particularly enjoy.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Regarding Lums Pond, Ellen B. advises, "Book early because it fills up fast!" Sites at this location offer concrete pads, 30-amp service and full sewer hookups.
Water access limitations: Not all horse campgrounds near Elmer have convenient water sources. At Hibernia County Park, campers report: "There is NO DUMP STATION" 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."
Seasonal restrictions: Some campgrounds have limited operating schedules. Jennifer S. notes about Hibernia County Park: "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season." The park is typically available from May through October.
Primitive facilities: Equestrian camping sites often have basic amenities. At Blackbird State Forest, a camper mentions, "No running water- only port a potties but they were clean," indicating riders should prepare accordingly.
Playground access: Hibernia County Park offers recreational facilities for children. John Z. notes, "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground." The park charges only $15 per night.
Bug protection: When visiting wooded campgrounds with children, pack appropriate repellent. One camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest warns, "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!"
Trail difficulty considerations: For families with young riders, assess trail conditions before setting out. At Blackbird State Forest, Emily M. shares, "Nice hikes in the area, great weekend!" while noting trails pass close to some campsites.
Site dimensions: For those bringing horse trailers or RVs to equestrian campgrounds, size matters. At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. explains, "Though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Hookup availability: RVers should note service variations between campgrounds. Adam and Suzanne B. report about Lums Pond, "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern." This park offers full hookups while others have limited or no services.
Bathroom access: Facilities can vary widely at equestrian camping areas. At Hibernia, "There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Elmer, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elmer, NJ is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Elmer, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Elmer, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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